Dr. Paik Nam-sun, Head of the International Medical Project at Ewha Womans University Medical Center (EUMC), received a commendation from the Minister of Health and Welfare on the 14th in recognition of his contribution to the development of global healthcare and Korean medical care.
The “Medical Korea Global Healthcare Contribution Award” is awarded to organizations and individuals who have made efforts to develop the domestic medical industry by promoting the excellence of Korean medical care and promoting overseas medical tourism and attracting foreign patients.
Paik is a noted doctor who serves as the Head of the Ewha Womans University Women's Cancer Hospital, is the first Asian breast cancer hospital to adopt breast-conserving surgery in 1986. The surgery, which reduces the recurrence rate by removing breast cancer tissue, increases survival rate, and simultaneously carries out breast reconstruction, has been evaluated to have contributed to the physical and mental health of breast cancer patients in Korea. Since then, Paik has been recognized for his medical achievements by conducting a "simultaneous reconstruction" that reconstructs the breast at the same time as a mastectomy.
In addition, since 2009, Director Paik has obtained the achievement of promoting the excellence of Korean medical care to the world through attracting foreign patients, training foreign medical staff, and inviting lectures abroad, so that 4,000 people visit the Ewha Womans University Women's Cancer Hospital every year. Since 2011, through frequent overseas business trips, he has also taken the lead in pioneering overseas markets with demonstrations and lectures on surgery for breast and thyroid cancer patients in hospitals around the world.
“As a doctor for 37 years, what I have always been thinking about was 'How can I help patients to live a happy and healthy life while reducing their physical and mental pain?' Paik said. "I hope that the new COVID-19 crisis ends and more contributions can be made to promoting the excellence of Korean medical technology through volunteering and attracting foreign patients.”