Microsurgery Deficit Forces Jeju Residents to Seek Treatment Elsewhere

Residents of Jeju Island are increasingly forced to seek specialized medical care, specifically microsurgery, on the mainland due to a severe shortage of qualified surgeons. This lack of local expertise is particularly acute in cases requiring delicate procedures such as finger reattachment following accidents.

The situation presents significant challenges for patients and their families,adding financial and emotional strain to already difficult circumstances. As one patient, Mr. Cha Mo, who suffered a finger injury while pruning trees, explained, the cost of travel and accommodation for himself and his family during his two-month stay in a Busan hospital has been considerable.

…교대식으로 그런 비용도 만만치 않고.

Mr. cha Mo, Finger Reattachment Surgery patient

mr. Kim Mo,another patient,echoed these concerns,noting that many residents with similar injuries have had to travel to major cities like Daegu and Seoul for treatment. the prevalence of accidents involving power tools further exacerbates the demand for specialized microsurgery services.

The Complexity and Demands of Microsurgery

Microsurgery, particularly procedures like finger reattachment, demands a high level of skill and precision. Surgeons specializing in this field, often referred to as hand surgeons, undergo extensive training to master the intricate techniques required.

수부외과 하면서 이제 그 미세 접합을 하고 이제 그런 분들은 이제 더 큰 영역에서 재건술을 하게 되죠. 그게 수부외과의 가장 큰 부분이라고 저는 생각합니다.

Yoo myung-jae, Director of a Reattachment and Reconstruction Surgery Hospital

According to experts, a fully equipped hospital should ideally have at least two specialists available around the clock to handle emergency cases. Though, in Jeju, only two such specialists are currently practicing, each at different hospitals, leaving the island vulnerable to gaps in coverage.

Contributing Factors: Workload and Specialist Availability

The limited number of hand surgeons in Jeju is not solely a matter of recruitment. The demanding nature of the work, requiring long hours and a high degree of precision, frequently enough deters specialists from practicing in the region. While Jeju’s accident rate is relatively high compared to its population, attracting and retaining qualified surgeons remains a challenge.

(인구 수에 비해서는 제주가) 사고 빈도가 높은 편이긴 합니다만 일반적으로 그런 정도의 인구수에서 수부외과 세부 전문의를 한 병원에서 2명 이상을 보유한다는 게 참 쉽지 않은 문제라…

lee Kwang-hyun,Hand Surgery Specialist at a General Hospital

Statistics reveal the scarcity of microsurgery expertise on the island. Last year, only six finger reattachment surgeries were performed in Jeju, and only one had been performed up to last month this year. This shortage has prompted local hospitals to actively seek to recruit specialized surgeons.

A Nationwide Issue

The shortage of hand surgeons is not unique to Jeju. Many regions outside of major metropolitan areas face similar challenges in attracting and retaining specialized medical professionals. Even with a limited pool of approximately 300 specialists nationwide, securing their services in less populated areas proves difficult due to the heavy workload and demanding nature of the profession.