Quantitative Changes in the Number of Basic Medicine Faculty at Medical Schools in Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study analyzed the current status of basic medicine faculty and graduate students in 40 Korean medical schools, highlighting critical challenges. Medical doctor (MD) professors in basic medicine are increasingly valued for their ability to bridge basic and clinical knowledge. However, while 132 MD professors are projected to retire, only 104 MD graduate students are currently in training, raising concerns about future faculty recruitment and educational quality. The balance between MDs and non-MDs is becoming increasingly uneven, particularly in non-metropolitan areas, heightening concerns about both educational quality and regional disparities. The persistent shortage of faculty, especially in traditional fields, is expected to worsen with planned increases in medical school admissions. Policy interventions, financial incentives, and targeted strategies are urgently required to attract more MDs to basic medicine and maintain high educational standards. Future research should focus on practical solutions, regional disparities, and students' perceptions of basic medicine careers to guide effective policy development.