The 4th World Korean Medical Organization’s annual convention was held in Los Angeles, California this year on July 2nd to July 4th at the Intercontinental Los Angeles Century City. The convention focused on a theme: “Transcultural Healthcare and Global Initiatives” and featured four specific forums and distinguished speakers to learn and identify the roles and needs of physicians in various aspects of healthcare. 

 

On July 2nd, starting with an opening performance, registration and opening reception started. Congressman Mike Honda came over to give keynote speech which was titled as “Hepatitis B: role of WKMO, Take It Global!” There were four great forum sessions throughout two days. Session A: “The Brain” was organized by neurologists aiming to navigate a wide spectrum of disorders including epilepsy, stroke, Alzheimer’s and other neurological issues; Session B: “The Mental Health Issues of Korean Americans” was designed to discuss various mental health issues of Korean immigrants in the U.S.; Session C: “Imaging and Digital Technology in Health” to discuss new advances in imaging sciences and their application in clinical medicine and Session D: “Distance Care around the World” was organized by representatives from different countries who overviewed telehealth and related healthcare issues in respective nations. Thanks to all the speakers, every session was rich and fruitful making the convention as another influential achievement of WKMO.

 

At the end of July 4th, there was WKMO Gala Dinner where Consul General Hyun Myung Kim came to give congratulatory remarks and Dr. Chan Hie Kim spoke as a keynote speaker. Also, WKMO held an award ceremony in two different aspects: one in WKMO Global Leadership and the other one in Appreciation Awards.

 

WKMO was privileged this year to honor Dr. Ui Hwa Chung, the Speaker of National Assembly of Korea and Congressman Mike Honda. These distinguished guests are WKMO Global Leadership awardees. Their achievements and leadership in global health and healthcare industry, and their insights into how we can better serve the world as physicians are inspiring. The Appreciation Awards recognized individuals who have made unique contributions to the promotion and advancement of the WKMO and its vision. Awardees included: Dr. Sang Choon Cha, Dr. Tai P. Yoo, Mr. Soo-In Cho and Dr. Joe McMenamin. One additional thing that made this year’s convention special and meaningful was that at the end of the award ceremony, Dr. David Ko received a gavel from Dr. Chul S. Hyun celebrating WKMO’s new president. Dr. Chul S. Hyun, the first president of WKMO, made countless achievements and contributions to WKMO with his great passion towards WKMO’s vision and goals. Now Dr. David Ko, new president of WKMO, is handed the baton and will continue to develop and nurture WKMO.