Pioneers of Future Medical Innovation: Korea’s Physician-Scientists Convene

- 2025 Physician-Scientist NET-WORKSHOP held on December 5 -

- A networking forum for participants in MOHW’s physician-scientist training programs -

- Senior physician-scientists share career mentoring and research insights -

The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, Minister Jeong Eun Kyeong) and the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI, President Cha Soon-do) announced that they hosted the 2025 Physician-Scientist NET-WORKSHOP on Friday, December 5, at 1:30 p.m. at the Rendez-vous Hall of Seoul Dragon City in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

The 2025 Physician-Scientist NET-WORKSHOP brought together aspiring and senior physician-scientists to share their experiences with the program, highlight achievements, and discuss visions for future career paths. Approximately 100 participants attended, including trainees from MOHW’s physician-scientist training programs, faculty members, and representatives from the National Academy of Medicine of Korea and the Korea Association of Medical Colleges.

The event featured a variety of sessions, including presentations on best practices and an awards ceremony recognizing individual and institutional excellence within the training program. It also included a briefing on government policy directions and new initiatives for physician-scientist development, as well as a networking workshop where senior physician-scientists―who actively combine clinical practice with research―shared their expertise.

MOHW Physician-Scientist Training Programs

Since 2019, The MOHW has supported a comprehensive training lifecycle—from undergraduate education through PhD completion—to cultivate physician-scientists capable of conducting interdisciplinary research through the Convergence Physician-Scientist Training Program.

At the undergraduate level, medical students are provided with research exposure and supportive environments. At the graduate level, Master’s and PhD candidates receive scholarships and research funding. Through this program, 165 full-time PhD students have received support, and a total of 79 physician-scientists (MD-PhDs) have been trained.

Since 2024, The MOHW has also supported the Global Physician-Scientist Development Program, providing research funding tailored to specific career stages to help newly trained physician-scientists establish themselves as independent researchers. Eligible physician-scientists can receive up to eight years of post-PhD research support (three years for early-career and five years for advanced-career stages).*

   * Postdoctoral Research Growth Support (2026): Early-Career (40 recipients, KRW 200 million/year for 3 years) → Advanced (20 recipients, KRW 300 million/year for 3 years plus a 2-year extension)

Beginning in 2026, two new initiatives will be launched.

First, the K-MediST program will establish joint-degree curricula between medical schools and graduate programs in science and engineering. It will provide joint training and support collaborative research and commercialization projects centered on joint research institutes.

   * U.S. Case: Harvard–MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology (HST) 

Second, the Physician-Scientist Advancement Program aims to cultivate talent in Korea’s biomedical field by building an ecosystem that fosters connections between researchers, emerging technologies, and industry across the bio-health sector. 

The program will support invited lectures by world-leading scientists, global research fellowships for early-career Korean physician-scientists, and idea competitions where  undergraduate and graduate trainees can pitch innovative research concepts to attract direct investment.

Lastly, five outstanding physician-scientists will be selected annually over the next 20 years for special recognition. They will receive support including mentoring opportunities to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and research expertise from senior to junior physician-scientists.

Jeong Eun-young, Director General of Health Industry Policy at the MOHW, stated, “Physician-scientists are key talents in the bio-health sector capable of solving clinical challenges through research. We will actively work to secure the budget for program expansion and policy improvements so that Korea’s physician-scientists can grow into global leaders, demonstrate world-class capabilities, and elevate Korea’s international standing.”

KHIDI President Cha Soon-do added, “Since taking the first step in physician-scientist training in 2019, we have established a comprehensive, holistic physician-scientist training system spanning every stage from undergraduate education to postdoctoral development, alongside an ecosystem connecting clinical practice, research, and industry. This is a significant milestone. The path of a physician-scientist is never solitary; we will continue to provide steadfast support to ensure your passion and commitment flourish.”

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