Current status and implications of policy developments regarding enrollment quotas in Japanese medical schools

Background: Following the government’s unilateral announcement to increase medical school quotas, serious concerns are rising over the development of medical education and future healthcare in South Korea. Medical experts are disappointed by the lack of transparent decision-making. Unlike major developed countries that establish specialized bodies with expert involvement to set physician workforce policies, the Korean government plans to create a “human resource supply and demand estimation adjustment system” without sufficient consultation with medical professionals. This study analyzes Japan’s policy process regarding medical school quotas to derive implications for establishing governance for physician workforce supply and demand in Korea.Current Concepts: In Japan, the Physician Supply and Demand Subcommittee, mostly comprising medical experts, conducts in-depth discussions on adjusting physician supply and addressing regional disparities. Their discussions are transparent and publicly disclosed, influencing policy decisions such as gradual adjustments to quotas and measures to improve physician distribution.Discussion and Conclusion: Japan’s approach demonstrates the importance of involving medical experts in policymaking and ensuring transparency. The Japanese government collaborates with medical professionals to accurately project physician supply and demand, and adjusts medical school quotas gradually. In contrast, Korea’s abrupt plan to increase quotas without thorough expert consultation may lead to unintended consequences. It is imperative for the Korean government to form consultative bodies centered around medical experts to engage in in-depth discussions, ensuring that policies are realistic and effectively addressing challenges such as population decline and regional healthcare disparities.