Dear students and distinguished professors. And to our alumni and staff who carry on Ewha's traditions and values.

As the 28th Dean of Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, I am honored to introduce the vision and direction of our college. It is both a privilege and a profound responsibility to lead an institution with such a distinguished history and a bold commitment to innovation.

Ewha Womans University College of Medicine is where women's medical education began in Korea. I often think of the hearts of female medical missionaries who came to this small, unfamiliar country called Joseon 138 years ago to establish Booguyeogwan (Universal Salvation Hall for Women) and dedicated themselves to education, medical care, and missionary work. While the historical significance of being the "first" should not be overlooked, what is even more precious is the spirit and values that founded Ewha - namely, sharing and serving others by spreading God's love and helping those in pain, and striving to create a better society through education. The factors diminish in value over time. Newly constructed buildings, state-of-the-art equipment, and high-end products are examples of this. However, some things shine brighter and increase in value over time. I believe that the core values that Ewha should pursue are the cultivation of excellent medical professionals, medical research as the seed of future medicine, and the highest level of expertise and experience, which can only be achieved through long-term accumulation.

The medical environment in our country is facing significant challenges. Many issues need to be addressed, such as temporary delays and confusion in medical education, an adequate supply of medical personnel, and problems in essential medical fields. Even amidst an unprecedented situation in the medical community, where clinical professors are working around the clock in clinics and wards, our medical school has not been sad or complaining. To fulfill our solemn duty of educating future leaders in medicine and driving medical innovation through research, we have continued to implement various student education programs and faculty research support initiatives unique to Ewha, even during the temporary suspension of regular medical education in 2024. As the new dean, I have set the following priorities for this year to pave the way for Ewha's next leap forward.

First, we must establish a sustainable medical education system at Ewha that can thrive in any environment.

Second, fostering an ecosystem that supports individual faculty research capabilities and collaborative research.

Third, to expand and concretize high-level international exchanges to strengthen Ewha's global medical leadership.

I know that none of these can be achieved through the efforts of a few individuals; therefore, my fourth goal is to build a community at Ewha Medical School that grows through communication and collaboration. I will work to firmly establish a culture wherein all university staff, researchers, and professors deeply understand and respect each other's roles and values, and show consideration for each other, so that everyone can take pride in their work and realize their potential. Above all, we will listen more closely to the voices of our alumni, who have always shown unwavering trust and commitment, and will work with them to address challenges.

We owe the development of our medical school to you. You will also be the driving force behind our future growth. As a world-renowned private university that has played a leading role in the education of female medical professionals, we hope that Ewha Medical School will become a light of this age, as the Bible says (Isaiah 60:1): "Arise, shine, for your light has come."

I would also like to say a few words to our beloved students who are going through a difficult time. Our studies and research are not about building an ivory tower detached from social reality, but rather a journey to find the best way to heal the people around us who are suffering every day. Despite temporary interruptions and delays in your studies, please continue to strive to maintain the two most important things: the "high aspirations" you had when you entered Ewha Medical School and the "good habits" you have cultivated to achieve them. These two things will serve as a shield to protect you from any turbulence in life.

The Dean's Office is always open. Please feel free to visit us at any time to share your thoughts, feelings, and encouragement for the future of Ewha Womans University College of Medicine.

Thank you.

Dean of Ewha Womans University College of Medicine

Kang Duk Hee