Doctor shortage looms as only 285 candidates take state medical exam amid government-doctor conflict

Only 285 people took this year's written test in the state examination to pick medical doctors due to the aftermath of the government-doctor conflict. Even if all examinees win the license, the number of new doctors produced in 2025 will be less than one-tenth of the previous year.

According to data submitted by the Korea Health Personnel Licensing Examination Institute to Rep. Kim Seon-min of the Democratic Party of Korea on Wednesday, 285 candidates took the 89th state exam for medical doctors conducted last Thursday and Friday.

The number of applicants for the written exam was 304, but eight people canceled their applications, reducing the number to 296. Furthermore, 11 applicants opted out of the written exam, bringing the total to 285.

This year's written exam was taken by 266 candidates who passed the 89th practical exam held in October and those who failed last year's written exam. The medical licensing examination is subject to the “separate pass recognition and exemption system.” This means those who passed the practical exam but failed the written exam can obtain a doctor's license if they pass it in the next round.

Even if all candidates pass, less than 300 doctors will be licensed this year. In last year's 88th National Medical Examination, 3,231 candidates took the exam and 3,045 passed.

In 2020, the last time there was a doctor's strike, 412 candidates passed due to the cancellation of the practical exam. After the strike ended, 3,163 candidates took the written exam, with 3,100 passing, but only 423 candidates took the practical exam before the strike, so the number of finalists was low. As a result, the 2021 practical exam was held twice, in the year's first and second half.

“This year, less than 10 percent of last year's number took the written exam in January, creating an emergency with less than 300 new doctors,” Rep. Kim said. “The supply of new trainee doctors is almost cut off. It is urgent to take countermeasures.”