Hallym University Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital

The Burn Research Center of Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital has been designated as one of the recipients of the government grants on new projects for research and development in medical healthcare. The plan to boost research activities in healthcare for the second half of 2008 was publicly offered by the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs (MIHWAF). The center will receive five billion won for the next five years from the ministry for research.

Such government support will enable Hangang to carry out several projects: the development of rehabilitation treatment for physical and psychological aftereffects of burn by Dr. In-Geun Choi of the department of psychiatry; the treatment of burn wound using myelocyte and growth factor by Dr. Jong-Hyun Choi of burn surgery; and the development of bio-artificial skin using substitutes for skin and cultured skin cells by Dr. Wook Chun of burn surgery.

Dr. In-Geun Choi, director of the Burn Research Center, said, "By greatly advancing treatment skills, we will be able to provide burn victims with quality medical care, and make a big contribution to enhancing the quality of their life as well."

Since its opening in 1986, Hangang has performed outstanding clinical burn treatment, and is taking care of 1,200 severe burn patients every year. Its burn research center was designated as an emergency medical center for burn treatment by the government in January, 2006. The center has been improving its emergency medical care system, and expanding medical equipment and facilities for burn treatment on the government aid and its own investment.

By Jonghun Im, Int'l Operations Team, HUMC