The government will establish a 'National Medical School' in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do, after more than eight years of planning. This institution will provide full tuition support in exchange for a 15-year mandatory service in the public health sector after graduation.
The government plans to integrate the existing Namwon Medical Center into the National Central Medical Center, enhancing it as a key training hospital. Starting in 2030, the school aims to enroll 100 new students annually to address gaps in essential medical services.
On October 1, the Ministry of Health and Welfare held the fourth meeting of the National Medical School Preparatory Committee, finalizing the school's location in Namwon. This decision comes eight years after the government announced plans to establish a 'National Public Health University' in the region to address healthcare disparities.
Opening in 2029; Training 100 'Public Health Doctors'
The National Medical School will operate as a four-year graduate program for those who have completed their undergraduate studies. It is designed specifically to train public health professionals systematically, aiming to reduce healthcare disparities and prepare for responses to infectious diseases.
The government plans to open the school in 2029 and begin training 100 students each year starting in 2030. All necessary expenses, including admission fees, tuition, and housing, will be covered by the government.
However, this support comes with obligations. Graduates must serve for 15 years in designated public health roles, including public health institutions, health administration, and epidemiology, with their residency training included in this period. Failure to fulfill this requirement will result in a conditional medical license that can be revoked.
Lee Hyung-hoon, the Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare, emphasized during the briefing that the National Medical School aims not only to cultivate local physicians but also to train specialists in essential public health fields, such as epidemiology and emergency medical services, distinguishing it from traditional medical schools.
Namwon Medical Center to be Upgraded to 'NMC Namwon Hospital'; Faculty Recruitment a Challenge
The main training hospital for the National Medical School will be the existing Namwon Medical Center. The government plans to expand the center to 500 beds and convert it into the 'NMC Namwon Hospital,' a state-operated facility that will serve as a crucial clinical training hub for the school.
However, securing qualified faculty is a significant challenge that the government must address. To meet the 2030 opening deadline, at least 112 full-time faculty members in basic and clinical medicine will be required.
Ko Hyung-woo, the Director of Regional Essential Medical Policy at the Ministry, stated, "While we can quickly equip facilities and equipment with budget allocations, securing faculty is our biggest challenge. We plan to attract specialists from the National Central Medical Center, National Cancer Center, and National Rehabilitation Center to join the faculty."
Deputy Minister Lee noted that the decision on the location was based on Namwon's thorough preparations, including land acquisition, which began in 2018. He assured that the government would work closely with relevant agencies to ensure the National Medical School opens smoothly in 2029, becoming a cradle for public health talent.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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