Future perspective on international affairs for Korean doctors

Shin, Dong Chun

doi:2018.61.4.220

J Korean Med Assoc > Volume 61(4); 2018 > Article

Opinion

Journal of the Korean Medical Association 2018;61(4):220-223.
Published online April 19, 2018.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2018.61.4.220

Future perspective on international affairs for Korean doctors

Dong Chun Shin

Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. dshin5@yuhs.ac

Abstract

The Korean Medical Association (KMA) has been requested to respond proactively and effectively to local agendas reflecting global perspectives in order to lead our society through the dynamic and fast-changing health care environment, which faces issues such as big data, artificial intelligence, and the increasing health-related impacts of climate change and fine particulate matter. Since the KMA joined the World Medical Association (WMA) in 1949 and the Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania (CMAAO) in 1956, the KMA has made continuous progress in international affairs. Based on these achievements, the KMA has recently played important roles, such as the chair of the WMA Finance and Planning Committee, a council member in the WMA, and a council chair in the CMAAO. For the next several decades, the WMA and CMAAO are still expected to be the basic channels for sharing trends and visions, discussing health challenges across borders, and developing powerful initiatives that improve people's health. Maintaining current partnerships with the WMA and CMAAO and strengthening strategic collaboration with promising national medical associations are required to extend the KMA's influence. Training next-generation representatives to build capacity for international relations might also be necessary for the sustainability of international collaboration. Through the KMA's advancements in international affairs, incorporating harmonious perspectives on local, regional, and global agendas, the KMA is fully expected to contribute to addressing health challenges by demonstrating its leadership.

Key Words: International affairs, Korean Medical Association, World Medical Association, Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania