The Ministry of Health and Welfare in Korea convened the 6th Health and Medical Policy Deliberation Committee on February 6, 2024, to discuss the criteria for determining the scale of physician training from 2027 onward. The meeting reviewed outcomes from the 2nd Medical Innovation Committee and a medical education roundtable held in late January. The primary focus was on addressing regional disparities and shortages in essential and public medical personnel. The deliberations aim to ensure that future physician training aligns with evolving healthcare needs and policy changes.
The policy impacts medical universities, regional healthcare providers, and future medical students. The committee agreed that any increase in physician training numbers beyond the 2026 quota of 3,058 will be allocated entirely to the regional physician system. Stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, medical associations, and university deans, emphasized minimizing initial educational burdens and incentivizing faculty participation. Strengthening roles of regional public hospitals and supporting clinical training environments were also highlighted.
Over five prior meetings, the committee refined criteria such as resolving regional and essential medical workforce shortages, considering future healthcare environments, and ensuring stable and predictable training scales. Sudden changes in university quotas will be avoided to maintain educational quality, with the 2025 forecasted numbers applied for five years from 2027 to 2031. Two supply models were reviewed, with consensus favoring the first model as more rational. The final scale and upper limits for physician training will be determined in the upcoming committee session.
Frequently asked questions include: What is the main goal of the policy? The policy aims to address regional and essential medical workforce shortages while maintaining education quality. How will the increased quota be managed? All additional training slots beyond 2026 will be assigned to the regional physician system, with differentiated upper limits based on university capacity. What support measures are planned? Incentives for faculty, strengthened clinical training at regional hospitals, and enhanced support for medical education environments are proposed.
Korea’s policy for expanding physician training is based on broad stakeholder agreement and a rational supply model. By allocating all increases beyond the 2026 quota to the regional physician system, the government aims to address regional and essential medical workforce shortages. The emphasis on maintaining educational quality and providing faculty incentives demonstrates a commitment to sustainable implementation. The phased approach and differentiated quotas are likely to support both universities and regional healthcare providers, ensuring that the policy meets future healthcare demands.