Hallym University Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital

On July 1, Dr. Yong-Sun Kim, a Chair Professor at Hallym University College of Medicine, was appointed as the 19th President of Hallym University Medical Center(HUMC). His tenure will last until August 31, 2026.

Dr. Kim earned his bachelor's degree in Medicine from The Catholic University of Korea School of Medicine, a master's degree in Preventive Medicine from Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, and a Ph.D. in Pathology from the State University of New York College of Medicine.

Dr. Kim has held several key positions at Hallym University and Hallym University Medical Center. He has served as a professor in the Department of Microbiology at Hallym University College of Medicine, Director of the Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Dean of Hallym University College of Medicine, and Executive Vice President for Health and Biomedical Sciences at Hallym University. Currently, he is the Chief of the International Cooperation and Research at Hallym University Medical Center, a Chair of the Faculty Appointments Committee, a Chair Professor at Hallym University College of Medicine, and a Research Advisor at Hallym University Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital.

In addition, Dr. Kim has been active in academic circles, serving as President of the Microbiological Society of Korea, the Korean Society for Gerontology, and the Korean Society for Virology. He is also involved with the American Society for Virology, the American Academy of Neurology, the NeuroPrion, the Asian Pacific Society of Prion Research, and the National Academy of Medicine of Korea.

Dr. Kim is a leading expert in the field of virology and has conducted extensive research on prions, infectious agents composed solely of protein without nucleic acids. His major research topics include "Pathomechanisms of Neurodegeneration in Prion Diseases," "Development of Early Diagnostic Techniques and Therapeutics for Prion Diseases," and "The Role of Endogenous Retroviruses in Age-related Neurodegenerative Changes."

Dr. Kim stated, "I will do my utmost to foster communication and innovation so that the five hospitals under Hallym University Medical Center can achieve new changes and breakthroughs through synergy."

By Hyunmin Park, International Cooperation Team, HUMC (hmin@hallym.or.kr)