Rebuilding a resilient liver transplantation system in South Korea: A policy perspective after the 2024 medical conflict
10.52604/alt.25.0015
- Author:
Seok-Hwan KIM
- Publication Type:Review Article
- From:
Annals of Liver Transplantation
2025;5(2):79-88
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
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Abstract:
The 2024 nationwide medical conflict in South Korea acted as a powerful diagnostic tool, exposing deep-seated structural vulnerabilities within its world-renowned liver transplantation system. This policy perspective paper argues that the crisis did not create new problems but rather accelerated pre-existing weaknesses, primarily the system’s over-reliance on resident labor and a high volume of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We analyze how the mass departure of resident physicians disrupted the team-based safety net, highlighting the fragility of a model heavily dependent on the trainee workforce. Furthermore, this review explores the subsequent policy debates and emerging models for a post-conflict era. We examine the potential and financial hurdles of transitioning to ‘specialist-centered hospitals’ and emphasize the imperative of revitalizing the deceased donor system to build longterm resilience. This paper concludes by proposing a multi-layered policy strategy focused on workforce restructuring, fundamental reimbursement reform, and a paradigm shift from a high-volume, LDLT-centered model to a more sustainable and resilient liver transplantation ecosystem for the future.
