Seoul National University Medical School
south Korea Boosts Funding for Doctor-Scientist Training
seoul, South Korea – The Ministry of Health and Welfare, in collaboration with the Korea Health Industry Progress Institute, has announced the selection of multiple universities and consortiums to participate in an initiative aimed at fostering doctor-scientists. The program seeks to cultivate talent capable of bridging clinical practice and scientific research.
selected Institutions and Consortiums
Seoul National University,Yonsei University College of Medicine,and five consortiums comprising 13 graduate schools have been chosen to receive support. The consortiums are:
- Kyungpook National University (with Gyeongbuk National University and Keimyung University)
- Korea University (with Yeungnam University,Hanyang University,and Chungbuk National University)
- Seoul National University (with Chungnam National University)
- Yonsei University Sinchon (with Catholic University,ajou University,and Charios)
Kyungpook National University Medical School initially joined the program in 2023 and received funding through February 2026.
Program Details and Objectives
The selected institutions will receive funding for three years, from March 2025 to February 2028, to support students pursuing careers as doctor-scientists. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has supported the convergence doctor scientist training project since 2019. This project supports doctor scientists (MD-PH.D) through the ‘Global Doctors’ Training Project, which provides career-level support for up to 11 years.
Past Support and Infrastructure
Since 2019, the doctor support project has included a graduate school infrastructure support project, providing 80 million won per consortium. this funding has facilitated the establishment of specialized training systems and fostered educational and research collaboration.The consortiums have also received support for clinical training.
Expanding Support to Undergraduate Programs
As 2022, the program has expanded to include medical school undergraduate programs, providing 270 million won (national treasury) to expose medical students to doctor-scientist careers early on. this support funds various programs, including research practice opportunities.
Future Expectations
Officials anticipate that the selected institutions will build upon their existing performance through these ongoing projects.
Government Perspective
Chung Eun-young, a director at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, emphasized the importance of doctor-scientists, stating, “Doctor scientists are a key talent in the field of biohealth that can solve the difficulties in clinical trials.” Chung added, “We will actively promote securing and improving various institutions.”
South Korea invests in Doctor-Scientist Training: Your Q&A Guide
This article explores South Korea’s initiative to bolster the training of doctor-scientists, answering common questions about the program.
What is the South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare doing?
The Ministry of Health and Welfare, in partnership with the Korea Health Industry Progress Institute, is investing in a program to support the training of doctor-scientists. The goal is to cultivate professionals who can bridge the gap between clinical practise and scientific research.
What is a doctor-scientist?
Doctor-scientists are professionals who hold both a medical degree (MD) and a doctorate (Ph.D.). They are uniquely positioned to understand and address challenges in both clinical practice and scientific research, promoting advancements in healthcare and biohealth.
Wich institutions are receiving funding?
Several universities and consortia in South Korea have been selected to participate in the program. These include:
Seoul National University
Yonsei University College of medicine
Consortia consisting of multiple universities, including:
Kyungpook National University (and partners)
Korea University (and partners)
Seoul National University (and partner)
Yonsei University Sinchon (and partners)
What is the time frame for this program?
The selected institutions will receive funding for three years, from March 2025 to Febuary 2028. However, Kyungpook National University Medical School initially joined the program back in 2023 and received funding through February 2026.
What is the primary goal of this program?
The program aims to support students who wish to pursue careers as doctor-scientists. This is achieved through financial assistance and resources provided to participating universities and consortia.
How long has this initiative been ongoing?
The Ministry of Health and Welfare has supported the convergence doctor-scientist training project since 2019. this includes the “Global Doctors” Training project, which provides up to 11 years of career-level support.
What kind of support did these consortia receive since 2019?
Since 2019, the doctor support project included a graduate school infrastructure support project, providing 80 million won per consortium. This funding facilitated:
The establishment of specialized training systems.
Educational and research collaboration.
Support for clinical training.
Has support expanded beyond graduate programs?
Yes, as of 2022, the program has expanded to include medical school undergraduate programs. This expansion provides 270 million won (from the national treasury) to introduce medical students to doctor-scientist careers early on. These funds support programs like research practice opportunities.
What are the expectations for the future of this program?
Officials anticipate that the selected institutions will build upon their existing performance through these ongoing projects. This implies an expectation of continued growth and advancement in the field.
What is the government’s viewpoint on this program?
Chung Eun-young, a director at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, emphasized the importance of doctor-scientists in the biohealth field. She stated that they are crucial for solving difficulties in clinical trials, and the ministry will actively promote securing and improving various institutions that train these professionals.
Key Program Highlights in a Nutshell:
| Feature | Details |
| ————————— | ——————————————————————————————————- |
| Program Goal | foster doctor-scientists for biohealth advancement. |
| Funding Period (Current) | March 2025 to February 2028. |
| Key Institutions | Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and several consortia.|
| Financial Support | Graduate school support (80 million won per consortium), undergraduate program support (270 million won). |
| Government Focus | doctor-scientists as key talent for solving challenges in clinical trials. |
| Program Length | The “Global Doctors” program provides career-level support for up to 11 years. |