Urgent: South Korea Faces Thoracic Surgery Crisis – ‘Surgical Cliff’ Looms
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A thoracic surgeon at work. The future of this vital specialty is in jeopardy in South Korea.
Critical Shortage Threatens Life-Saving Procedures
South Korea is grappling with a rapidly escalating crisis in thoracic surgery, the specialty dedicated to the surgical treatment of diseases affecting the heart, lungs, and esophagus. A dramatic decline in the number of specialists, coupled with dwindling interest from new doctors, is raising fears of a “surgical cliff” – a point where access to critical care will be severely compromised.
Recent data reveals a stark reality: only 46 medical professionals chose to specialize in thoracic surgery this year, a significant drop from the 107 who did so just two years ago. This alarming trend is leaving hospitals scrambling to fill positions and maintain essential services. Daegu Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital, for example, currently has no thoracic surgeons, with more departures expected. Nationwide, only 21 out of 47 major hospitals currently have thoracic surgery residents.
Why Are Doctors Avoiding Thoracic Surgery?
The reasons behind this exodus are complex. Thoracic surgery is notoriously demanding, involving long hours, high-stakes procedures, and a significant risk of medical litigation. The emotional toll is also substantial, as surgeons frequently deal with life-or-death situations. Professor Kim Jae-bum of Daegu Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital expressed concern about attracting new applicants, stating, “There is no annual annual, so we are worried about whether new applicants will come in next year.”
Adding to the problem is the regional disparity. Areas outside of major metropolitan centers like Seoul are experiencing even more acute shortages. Before recent legislative changes, Daegu and Gyeongbuk had 10 thoracic surgery residents; that number has plummeted to just three. Gangwon, Chungbuk, and Jeju provinces now have none. A staggering 79% of thoracic surgeons currently practice in metropolitan training hospitals, exacerbating the access gap for rural populations.
The Impact on Patient Care
The consequences of this shortage are far-reaching. Thoracic surgeons are essential for treating a range of critical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, lung cancer (the leading cause of cancer deaths in Korea), and require heart and lung transplants. With fewer specialists available, patients face longer wait times for diagnosis and treatment, potentially leading to poorer outcomes.
“Hospitals with one resident are inevitable that night or emergency surgery education is inadequate,” warns Jeong-seok Jung, Chairman of the Korea Cardiovascular Society of Heart Cardiovascular Surgery. The lack of adequate training opportunities further perpetuates the cycle of decline, discouraging future generations from entering the field.
A Looming Wave of Retirements
The situation is poised to worsen. Over the next four years, an estimated 222 thoracic surgeons are expected to retire, significantly outpacing the number of new specialists entering the field. This means a potential loss of 30-40 specialists annually, even assuming all current residents successfully complete their training. Since 2022, the number of retiring surgeons has already exceeded the number of new ones.
Addressing the Crisis: What Can Be Done?
Experts are calling for urgent action to address this looming crisis. Professor Jung-seok suggests revising evaluation standards for advanced general hospitals, offering incentives to those that prioritize securing thoracic surgery residents. Others advocate for improving working conditions, reducing the risk of litigation, and increasing financial support for the specialty.
The future of thoracic surgery in South Korea hangs in the balance. Without decisive intervention, the nation risks losing a vital component of its healthcare system, leaving countless patients vulnerable to preventable suffering and death. This isn’t just a medical issue; it’s a public health emergency demanding immediate attention.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for continuing coverage of this critical story and in-depth analysis of healthcare challenges facing South Korea and around the globe. Explore our Healthcare Section for more insights.
