Senior doctors at major hospitals in South Korea began submitting their resignations en masse on Monday in support of medical interns and residents who have been on strike for five weeks over the government’s push to sharply increase medical school admissions. The senior doctors’ action isn't likely to cause an immediate worsening of hospital operations in South Korea because they have said they would continue to work even after submitting their resignations.
Observers say senior doctors have been grappling with excessive workloads after their juniors left their hospitals. “If the government has an intention of withdrawing its plan or has an intention of considering it, we’re ready to discuss all pending issues with the government before the public,” Kim said. Later Monday, an unspecified number of senior doctors went ahead and handed in their resignations, according to doctors involved in the protests.