"A doctor who found a job called a 'senior stabbing a knife in the back'... Collective bullying in a doctor community"

Conflict between Medical and Political Sectors Leads to Internal Strife in Medical Community
"Got a Job Out of Necessity but Faced Extreme Lynching"

A current doctor has claimed that they are being bullied by some colleagues for not participating in the medical community's collective action opposing the government's policy to increase medical school quotas.

Netizen A stated on their blog and online communities on the 1st that they were a prospective resident at a university hospital and are currently working as a general practitioner at a hospital in Seoul. They said, "I have been subjected to extreme group lynching for several weeks in a certain anonymous doctor community, including the disclosure of personal information with my real name, defamation with false information, threats, and various insults and abusive language," adding, "I am writing this to expose the situation and seek help."

Profane comments reportedly received by Mr. A. Screenshot from an online community

They continued, "The only reason I am being harassed is that I work at a workplace that does not meet the community's standards." According to the screenshots of comments shared by A, there were harsh criticisms such as "stabbing colleagues in the back," "killing all seniors and carrying that grudge," and "collaborator." There were even comments insulting A's parents.

A explained, "After residents collectively resigned in protest against the increase in medical school quotas, a strong public opinion criticizing those who continued their training was formed. I was aware of this, but I started working because I had no economic choice."

As the conflict intensified, there were many concerns about A's safety within the medical community. A said, "The hospital interviewer asked me, 'Previous employees received threatening calls and quit their jobs; are you okay with that?' but I did not take it seriously at the time."

They added, "I took the job out of necessity and did not intend to harm anyone, so I cannot understand why hundreds suddenly mock and criticize me. The level of criticism and false information is worsening, so I could not stay silent and decided to post online."

This is not the first time internal conflicts in the medical community have surfaced. Earlier in September, a 20-something resident was arrested on charges of creating a so-called 'medical blacklist' containing the names of doctors who did not participate in the medical community's collective action and returned to work.