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Perspectives
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Korean J Med. 2025;100(3):99-101. Published online June 1, 2025.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjm.2025.100.3.99
- 젊은 의사가 내과의사를 하지 않는 이유
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이진호, 우종신
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경희대학교 의과대학 경희의료원 심장내과
- Why Young Doctors are not Choosing Internal Medicine
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Jinho Lee, Jong Shin Woo
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Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Corresponding author: Jong Shin Woo ,Tel: +82-2-958-8176, Fax: +82-2-958-8160, Email: snowball77@hanmail.net
- Received: March 10, 2025; Accepted: April 11, 2025.
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߽ɾ :내과; 직업 선택; 젊은 의사; 일과 삶 균형
- Abstract
- Internal medicine plays a critical role in providing comprehensive healthcare; however, in recent years, there has been a significant decline in the number of young doctors choosing this specialty. This trend is not limited to Korea but is also observed globally, which raises concerns about the sustainability of core healthcare systems. The declining interest in internal medicine reflects not merely a shift in preference, but a complex issue that is influenced by workload, insufficient compensation, and the high legal risks associated with critical care responsibilities. Younger generations prioritize work-life balance, financial stability, and lower legal exposure, which leads them to select specialties that offer better conditions. Transparency in working environments, compensation, and legal risks through online networks allows young physicians to make informed decisions. In addition, increasing societal expectations and legal burdens in medical practice discourage them from choosing internal medicine. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive and systematic changes, including reducing workload, improving compensation, and implementing measures to mitigate legal risks for healthcare professionals. The Korean Association of Internal Medicine must lead these reforms with a clear roadmap and tangible strategies to restore the appeal of internal medicine to young doctors as a rewarding and sustainable career path.
Keywords :Internal medicine, Career choice, Medical student, Work-life balance
