40 Medical School Deans: "If Return Deadline Is Missed, National Medical Exam Is Not Allowed... Medical Schools Normalization Unrelated to New Government Launch"

"You Must Attend Classes Before the Retention Deadline"

The 'Korean Association of Medical Colleges (KAMC)', a gathering of deans from 40 medical schools, stated on the 15th that "the normalization of medical schools is unrelated to the inauguration of the new government." They also mentioned that fourth-year medical students who exceed the return deadline set by each university will not be allowed to take the practical exam of the national medical licensing examination.

Yonhap News

In a statement released that day, KAMC said, "The judgment that the political situation might open up flexibility in academic affairs for you is not accurate," adding, "The government's goal of normalizing medical school academics is firm."

They continued, "The Ministry of Education and the Council of Deans for the Advancement of Medical Colleges (Uichonghyeop) have repeatedly confirmed that the academic operation for the 2025 academic year will be based on compliance with school regulations and that there are no plans for academic flexibility," and stated, "Medical school deans cannot make exceptions to this policy."

Typically, retention decisions are made at the end of the semester (academic year), but this year, to minimize retention, each school will notify students of expected retention through various methods. KAMC said, "Since retention is decided according to school regulations, students must act responsibly to avoid harm to themselves."

They also reaffirmed the principle that fourth-year medical students who do not participate in classes by the return deadline will not be allowed to take the practical exam of the national medical licensing examination. KAMC stated, "Only graduates and prospective graduates can apply for the practical exam of the national medical licensing examination," adding, "If clinical practice and evaluations are not completed by the end of the first semester grading period set by each university, resulting in retention, application will not be possible."

Regarding the separated classes currently conducted by each university, they said, "If students do not participate in classes before the first semester retention deadline, separated education for the classes of 2024 and 2025 will be impossible or meaningless." This is because the minimum legal academic period required for the 2024 class to graduate by the summer of 2030 cannot be secured. Currently, the classes of 2024 and 2025 have been 'doubled' due to class boycotts continuing since last year and are receiving separated classes through division into groups.

KAMC said, "The separation plan for the classes of 2024 and 2025, prepared through months of discussion involving medical schools, experts, the association, and government ministries in response to students' demands, will become useless," and urged, "Please all consider carefully not to exceed the set class participation deadline so as not to cause difficulties for the future of juniors and the physician training system."