Same Stance on Leave of Absence Approval Assuming Return
Discussion Possible on Medical School Quotas for 2026 Academic Year
Need to Improve Independence and System Deficiencies of the Korea Institute of Medical Education and Evaluation
The Korean Medical Association, the Korean Association of Medical Colleges, and the Association of Medical Schools have decided to participate in the ruling and opposition parties' medical policy consultation body, and the Ministry of Education has expressed its welcome. However, regarding the medical community's demand that leave of absence requests submitted by medical students should be approved according to the autonomous decision of the universities, the Ministry reiterated its position of 'conditional leave approval.'
On the 23rd, the Ministry of Education stated in a press release, "We hope this will be an opportunity to overcome the current conflict between the medical community and the government and to advance medical reform one step further."
Earlier, the three organizations expressed their intention to participate through a statement, demanding ▲ approval of leave of absence submitted by medical students according to the autonomous decision of the university ▲ legislation and implementation plan for the medical personnel quota estimation body and setting of a roadmap ▲ respect for the autonomy of student education and residency training institutions ▲ guarantee of independence and autonomy of the Korea Institute of Medical Education and Evaluation.
In response, the Ministry of Education said, "Once the ruling and opposition parties' medical policy consultation body is formed, the participating parties will be able to discuss these issues in depth," adding, "However, the current government position is that student return and academic normalization are the top priorities, and as announced on the 6th, alliance leave of absence is not a legitimate reason for leave, and the policy of approving leave based on the premise of student return in the 2025 academic year remains the same."
Earlier, on the 6th, the Ministry of Education announced an 'Emergency Plan for Academic Normalization of Medical Schools,' stating that leave of absence would be approved on the condition that medical students who have not returned to classes would return by the start of the first semester of next year.
Regarding the adjustment of medical school quotas, the Ministry said, "Considering that the university admission early decision process is currently underway, adjustment of the medical school quota for the 2025 academic year is legally and practically impossible," adding, "Regarding the medical school admission quota for the 2026 academic year, if the medical community presents reasonable opinions based on scientific evidence, discussion is possible."
Furthermore, the Ministry added, "Regarding the independence and autonomy of the Korea Institute of Medical Education and Evaluation, the Ministry respects the autonomy and independence of the accreditation body, but at the same time, considering the public responsibilities held by the accreditation body, it is necessary to improve institutional shortcomings to ensure fairness and objectivity in evaluation and accreditation."
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