- Koo took office Saturday at the society's 40th annual academic conference in Seoul
- "I will work to advance academic development centered on our members and promote evidence-based spinal care that the public can trust"
Koo Sung-wook, a professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Yonsei University College of Medicine, took office as president of the Korean Spine Neurosurgery Society at the society's 40th annual academic conference, held Saturday at Dragon City Seoul. His term runs one year.
The Korean Spine Neurosurgery Society is the largest subspecialty society under the Korean Neurosurgical Society, with more than 2,800 active members, making it the country's leading academic organization in spinal medicine. It runs a wide range of domestic and international conferences and education programs, and works to advance the field and raise its global standing through international academic exchange and research collaboration.
During his term, Koo plans to ensure that members' voices are reflected in how the society is run and to strengthen education and academic exchange that offer practical benefits to clinicians and researchers. He also aims to broaden opportunities for younger members and next-generation researchers and to invigorate domestic and international academic networks in pursuit of sustainable growth in spine neurosurgery.
The society will also expand its public-interest role on behalf of patients and the general public. Plans include providing clear, accessible information on spinal conditions and broadening outreach to promote evidence-based, appropriate treatment options.
"Members are at the heart of this society, and the fruits of academic progress must ultimately translate into better care for patients," Koo said. "I will create an environment where members can pursue their research and clinical work with pride, and I will deliver accurate information about spinal conditions and the right treatment approaches to the public."
"I will do my utmost to ensure that the Korean Spine Neurosurgery Society provides real help to patients suffering from spinal conditions and grows into an academic organization that earns even greater trust from the public," Koo added.
Koo has devoted his career at Yonsei University College of Medicine to clinical practice, research and education in spinal medicine. He previously served as head of external affairs at Yonsei University Health System and as president of Gangnam Severance Hospital. He currently serves as president of the Korean Society of Medical and Biological Engineering and as civilian chair of the Medical Device Committee at the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
kty@heraldcorp.com
