Medical School Professor Fasts Instead of Taking Leave "Sorry to Patients and Residents"

Fasting Since the 23rd of Last Month
"Helplessness That the Situation Cannot Be Resolved"

As professors at Seoul Asan Medical Center reduce their medical services starting from the 4th, Professor Go Beom-seok of the Breast Surgery Department at the hospital has begun a hunger strike instead of taking a leave from work. This is out of remorse towards patients, residents, and hospital staff.

Professor Go, who started his hunger strike on the 23rd of last month, told Yonhap News in a phone interview on the 3rd that the reason for starting the strike was "because I feel sorry for the patients, residents, and hospital staff." He expressed, "Some patients said they waited for four months to receive treatment," adding, "As a doctor, I cannot help but feel heartbroken."

Professor Go Beom-seok, Department of Breast Surgery, Asan Medical Center, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News, Asan Medical Center, Seoul]

He further explained, "I feel sorry not only for the patients but also for the residents and medical students who have left the places they should be, as well as the hospital staff working alongside us," and added, "I also felt a sense of helplessness that the current situation cannot be resolved." He also said, "Although my body is strained, my mind is at ease in the sense that I am participating in this difficult situation."

Regarding his current physical condition, he said, "I am okay," and added, "It is a bit tough, but I am trying to rest as much as possible when I have time to replenish my strength."

Meanwhile, professors at Seoul Asan Medical Center will reduce and readjust medical services starting from the 4th, except for treatment of severe and emergency patients. According to the hospital's Emergency Response Committee, on the first day of medical service readjustment, the number of major surgeries is expected to decrease by 49% compared to the same period last year, and outpatient visits are expected to decrease by 30.5% compared to the same period last year.