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Marking the beginning of the 23rd Executive Committee, I extend my warm greetings to all members. Over the past two years, serving as the Vice Chairman, I have been deeply impressed by the dedicated efforts of the previous Executive Committee under the leadership of Chairman Kim Se-heon, the 22nd Chairman, and the preceding executive team, and I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude.
The Korean Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery takes pride in its distinguished 77-year history and tradition as a leading society in the medical community of South Korea. The 23rd Executive Committee aims to carry forward this tradition and prepare diligently for the future. With this in mind, our slogan for this term is "Embrace the History, Envision the Future." In line with this direction, I would like to briefly outline the key initiatives that the 23rd Executive Committee will prioritize.
Firstly, we will strive to address the urgent task of preparing for the government-led specialist residency quota policy. In August 2023, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced a policy to allocate 50% of specialist residency positions to non-capital regions as part of the essential medical care measures. Despite conveying our position that the abrupt change in the allocation principles, which have been implemented through agreements among training hospitals over many years, would be challenging, ultimately, 45% was allocated to non-capital regions. This led to unexpected reductions in specialist residency positions for some training hospitals in the capital region, causing confusion on the ground. This year, we are faced with the need for additional adjustments to increase the allocation to non-capital regions to 50%. The Training Committee will closely respond to government policies while listening to the opinions of training hospitals to establish the most appropriate agreement on specialist residency allocation.
Secondly, we will continue to inherit and develop the Korean Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery's academic conference (ICORL; International Congress of ORL-HNS). Since its inception in 2014, the Korean Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery has been pioneering international academic exchanges by hosting the national conference as the international conference ICORL, ahead of other Asian countries. Building on these efforts, we have been jointly organizing international academic sessions with the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF annual meeting) each year, enhancing the society's international standing. To further inherit and develop ICORL, we will expand its scope and substance, particularly by creating robust programs that actively engage young otorhinolaryngologists from both domestic and international arenas.
Thirdly, we will revitalize the Global Medical Corporation (https://www.globalmedical.co.kr/). Global Medical Corporation aims to respond to the contemporary demand of supporting countries in need, reflecting on the assistance we received in the past and now extending our support to nations requiring assistance. Through supporting international academic exchanges and research activities, promoting our advanced medical system, and enhancing the quality of healthcare services in neighboring countries through overseas medical training and education, we strive to fulfill our role as an NGO. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis, programs supporting foreign fellows who wish to learn from Korea's advanced medical system have been successfully operated since the establishment of Global Medical Corporation in 2019. This year, we have plans for international medical volunteer activities in the Dalla region of the Philippines in March (https://www.lovealm.com). As an NGO, we will continue to prepare for the future by establishing the business we desire while maintaining the characteristics of our organization. We hope for active participation and generous support from our members.
Fourthly, we will strengthen the cooperative relationship between the Korean Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the Korean Otolaryngology Society to promote the rights and interests of our members. Our society and the medical community have worked collaboratively and symbiotically, benefiting from the efforts of all members, fostering cooperation and mutual growth. We aim to inherit this proud tradition and prepare for the future together. We will meet frequently with the executive committees of both societies, strive to expand channels for mutual communication, and enhance mutual understanding.
Fifthly, we will inherit and develop the key initiatives that the society has been pursuing for a long time. For example, we will further activate the Cochlear TV, which serves as a proper public relations platform for ear, nose, and throat diseases, and ensure the steady continuation and success of insurance policies and contracted works, listening to the opinions of advisors and members to the fullest extent possible. I propose renaming the Committee for Hearing Loss Reduction (Nan-jul-sa) to the Integrated People-centered Ear and Hearing Care (IPC-EHC) Committee, aiming to prepare for the government-led Integrated People-centered Ear and Hearing Care (IPC-EHC) program that will cover the entire life cycle. We will strive to develop new medical technologies to enhance the welfare of our members and ensure that the latest medical benefits are accessible to the public. Through the Virus Infection Research Committee, a special committee, we will support the continued promotion of public awareness of infectious diseases and the role of otolaryngologists in combating infectious diseases. Additionally, considering the expanded scope of society's activities, we will discuss with the Executive Committee for improvements and advancements.
Sixthly, we will redefine the status of otorhinolaryngology in the medical community. Currently, South Korea's medical policies, such as essential medical care and telemedicine, are rapidly changing. We will emphasize the role of otorhinolaryngology and work closely with the Korean Medical Association and other societies affiliated with the Korean Medical Association to develop policies that can symbiotically coexist with otorhinolaryngology through continuous exchange.
It is an infinite honor for me to take on the responsibility as the 23rd Chairman of the Korean Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and our executive team will do our best for the advancement of the society and, furthermore, for the development of each individual member. We kindly request your keen interest in the 23rd Executive Committee, and we welcome both encouragement and constructive criticism. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2019, our members have dedicated themselves to patient care on the frontline. Thank you very much for your hard work. We wish you all good health and success in achieving your goals in the new year. Thank you.
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| January, 2024 |
| Jun Ho Lee |
| Chairman of the Korean Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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