Seoul National University College of Medicine Dean: "Doctors Are a Profession Fulfilling Social Responsibilities"

Greeting at Medical School Graduation Ceremony on the 27th
"We Must View from the People's Perspective"

"For doctors to be a noble profession, it must be a profession that fulfills social responsibilities rather than one with a high economic status."

On the 27th, Kim Jeong-eun, Dean of Seoul National University College of Medicine, addressed the graduates attending the commencement ceremony held at the main auditorium of the Administrative Building of Seoul National University College of Medicine in Jongno-gu, Seoul, saying, "You stand here having received many benefits hidden within society," and emphasized, "You must view things from the perspective of the people."

Ambulance passing by the medical school graduation ceremony venue

He began his congratulatory speech with remarks related to the recent collective resignation of residents and strikes in the medical community. Dean Kim stated, "These days, regarding social issues such as essential medical care, regional healthcare, the collapse of public healthcare, and the increase in medical school quotas, the public demands even greater social responsibility from our university."

He continued, "When doctors have a sense of responsibility to return the benefits they have received to society and sacrifice for social responsibility, the great tradition of Seoul National University College of Medicine can lead the future of Korea’s medical and healthcare fields with the trust of the people," he emphasized.

He also urged, "Always think about what you will do to share the excellent knowledge and skills you have learned and acquired at Seoul National University College of Medicine with those around you and to give back to society, considering that what you have learned is a benefit received from society."

He also spoke critically toward the government. Dean Kim said, "Even at this moment, the government seems more intent on amplifying conflicts rather than trying dialogue or cooperation, which is frustrating and distressing," but added, "Although we have faced conflicts and crises, we have always overcome difficulties well with united will and wisdom."

Where to go after the medical school graduation ceremony?
Photo by Yonhap News

Kim Young-tae, Director of Seoul National University Hospital, also expressed in his congratulatory speech, "The current situation of the medical community in the Republic of Korea is very regrettable," and urged, "As medical professionals, the health of patients must come first, and we must do our best in patient care."

On the other hand, Lee Woong-hee, Vice President of the Alumni Association, criticized the government in his speech, saying, "(This graduating class) stood at the center when medical students nationwide went on a solidarity strike in 2020 due to the government's unreasonable medical policies," and "Once again, the medical community has fallen into deep confusion due to the government's reckless policy to expand medical school quotas."

He added, "Rather than showing a willingness to engage in dialogue and cooperation, the government is only amplifying conflicts," and said, "Just as we have overcome past difficulties with united will and wisdom, this time too, the issue will be resolved in a way that the public desires and doctors can accept."

Meanwhile, it is known that Dean Kim’s remarks related to the medical community strike were not included in the pre-distributed briefing materials, including greetings. The commencement ceremony was held in two parts with 156 graduate students and 133 undergraduate students attending respectively. A total of 133 students received their Bachelor of Medicine degrees at the ceremony.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.