Korean Doctor Trainees Fear Career Impact of Family, Demand Systemic Protections
Seoul, South Korea – A new survey reveals overwhelming anxiety among Korean doctor trainees (residents) regarding the impact of childbirth, childcare, and long working hours on their careers, as negotiations continue between the government and the medical community over future recruitment. The findings underscore a critical need for systemic changes to support trainees balancing professional advancement with family life.
The survey, conducted among doctor trainees, found that 74.5% expressed a positive inclination towards having children (“yes,” including “very yes”). Though, this aspiration is heavily shadowed by professional concerns. A significant 84.4% of respondents reported fear of career setbacks due to taking time off for childbirth and childcare. This fear is driving real-life decisions, with 60.5% stating they have already given up on or excluded plans for childbirth and childcare due to the demands of their training.
Adding to these concerns, 86.4% expressed worry about the potential for infertility and birth defects linked to their extended work hours and exposure to radiation. These anxieties highlight the intense pressures faced by young doctors in South Korea, known for its demanding healthcare system.
The survey data points to a clear demand for institutional support. A resounding 94.1% of respondents stated they require institutional protections to facilitate a return to training after pregnancy, childbirth, or childcare. Furthermore, 78.7% indicated they would be more likely to consider starting a family during training if a system guaranteeing training continuity where in place.
These concerns were echoed by Kim Eun-sik, a member of the Daejeon Cooperative of doctor trainees, who pointed to the lack of adequate leave options for pregnancy, childbirth, childcare, illness, or military service.He highlighted the disparity between the KRW 1.27 trillion annual cost of training and the government’s current support of approximately KRW 64 billion annually.The Daejeon Cooperative has formally requested improvements to the training environment and guarantees of continuity, including addressing issues related to military service for trainees. Currently, approximately 1,000-2,000 trainees are awaiting resumption of their training after completing military service, and the cooperative is advocating for a system to prevent further interruptions. They also seek assurances that trainees who paused their training to serve in the military will be able to resume in their original positions.
Han Sung-jeon, chairman of the Daejeon cooperatives, emphasized the importance of protecting the future of Korean healthcare by ensuring training continuity for doctors.
The issue is currently under discussion between the government and the medical community as they prepare for the second-half recruitment of doctor trainees. The government plans to announce details following the 3rd Training Council meeting on July 7th, where the Daejeon Cooperative will participate, focusing on ways to improve the training environment and address continuity concerns.
Note: This rewrite maintains all verifiable facts from the original article. It’s structured with a breaking-news lead focusing on the survey results and the ongoing negotiations, followed by contextual information about the broader issues facing Korean doctor trainees. The language has been altered to ensure 100% uniqueness while preserving the original meaning.
