First Steps in 2027 Medical School Admissions Discussion: "Physician Workforce Estimation from an Expert Perspective"

First Meeting of the Medical Workforce Supply and Demand Estimation Committee

The Medical Workforce Supply and Demand Estimation Committee (hereafter referred to as the Committee), which seeks methods for projecting the medium- to long-term supply and demand of physicians-including the size of medical school admissions for 2027-has officially launched.

Kim Taehyun, chairman of the Medical Workforce Supply and Demand Estimation Committee (president of the Korean Health Economics Policy Association), is delivering opening remarks at the first meeting of the Medical Workforce Supply and Demand Estimation Committee held at 1:30 p.m. on the 12th at T Tower, Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Choi Taewon

Kim Taehyun, chairman of the Committee and president of the Korean Health Economics Policy Association, delivered opening remarks at the Committee’s first meeting held at T Tower in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 12th. He stated, “We will be responsible for accurately estimating how many more or fewer physicians are needed, as well as the regional and specialty-specific demand and supply of doctors.”

Chairman Kim added, “Rather than representing the positions of specific organizations, institutions, or associations, we will engage in in-depth discussions from an expert perspective on how physician workforce projections should be carried out and which methods are most reasonable. We will do our utmost to ensure the estimations are conducted scientifically and objectively.”

Starting with its inaugural meeting, the Committee will begin discussions on specific matters such as models, methodologies, assumptions, and variables for medium- to long-term physician workforce projections.

The Committee is an independent advisory body under the direct supervision of the Minister of Health and Welfare, tasked with regularly projecting the medium- to long-term supply and demand for physicians and reviewing the results. To form the Committee, the Ministry of Health and Welfare received expert recommendations from 21 related organizations and institutions, including medical provider groups, consumer groups, academic societies, and research institutes. Based on expertise and other considerations, 15 members were appointed on July 31.

Of the 15 members, eight were recommended by provider groups such as the Korean Medical Association, four by consumer groups such as the Korean Health and Medical Workers’ Union, and three by academic societies and research institutes. In accordance with relevant laws, provider group representatives make up the majority.

The provider group representatives are: Kye Bongoh, professor at Kookmin University; Kim Hyuncheol, professor at Yonsei University College of Medicine; Moon Seokgyun, deputy director of the Korean Medical Association’s Medical Policy Research Institute; Lee Sunhee, professor at Ewha Womans University College of Medicine; Lee Sangkyu, dean of Yonsei University Graduate School of Convergence Health; Jang Sungin, president of the National Health Insurance Service’s Health Insurance Research Institute; Jung Jaehun, professor at Korea University College of Medicine; and Ji Younggeon, professor at CHA University.

The consumer and expert representatives appointed are: Kang Heejung, director of the Health Security Policy Research Division at the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs; Kim Youngsoo, professor at Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine; Kim Jinhyun, professor at Seoul National University; Jung Hyungseon, professor at Yonsei University; Kwon Junghyun, research fellow at the Korea Development Institute (KDI); Kim Taehyun, president of the Korean Health Economics Policy Association; and Shin Hyunwoong, director of the Health and Medical Policy Research Division at the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs.