Ministry of Education Discusses Medical Students' Return to Classes with Medical School Deans' Council

Ministry of Education and Medical Association Hold Meeting on 7th
"Active Collaboration Needed for Student Return"

The Ministry of Education met with the council of medical school deans to discuss ways to bring medical students back to classes.

On the 7th, the Ministry of Education announced that it held a meeting with the "Council of Deans for the Advancement of Medical Schools" (Uijeonghyeop). Attending the Uijeonghyeop meeting were Hong Won-hwa, president of Kyungpook National University and chair of the council, along with Lee Hae-woo, president of Dong-A University; Choi Ki-joo, president of Ajou University; Park Sung-tae, president of Wonkwang University; Cho Myung-woo, president of Inha University; and Yang Oh-bong, president of Jeonbuk National University.

A medical school in Seoul on the 20th, when the results of the increased medical school admission quota distribution, which triggered conflicts between the medical community and the government, were announced. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

During this meeting, the Ministry of Education and the Uijeonghyeop reached a consensus on the importance of active collaboration between the Ministry and universities and the creation of quality educational environments to ensure the prompt return of students, the Ministry said. They also agreed to continue communication between the government and universities to advance medical education.

Lee Ju-ho, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, stated, "Since the role of the deans is crucial for the advancement of medical schools, it is very meaningful that the universities voluntarily formed the council of deans. We will continue to actively communicate with the council to develop concrete measures for the advancement of medical education."

Earlier, on the 4th, the presidents of 23 universities that received increased medical school quotas held a meeting and decided to form a council. As medical students continue collective actions, universities are reportedly considering approving leaves of absence to prevent 'mass failure.' However, the Ministry of Education has repeatedly stated that collective leave of absence cannot be recognized as a valid reason for leave approval under school regulations.

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