Geum Ki-chang, New Yonsei Medical Center Director, "Motto: Innovation through Communication and Practice"

"I Will Transform into a 4th-Generation Medical Institution Solving Intractable Diseases"

Professor Geum Ki-chang of Yonsei University College of Medicine (Radiation Oncology) has been inaugurated as the 19th President of Yonsei University Health System.

Geum Ki-chang, the new director of Yonsei Medical Center. [Image source=Severance Hospital]

On the 19th at 10 a.m., Yonsei University Health System held the inauguration ceremony for the 19th Vice President for Medical Affairs and President of the Health System at the Eunmyung Auditorium of Severance Hospital. The ceremony was attended by Seo Jung-seok, a director of the Yonsei University Foundation, as well as Yoon Dong-seop, President of Yonsei University, Lee Kyung-ryul, President of the Yonsei University Alumni Association, and Kim Byung-soo, former President of Yonsei University.

President Geum Ki-chang announced the development plan for Yonsei University Health System over the next four years under the motto of "Innovation through Communication and Practice." He pledged to actively respond to the rapidly changing social trends, such as the application of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics in the medical field. He also stated his intention to transform the institution from a tertiary hospital treating emergency and severe patients into a quaternary medical institution that develops new drugs and treatment technologies to solve intractable diseases. Furthermore, he declared plans to apply IT technology to clinical practice and digitally transform the healthcare system of advanced countries to create a hospital that satisfies patients.

He also expressed his ambition to implement a mid- to long-term master plan through diversification of funding sources. He aims to successfully lead the ongoing "Major Fundraising Campaign" and use the donations for the exercise of positive influence. He plans to nurture talents who will lead future medicine by training physician-scientists and expand educational spaces for the College of Medicine, College of Dentistry, College of Nursing, and Graduate School of Public Health. Additionally, he revealed plans to establish a medical cluster encompassing the Sinchon, Gangnam, Yongin, and Songdo areas.

He also conveyed his commitment to creating an environment where members can grow. He stated that the regular faculty quota will be operated flexibly to provide high-quality medical care and support faculty members to focus on their core duties such as education, treatment, surgery, and research. In particular, he announced plans to expand the currently implemented responsible management system to guarantee autonomy in work for faculty and staff, as well as develop personnel and education systems.

Meanwhile, President Geum graduated from Yonsei University College of Medicine in 1988 and has served as Director of Public Relations at Yonsei University Health System, Chair Professor of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Yonsei University College of Medicine, Head of the Heavy Ion Center Establishment Promotion Headquarters, Director of Yonsei Cancer Hospital, and Head of the Songdo Severance Hospital Establishment Promotion Headquarters. Externally, he has also served as President (and Chairman) of the Korean Society of Radiation Oncology.