Chonnam National University Hospital Sets Example in Public Healthcare Personnel Support Programs

Professor Kang Jeongjung, a rehabilitation medicine specialist hired as a public clinical professor at Chonnam National University Hospital and dispatched to Mokpo City Medical Center, is explaining the patient's condition. Provided by Chonnam National University Hospital.

Chonnam National University Hospital is leading the establishment of a comprehensive regional public healthcare system through the successful operation of two initiatives: the "Public Clinical Professor Pilot Program" and the "Personnel Expense Support Project for Dispatched Medical Staff to Regional Public Hospitals." These programs are being implemented to fulfill the public responsibilities of national university hospitals and to safeguard essential regional medical services.

According to Chonnam National University Hospital on October 30, the hospital is supporting local public hospitals, which face difficulties in securing medical staff as regional base medical institutions, by dispatching specialists so that patients can receive university hospital-level care near their residences. Through the Public Clinical Professor Pilot Program and the Personnel Expense Support Project for Dispatched Medical Staff to Regional Public Hospitals-both promoted by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and Welfare-Chonnam National University Hospital has dispatched a total of eight specialists to three regional medical centers. The hospital has demonstrated particularly active results among national university hospitals and is establishing collaborative models with regional medical centers.

Since April last year, through the "Public Clinical Professor Pilot Program for National University Hospitals," Chonnam National University Hospital has dispatched one public clinical professor each to Gangjin Medical Center and Mokpo City Medical Center. An orthopedic specialist was assigned to Gangjin Medical Center, and a rehabilitation medicine specialist was assigned to Mokpo City Medical Center, thereby improving access to advanced medical care for local residents. Notably, the dispatched professors are not only providing clinical care but are also involved in improving the quality of care and education at these medical centers, making a tangible contribution to strengthening the capabilities of public hospitals.

At Gangjin Medical Center, since Professor Heo Haeryong from the Department of Orthopedic Surgery began working as a public clinical professor in May this year, the number of orthopedic surgeries and medical revenue have both more than doubled. Additionally, two specialists from the Departments of Gastroenterology and Orthopedic Surgery at Chonnam National University Hospital have been dispatched, significantly improving local residents' access to care for musculoskeletal and internal diseases, especially among the region's elderly farming population.

At Mokpo City Medical Center, with Professor Kang Jeongjung from the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine serving as a public clinical professor, both the number of patients and medical revenue have increased by 1.5 times. The hospital has also expanded its bed capacity from 30 to 50 beds and increased its support staff, including occupational therapists and physical therapists. Specialists from the Departments of Cardiology and Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine at Chonnam National University Hospital have been dispatched to contribute to the management of local emergency and chronic diseases.

At Suncheon Medical Center, the dispatch of specialists in internal medicine and orthopedic surgery has helped establish a management system for infectious and chronic diseases. The center is continuously providing consultations tailored to patients with respiratory and infectious diseases, as well as those with chronic conditions, thereby contributing to the early detection of diseases and the prevention of disease progression among vulnerable populations.

Kim Kwangseok, Vice President for Public Affairs at Chonnam National University Hospital, stated, "The Public Clinical Professor Program and the project to dispatch medical personnel are essential foundations for reducing regional healthcare disparities and enabling local residents to receive high-quality medical services close to home. Chonnam National University Hospital will continue to fulfill its responsibilities as a public medical institution and work together with the community to create a healthy medical ecosystem."