More than Half of 'Big 5' Medical School Professors Do Not Resign... Continue Treatment Until Resignation Accepted Even After Submitting Resignation Letter

Professors from medical schools affiliated with the 'Big 5' hospitals (Seoul National University Hospital, Asan Medical Center, Severance Hospital, Samsung Medical Center, and Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital) have voluntarily decided to resign, but it is reported that more than half of them have not yet submitted their resignation letters.

On the morning of the 25th, professors are submitting their resignation letters at the 'Korea University Medical Center Faculty General Meeting' held at Korea University Anam Hospital in Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

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According to the medical community on the 31st, out of approximately 5,947 professors at the Big 5 hospitals, a total of 2,899 have either submitted their resignation letters or expressed their intention to do so, accounting for about 49% of the total.

According to the Emergency Response Committee (ERC) at Seoul National University Hospital, about 450 professors (32%) out of approximately 1,400 professors at Seoul National University Hospital have submitted or plan to submit voluntary resignation letters. The ERC of Ulsan University College of Medicine, affiliated with Asan Medical Center, issued a statement saying that 433 out of 767 professors (56%) have submitted resignation letters.

The ERC of Yonsei University College of Medicine, affiliated with Severance Hospital, stated on the 25th that 629 out of about 1,300 professors (48%) collectively submitted resignation letters to the dean of the medical school. The ERC of Sungkyunkwan University, affiliated with Samsung Medical Center, revealed that 627 out of 880 professors (83%) supported voluntary resignation, while at the Catholic University College of Medicine, about 760 out of approximately 1,600 professors (48%) have expressed their intention to resign.

More than half of the professors at the Big 5 hospitals have yet to express their intention to resign. Professors who have submitted resignation letters also stated that they will continue to provide medical care until their resignation letters are officially accepted, remaining by the patients’ side.

Meanwhile, medical school professors nationwide have announced that due to prolonged medical service gaps and physical limitations, they will "adjust working hours to the legal working hours starting in April and reduce outpatient care."

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