Korean Medical Education Review (의학교육논단)

Yonsei university college of medicine (연세대학교 의과대학)
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Current Status and Challenges of Korean Medical School Admissions Policies

한국 의과대학 입학정책의 현황과 과제

  • Seung-Jae Hong (Department of Rheumatology, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine) ;
  • Jung-Sik Huh (Department of Urology, Jeju National University College of Medicine)
  • 홍승재 (경희대학교 의과대학 내과학교실) ;
  • 허정식 (제주대학교 의과대학 비뇨의학과학교실)
  • Received : 2024.07.24
  • Accepted : 2024.10.14
  • Published : 2024.10.31
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Abstract

Medical school admission policies vary from country to country. In Korea, medical school admission policies ref lect the policy choices made by the Ministry of Education. After the Korean War, universities implemented their own entrance exams, and since then, various admissions processes have been implemented with consideration of the fairness of the exam and the increase in private education expenses. The introduction of the medical graduate school system has led many universities to implement tests separate from the academic ability test. Currently, 40 medical schools have been approved by the government and are responsible for providing medical education, but there is a growing movement to open new medical schools in various regions. The excessive interest in medical school admissions in Korea is creating an unfavorable social atmosphere, where academies are even being operated for elementary school students to help them achieve an eventual goal of entering medical school. Furthermore, an irresponsible and sudden increase in the number of students admitted to medical school is causing a disruption in medical education. Medical schools need unconditional government support to strengthen their role in the community and the nation, and policy consideration is needed to ensure that universities are as autonomous as possible.

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References

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