Medical professors began submitting their resignations despite the government’s decision to postpone the suspension of licenses for defiant trainee doctors and seek dialogue. Resorting to resignation as a means of protest is inappropriate for intellectuals, especially doctors. Many public members, particularly patients, struggle to understand professors’ actions. Lee Mi-jeong, a professor of pediatrics at Dankook University Hospital who refused to tender her resignation, emphasized that just as the government’s call for license suspension is seen as a threat to doctors, the medical professor’s submissions of resignations are perceived as threats by some members of the public.
Despite the government’s efforts for talks regarding a reform plan that expands medical school admission seats, medical professors are resigning, insisting on talks with the government only if it scraps the planned hike.
While the government has also expressed willingness to sit down for talks, they remain firm on not compromising on the 2,000 increase. Without either side willing to negotiate on the issue of medical school quota expansion, productive discussions seem unlikely.
It’s reassuring that the ruling People Power Party began seeking a dialogue with the medical community after their meet-up on Mar. 24. This attempt presents an opportunity to start a proper talks on medical school quota expansion. The government’s proposal suggests an increase of 2,000 students over five years, but 1,000 students over ten years is also an option. Some health community members have suggested starting with 2,000 students and assessing its impact the following year. These are all viable options worth discussing.
Medical professors should withdraw their resignations that jeopardize patients and the public, while the government should approach the negotiation table with an open mind. Both the doctors’ groups and the government should refrain from emotional language that could get in the way of having constructive negotiation.
