Hong Seung-kwon: 'Future doctors must understand the healthcare system'

Hong Seung-kwon, president of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, said prospective doctors who understand the healthcare system will approach their choice of specialty — and their role in clinical settings — with greater depth.

Hong made the remarks during a recent lecture for 80 medical students at Yonsei University's Wonju College of Medicine, urging them to "grow into medical professionals who put patients first."

He also said a sustainable healthcare system is needed so that all citizens can receive adequate medical services anywhere, and stressed the importance of primary care and regional and essential medical services.

The three-session program was designed to broaden students' understanding of the healthcare system. It covered a meeting with the agency's president, an overview of the national health insurance system, the functions and role of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the use of big data in healthcare, a visit to the Digital Cloud Center, and a mentoring session with a full-time review committee member.

Hong said the agency would expand educational opportunities so that more medical students can access its programs.