Korea University College of Medicine (Dean Seong Bom Pyun) successfully hosted the inaugural Korea University Medical Scientist Training Program (KU-MSTP) International Symposium and Inauguration Ceremony on Friday, November 21, marking a significant milestone in nurturing future physician-scientist leaders who will shape the next generation of medicine. Through this event, the College formally launched a comprehensive physician-scientist training system that bridges basic science and clinical practice while significantly expanding its global research collaboration network.
The international symposium welcomed distinguished invited speakers including Professor Barbara Kazmierczak from Yale University and Professor Anthony Ferrante from Columbia University. Recently, Yale School of Medicine and Korea University College of Medicine signed an agreement to jointly pursue academic forums as well as collaborative research and education, thereby reinforcing the foundation of mutual trust between the two institutions. Yale School of Medicine Dean Nancy Brown has previously lauded Korea University College of Medicine’s physician-scientist training model and research excellence, expressing a strong interest in establishing a joint educational framework. Against this backdrop, the visit of Professor Kazmierczak—Director of Yale’s Medical Scientist Training Program—to Korea for this symposium has further reinforced cooperation between the two institutions.
The event was also attended by leading global scholars, including Dr. Fathi Karouia from NASA and Professor John Nicholls from the University of Hong Kong. Key domestic research and policy leaders participated as well, including Tae-gyun Song, Head of the Bio-health Innovation Division at the Korea Health Industry Development Institute; Professor Jong-il Kim of Seoul National University College of Medicine (President of the Korean Association of Physician-Scientists); and Professor Min-gu Lee, Director of the MSTP at Yonsei University College of Medicine.
The symposium featured a keynote lecture by Professor Barbara Kazmierczak and comprised five thematic sessions covering (1) Physician-Scientist Education Models, (2) Infectious Diseases and Inflammation, (3) Space Medicine, (4) Obesity and Metabolic Diseases, and (5) the KU Physician-Scientist Data Blitz, which showcased presentations by emerging physician-scientists from Korea University College of Medicine. Participants shared cutting-edge scientific achievements and strategies for advancing physician-scientist education. During the opening ceremony, an official plaque unveiling marked the full-scale launch of the Physician-Scientist Training Program.
Korea University’s full-cycle Physician-Scientist Training Program is led by Professor Wonsuk Choi, Director of Undergraduate Support Programs; Professor Hyun Soo Kim, Director of Residency Support Programs; Professor Jee Hoon Roh, who oversees the full-time doctoral program; and Professor Sun Wook Hwang, who leads postdoctoral research development. Each faculty leader plays a key role in implementing an integrated, stage-by-stage training system—from student recruitment and research-clinical integration to overseas fellowships and long-term career development.
Professor of Neurology Jee Hoon Roh, Deputy Director of KU-MSTP and chief organizer of the event, stated, “Korea University College of Medicine is undertaking ambitious educational reforms— including curriculum innovation and expanded scholarship opportunities— to cultivate the next generation of physician-scientists, particularly in light of the upcoming transition to an integrated six-year program.” He added, “We strongly encourage young medical students to take an active interest and participate enthusiastically in this transformative journey.”
Professor Hyun Soo Kim, Director of KU-MSTP, emphasized, “To propel medicine forward, we need physician-scientists who can transform clinical questions into impactful research and propose groundbreaking solutions.” He continued, “This inauguration marks a crucial first step toward establishing a uniquely Korean ecosystem for physician-scientist development. Korea University College of Medicine will continue to lead in expanding international research networks and educational platforms.”
Dean Seong Bom Pyun highlighted the importance of mentorship, stating, “The presence of strong role models is one of the most critical factors in fostering outstanding physician-scientists.” He added, “Korea University is committed to supporting diverse MD-PhD pathways, including those for clinical specialists entering basic medical science fields. We are providing doctoral opportunities and research training in collaboration with Yale University and Johns Hopkins University, while empowering young physician-scientists to mentor the next generation.”
Looking ahead, Korea University College of Medicine plans to build a comprehensive physician-scientist training ecosystem through KU-MSTP, while gradually expanding international joint education programs, research collaborations, and fellowship opportunities. The institution also aims to strengthen its global research network by institutionalizing recurring international symposia, invited-scholar seminars, and multi-institution research forums.