The Korean Medical Women’s Association (KMWA) was actively involved in the 2024 Western Pacific Regional Conference, which took place from July 11 to 13, 2024, in Cebu, Philippines. 24 KMWA members participated. They delivered academic presentations and participated in various activities, focusing on “Empowering Women in Medical Education and Leadership.” Bong Ok Kim, Vice President of MWIA’s Western Pacific Region, stressed the importance of long-term, diverse mentoring to help female physicians develop their potential during a panel discussion on “Mentorship for Women in Medicine.” Deborah Shin, a former member of the Korean National Assembly, spoke about “Empowered Voices in Medicine: Women Leading Change,” sharing her experiences in public office and discussing the role of women in leading change in the medical field. Sun Jae Jung’s lecture on “Achieving Harmony: Navigating Life Events in Women Physicians” provided insights into the latest developments in preventive medicine related to work-life balance. On the final day of the Western Pacific Regional Conference, KMWA hosted the second Kyung Ah Park Award Ceremony. The recipient was Professor Gabrielle Casper, a former MWIA president. In her acceptance speech, Dr. Casper highlighted the significant achievements of Kyung Ah Park, the former president of MWIA. Throughout the conference, KMWA members wore traditional Korean attire (hanbok), showcasing Korean culture and the organization’s history. They also actively engaged in cultural exchanges with female doctors from other countries.
The 19th National Congress of Korean Medical Women‘s Regional Representatives and the Monthly Academic Symposium was held on Aug. 24, 2024, at Gangnam Severance Hospital. Many executives and members from across the country participated, and the added presence of the executive from the South Jeolla Province branch was welcomed. The event comprised three parts: Part 1- The Monthly Symposium, Part 2- The Opening Ceremony with Congratulatory Remarks by Distinguished Guests. Part 3 -The 19th National Congress of Representatives of Medical Women. The Monthly Symposium included lectures on “Successful Obesity Management,” “Managing Intestinal Health,” and “Skin Recovery Tips After Summer.” Part 3 featured an in-depth presentation and discussion on this year’s theme, ‘Healthcare Policy and Female Physician Leadership.’ Dr. Duk Sun Ahn, director of the Korean Medical Association Institute for Healthcare Policy, delivered a presentation on ‘The medical community’s alternatives to the government’s increasing medical school quota and addressing the collapse of essential healthcare.’ Other experts from various fields shared their opinions. Additionally, there was a discussion on representing leadership among female physicians in rural areas through addressing local healthcare needs based on field experiences and policy perspectives.
Fig 1. KMWA members wearing traditional Korean attire (hanbok)
Fig 2. KMWA hosts the 19th National Congress of Korean Medical Women Regional Representatives.