Korean Residents Set to Return to Hospitals in September Amid Ongoing Negotiations

It has been reported that medical residents in South Korea are planning to return to hospitals in September, following a period of collective resignation in protest against the previous government's announcement to increase medical school admissions. This decision marks a potential resolution to the ongoing conflict between the medical community and the government, which has persisted for over a year. The residents have opted for a 'return first, negotiate later' approach, meaning they will resume their duties before discussing their demands with the government.

On July 14, representatives from the Korean Association of Medical Residents (대한전공의협의회, 대전협) met with lawmakers, including Park Jumin, the chair of the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee, to discuss the situation. The residents, who had previously left their posts in emergency and surgical departments, are now encouraged to return without any preconditions.

This shift comes after a survey conducted by Seoul National University's Graduate School of Public Health revealed that 88% of respondents felt negatively impacted by the prolonged conflict between the medical community and the government. Acknowledging public sentiment, senior figures in the medical field advised the residents to return unconditionally to avoid further complications in negotiations.

The Korean Association of Medical Residents is currently outlining their demands for discussions with the government post-return. They plan to revisit the details of the 'Essential Medical Support Package' announced by the previous administration. Additionally, they are expected to propose measures to alleviate the burden of lawsuits related to unavoidable medical accidents and to increase the monthly regional work allowance for essential doctors in rural areas.

Furthermore, the residents are likely to request special provisions that would delay their military enlistment until they complete their training and allow third- and fourth-year residents to take the specialist exam in August 2024 instead of waiting until 2027. The Ministry of Health and Welfare is reportedly reviewing these requests, especially as the government is currently pushing for a 'normalization of healthcare' initiative.

However, this situation raises concerns about potential preferential treatment for the residents and medical students. The Korean Patient Organization Alliance, representing nine patient advocacy groups, has publicly stated that special measures should not be granted to residents and medical students who did not voluntarily return to work.

As the September recruitment approaches, there is speculation about how many of the previously resigned residents will actually return. Out of 13,531 residents, only 2,532 are currently working, resulting in a return rate of just 18.7%. Many residents believe that if the government shows a willingness to discuss various issues upon their return, the return rate could rise to 60-70%. While 60% of those who resigned are now working as general practitioners, many may still seek to return to obtain their specialist qualifications.

Despite this, it is anticipated that the return rate among residents in essential fields such as internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics, and pediatrics may remain low due to ongoing challenges such as low reimbursement rates and frequent lawsuits. Experts suggest that residents in more lucrative specialties like dermatology, ophthalmology, and plastic surgery are more likely to return after obtaining their specialist certifications.