Wonkwang University Hospital to Become a Patient-Oriented Hospital

Commemorating 100 days in office, President of Wonkwang University Hospital, Du Young Choi, vows with faculty members to improve quality of service

“I am thankful for the staff who participated in transforming Wonkwang University Hospital into a ‘patient-oriented’ hospital with enthusiasm. Thanks to the cooperation from the staff, we are already witnessing small yet meaningful results.” said Du Young Choi, President of Wonkwang University Hospital. On June 9, commemorating his 100^th day as President of the hospital, President Choi added that “The medical service sector needs to change. All of us should take part in the change and create a patient-oriented hospital.” President Choi chose friendly service, safety of patients and the quality of medical service as key elements for the patient-oriented hospital. He put an extra emphasis on the attitude of the medical staff. “Recently, the Wonkwang University Hospital started a three-step service training session. Many members of the staff participated in the session,” he said. President Choi also took pride in the research conducted by professors at Wonkwang University Hospital. “Professors Myeong Soo Lee and Chang Hoon Lee were awarded the Young Researcher Award and the Excellent Poster Award respectively at the 25^th Spring Conference of the Korean College of Rheumatology & the 9^th International Symposium. Professor Sang-deok Kim, the President of the Korean Society of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, also published the third edition of Ophthalmology.” President Choi promised continued support to research in distinguished fieldsof medicine. Wonkwang University Hospital Selected as the Anti-Smoking Center of the Jeonbuk area Wonkwang University Hospital was also selected as the site for the regional Anti-Smoking Center last April and receives 2.7 billion won for three years for anti-smoking campaigns. President Choi welcomed the news and said that the Hospital, along with the Jeonbuk Regional Cardiocerebrovascular Center will continue to work for the healthy lives of local citizens. When asked of his proudest achievement as president of the hospital, President Choi chose signing the MOU with the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation, Hyundai Motors and Jeonju Kijeon College. “Industrial complex are crucial in this region and the Hospital will continue cooperating with them.” President Choi also mentioned the volunteer medical service at Thai Nguyen, Vietnam and Cambodia, along with being chosen for the International Patients Foster Project and for the Korea-Mongolia Training Session and signing an MOU with the University of Cebu Medical Center as his most memorable achievements. The importance of harmony and communication Wonkwang University Hospital has recently held a staff field day. President Choi commented that “Due to the nature of hospital work, there is a lack of opportunities for all the staff to communicate and get together. I am planning on holding more events such as the field day for the staff to freely communicate with each other.” Placing emphasis on the Wonkwang University Hospital’s cooperative organizational culture, President Choi urged the staff to communicate and share information with other teams so as to make Wonkwang University Hospital to be one of the best hospitals where patients can feel safe. He further explained that he is fully supporting team meetings and is planning on an overseas training program for nurses. Expanding the Hospital’s Network President Choi also announced that he plans to expand the hospital’s network, with the help of the medical school’s alumni, retired faculty members and its affiliated hospitals. He intends the use the expanded network fully, by asking them to participate and give feedback for the future of Wonkwang University Hospital. The Jeonbuk Regional Cardiocerebrovascular Center’s recent MOU with five hospitals in the Iksan area is a testament to President Choi’s determination. He adds that “Through MOUs with local hospitals, the Wonkwang University Hospital can receive feedback. Strengthening the alumni network will enable the alumni to participate in school and hospital events. I am hoping that such networking would lead to the development of the Wonkwang University Hospital in many ways.” President Choi further vowed to put transparency to the fore when hiring personnel. Lastly, President Choi commented on his first 100 days as the president of the hospital. “There are moments when I have to make difficult decisions. Such moments can sometimes feel lonely. But after 100 days, I am getting used to it.”