First Steps Taken in 2027 Medical School Admissions Discussion: "Call for Objective, Scientific Supply and Demand Projections" (Comprehensive)

First Meeting of the Physician Workforce Supply and Demand Estimation Committee

The Physician Workforce Supply and Demand Estimation Committee (the Committee), which seeks methods for mid- to long-term projections of physician workforce supply and demand, 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 an opening remark 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 (president of the Korean Health Economics Policy Association), stated in his opening remarks at the first meeting held at T Tower in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 12th, "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."

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

Lee Hyunghoon, Second Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, requested, "I ask that you discuss objective and scientific projections of supply and demand," and added, "Starting with this meeting, the government will provide meticulous support to ensure the smooth operation of the Committee."

During this meeting, members exchanged opinions on the future direction of the Committee's operations and decided to hold regular meetings every two weeks as a basic schedule.

Accordingly, the Committee will begin discussions on specific matters such as models, methods, assumptions, and variables for mid- to long-term projections of physician workforce supply and demand. In addition, the minutes of the first meeting and other related documents will be disclosed after review and approval at the second meeting.

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

Of the 15 members, 8 were recommended by provider organizations such as the Korean Medical Association, 4 by consumer organizations such as the Korean Health and Medical Workers' Union, and 3 by academic societies or research institutes. In accordance with relevant laws, provider organization representatives constitute the majority.

The provider organization 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 Healthcare; 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, head of the Health Security Policy Research Office 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, head of the Health and Medical Policy Research Office at the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs.