"Medical Students and Residents Must Embrace Social Responsibility and Independent Thinking"

Bae Janghwan, Former Professor at Chungbuk National University College of Medicine:
"Build Your Own Professional Domain and Bear Social Responsibility"
Lee Juyoung, Reform Party Lawmaker:
"Be Able to Speak and Act for Yourself Without Being Swayed"

Senior medical professionals advised medical students on leave and resigning residents to take social responsibility and adopt independent thinking.

Lee Ju-young, a member of the Reform New Party of the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee, is presenting at the lecture titled "Prescribing Hope for the Path of Doctors," which explores the future direction within the medical environment for medical students on leave and residents before resignation. The event was held on the 8th at Seoul National University of Education in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Choi Tae-won

On the 8th, Lee Ju-young, a member of the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee from the Reform Party, and Bae Jang-hwan, former professor of cardiology at Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, made these remarks during a lecture titled "The Path of Doctors: Prescribing Hope" held at Seoul National University of Education in Seocho-gu, Seoul, aimed at exploring the way forward in the changing medical environment for medical students on leave and resigning residents.

Former Professor Bae emphasized the social responsibility of doctors in his lecture. He said, "You must secure your own professional domain and become an irreplaceable workforce," adding, "You should build your own specialized area and bear the corresponding social responsibility."

He further explained the social responsibility he mentioned: "Only Korean doctors worry about Korean healthcare. Please think that we are holding on to the collapsing Korean medical system," and added, "Everything we do is for patients and the public. I hope you get angry at wrong policies and try to fix them."

Assemblyman Lee explained that independent thinking is essential. He said, "Do not be swept away without your own thoughts and become just one among the masses making choices. I speak and act this way because I believe I am right," and added, "Everyone must think for themselves and be able to speak and act independently."

He also advised, "If you are only going to criticize the Minister or Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, then I have told you not to take leave or resign," and said, "I hope this becomes an opportunity to grow by thinking independently even in unreasonable situations."

However, there was also a suggestion to be cautious about unconditional criticism of those who intend to return. Former Professor Bae shared a case of a resident who faced criticism from peers after returning to training, saying, "Before blindly blaming, we need to listen to each individual's thoughts."

He said, "Personally, I found out that the resident was already running three cosmetic clinics and had earned enough money," adding, "One day, he decided to participate in overseas missionary work and returned early to go on the mission as soon as possible. It is important to listen rather than just criticize."

There was also an argument that the role of the Korean Medical Association (KMA) is crucial to prevent future medical disputes. Former Professor Bae said, "Having worked extensively with the government, our medical community has never proactively made proposals to the government," and added, "If the KMA does not develop the ability to proactively and actively propose policies, we will continue to be swayed."

Meanwhile, the event was held at the suggestion of the National Association of Medical University Parents (Jeonuihakyeon). Lee Mi-yeon, the representative of Jeonuihakyeon, said, "Among the children on leave, many are struggling not only financially but also mentally, such as those who are hospitalized," and added, "We organized this event with the hope of providing even a little positive guidance."