"We will strive to be a First Mover, a company that pioneers new fields, rather than a Fast Follower(a company that quickly follows new products and technologies)." This is the commitment expressed by Yoon Eul-sik, director of Korea University Medical Center. Commemorating the 100th anniversary of Korea University College of Medicine, he aims to achieve the goal of establishing a future hospital in 2028 and furthermore embracing continuous change and innovation.
- Core objective during term of office is?
By concentrating on areas of expertise, we seek to become a leading domestic institute with a global ranking of 30th,that has significant competence. To achieve our goal, strengthening medical infrastructures is our first step. Capabilities in infectious diseases and surgical procedures will be enhanced. The goal is to consolidate Anam, Guro, and Ansan hospitals into a total of 3,500 beds. Additionally, efforts will be made to further enhance research capabilities, transforming into a research-oriented hospital recognized not only domestically but also globally.
- What are the roles of the ‘Cheongdam Koyoung Campus, opened in 2021, and the Jeongneung Mediscience Park?
Koyoung campus operates educational programs for our faculty. Additionally, through its Clinical Research Support Division, domestic medical devices are supported in order to advance abroad. Korean home healthcare development companies conduct their research here as well. Moreover, through the Medical Imaging center, we analyze imaging test data from Anam, Ansan, and Guro hospitals as well by using our self-developed cloud-based information system. MediScience Park is currently hosting 30 bioventures, with active development in new drugs and medical devices. Upon completion of the Vaccine Innovation Center, it will play a pivotal role in developing vaccines to combat emerging infectious diseases.
- What does the construction of future hospitals in Gwacheon and Namyangju signify?
The Future Hospital is, in essence, a new type of hospital that has never existed before. It aims to collaborate with local medical institutions such as rehabilitation hospitals and nursing homes, facilitating the exchange of medical data freely based on a cloud information system. Through this, patients can receive treatment at any hospital. Additionally, the project aims to establish top-notch infrastructure to support ongoing research and development by bio-companies, contributing to the growth of the domestic biomedical industry."
- What is the differentiated strategy compared to patient-centered smart hospitals?
It is a strategy of ultra-connectivity, ultra-collaboration, and ultra-personalization. Ultra-connectivity involves providing swift and convenient medical services. Ultra-collaboration entails a multidisciplinary treatment system from initial diagnosis to post-surgery. Lastly, Ultra-personalization signifies precision medical care considering various independent factors that the patient has. Integrating smart systems (wearable devices, central monitoring systems within emergency rooms, voice recording systems, etc.) we aim to create a smart hospital for the patients.
- Korea University Medical Center has been emphasizing future medicine since 2018. What has been achieved?
"In 2018, Korea University Medical Center announced ten major tasks. Some tasks, such as precision diagnosis and treatment of cancer and the development of a cloud information system, have already been achieved. Since all faculty members are striving for the same goal, It can be believed that there will be no problem in accomplishing the remaining tasks. As a leader, I will do my best to ensure that the efforts made so far do not go in vain, and ultimately, Korea University Medical Center will be recognized domestically and internationally as a hospital that has changed the paradigm of the medical field.
- What are the plans for this year on ESG management?
"There are plans to launch a pilot project for the separate disposal of medical waste, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, the Korea Environmental Corporation, and Korea University Ojeong-Ri Resilience Research Institute. Through this initiative, it is expected to reduce plastic wastes. Additionally, the institution is pursuing a sign language interpretation service project, aiming to assist the medical service utilization of many deaf individuals by employing 2-3 experts. The institution will continue its commitment to existing social contribution activities.
