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Greeting
Greetings from the President
Dear Members of the Korean Pediatric Society,
First, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all members for electing me as the 66th President of the Korean Pediatric Society (KPS). I am deeply honored by your trust and humbled by the responsibility entrusted to me.
The academic achievements and international standing that the KPS enjoys today are the result of the dedication and hard work of our past presidents, chairs of the board, and all our members. I extend my deepest respect and gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the development of our Society and advanced the field of pediatrics amid rapid social changes and numerous challenges.
However, pediatrics in Korea is currently facing unprecedented challenges, including a declining birth rate and changing population structure, declining numbers of pediatric residents and specialists, regional disparities in healthcare, increasing demands for critical and emergency care, inadequate reimbursement for pediatric care, and growing legal risks. These challenges cannot be overcome by any single institution or individual. Rather, they require solidarity and open communication among our members, close collaboration across the medical community, and active policy support from the government.
As the 66th President, I am committed to working closely with the current leadership to address these pressing challenges and strengthen the future of our Society. First, I will work in close partnership with the current leadership to support and advance its initiatives during the third year of its term, ensuring that ongoing priorities are carried forward and meaningful outcomes are achieved. I will also strengthen collaboration with the Korean Academy of Medical Sciences and relevant specialty and subspecialty societies to promote academic excellence and build a stronger collective response to the challenges facing our medical community.
Furthermore, I will work with the current leadership to listen to and bring together diverse perspectives from all areas of pediatric healthcare, including tertiary general hospitals, teaching and training hospitals, children's hospitals, and primary care facilities. Through this process, we will seek practical policy solutions to the pressing issues in pediatric healthcare and work toward securing the necessary institutional and policy support from the government.
Nurturing the next generation of pediatricians will also be a key priority. I will strive to strengthen pediatric education in medical school curricula and encourage medical students to participate in KPS activities, thereby fostering greater interest in and understanding of pediatrics. In addition, I will work to improve the training and working environments of young physicians so that they are encouraged to pursue careers in pediatrics and can grow as competent professionals with confidence and pride in their chosen field.
The future of the KPS and pediatric healthcare in Korea depends on the active interest, participation, and collaboration of all our members. By listening to the diverse voices of our members and bringing together our collective experience, knowledge, and commitment, we can overcome the challenges before us, revitalize pediatrics, and build a stronger and more sustainable future for our Society. Above all, I hope that the KPS will continue to serve as a trusted and respected society dedicated to protecting the health and well-being of all children and adolescents.
I sincerely look forward to your continued interest, participation, and support as we work together toward this shared vision.
Thank you.
November 2026
Byung Min Choi, MD
66th President
Korean Pediatric Society
Greetings from the Chairman of the Board/CEO
Dear Esteemed Members of the Korean Pediatric Society,
I am Dr. Han-Suk Kim, the 19th Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Korean Pediatric Society, as well as a professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Seoul National University College of Medicine. At this pivotal time, essential healthcare issues, stemming from ongoing challenges within our pediatric medical system, have become central to public discourse. In these demanding times, I would like to extend my heartfelt respect and gratitude to each of you, dedicated as you are to safeguarding the health of our nation’s children.
With an 80-year legacy, the Korean Pediatric Society remains steadfast in its mission to protect the health and lives of children and adolescents, while striving to enhance the well-being of children and their families and contribute positively to society. Faced with global challenges such as declining birth rates and rapid demographic changes, our Society’s commitment to these core values has never been more important.
In my tenure as Chairman, I aim to uphold our esteemed traditions while actively pursuing new avenues for advancing pediatrics and adolescent medicine in Korea and beyond.
Advancing Scholarly Excellence
As part of our commitment to academic growth, I will work closely with our specialized divisions to strengthen our academic conferences, expanding integrated sessions that promote collaborative exchange. We will also broaden international sessions to bolster Korea’s academic leadership within Asia, helping our field’s achievements gain broader global recognition.
Innovating Educational Programs
Our residents are the future of Korean pediatrics. To support their development into highly skilled pediatric specialists, I will further enhance our resident training programs. In anticipation of future challenges, including a potential decline in the number of pediatric specialists, I will also prioritize expanding Continuing Medical Education (CME) to address emerging needs and integrate AI and IT advancements. Expanding our online education platforms will complement face-to-face training, ensuring a diversified and comprehensive learning experience for all our members.
Strengthening Advocacy for Pediatric Healthcare
Our Society will continue to elevate its role as an advocate for pediatric health policies. We are committed to advancing essential health rights legislation for children, proposing initiatives that improve pediatricians’ quality of life, enhancing the support system for critical and emergency pediatric care, and advocating for better working conditions to create tangible and meaningful change in pediatric healthcare.
Building a Sustainable Operational Framework
To adapt to the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, I will establish a “Future Task Force” to explore key initiatives such as corporate structure development, annual membership contributions, and new revenue models. This process will incorporate diverse member input to ensure our Society’s future direction reflects our collective vision. Strengthening ties with relevant organizations and enhancing communication with our local branches will also be a priority, ensuring that our Society functions as a cohesive, organic whole.
To All Members of the Korean Pediatric Society,
As a fellow pediatrician, I am deeply proud of the value and role our Society holds in Korea. Throughout my term, I am fully committed to ensuring that we fulfill our responsibilities and make lasting contributions to pediatric healthcare. Together, I look forward to building a society where children can grow up healthy, happy, and thriving.
Thank you for your continued dedication and engagement in the activities of our Society.
November 2024
Han-Suk Kim, MD. Ph.D.
Chairman of the Board/CEO, the Korean Pediatric Society