• Vision and Goals

As the current president of KAMPANY, what are your primary goals for the organization during your tenure, and how do you plan to address the challenges faced by Korean American physicians today?

As the current president of KAMPANY, my primary goal is to foster a vibrant and supportive community among Korean American physicians. We are incredibly diligent and hardworking, but too often, we work in silos. By bringing physicians together, we can create a community not only of excellence but also of camaraderie, where we can grow stronger while serving the community.

• Community Impact

KAMPANY has been instrumental in supporting Korean American physicians and communities. Can you share any recent initiatives or projects that you feel have had a significant impact on healthcare access or education?

KAMPANY has always been committed to supporting healthcare access and education in our community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we stepped up with massive drive-through testing efforts to meet the community’s needs. This year, we provided health fairs at churches in Flushing and at Northwell Hospital, offering services like blood pressure and diabetes screenings, flu shots, and specialist consultations. These health fairs make a significant impact by giving access to uninsured, undocumented individuals, and the elderly, who might not otherwise see a specialist.

We’ve also worked closely with the Korean American Nursing Association, providing lectures to educate nurses and mid-level providers, and collaborating during our health fairs. Expanding beyond the NY area is another priority, with plans for international medical trips to serve underserved populations. These trips allow us to give back globally while enriching our own perspectives and connections.

•  Future Directions

How do you envision KAMPANY evolving in the next five years, particularly in fostering collaboration among Korean American physicians and the broader medical community?

KAMPANY has been the leading nonprofit organization in the tristate area, dedicated to community-based work. We see ourselves as part of KAMA, a larger national organization, alongside two other groups in the tristate area. KNI focuses on supporting IMGs as they immigrate and settle in the U.S., while AKAM primarily consists of U.S. graduates gathering for networking and cross-referrals. Many of us are involved in all three organizations, and I would love to see these groups come together as one united community.

Our theme for the 2024 gala, Rise Up! Rise Together: Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders, reflects this vision. I see KAMPANY evolving into a physician organization that not only serves patients but also mentors and inspires the next generation. We’ve been awarding scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students annually, and this year, we’re introducing a special scholarship for a primary care track resident. Serving the community requires a special heart, especially when it comes to caring for our elders. I envision KAMPANY physicians becoming healthy role models for the next generation—leaders they can aspire to emulate.

• Reflections on Leadership

Looking back on your tenure as president, what do you consider your most significant achievements, and how have they shaped KAMPANY’s role within the medical community?

My most significant achievement has been fostering a stronger sense of community among Korean American physicians. By breaking down silos and encouraging collaboration, we have cultivated a network that thrives on camaraderie, mutual support, and shared goals. Strengthening our role as part of the larger national organization, the Korean American Medical Association (KAMA), and maintaining strong relationships with AKAM and KNI, we have expanded our network of physicians while creating opportunities for greater collaboration and impact.

Through initiatives such as health fairs and partnerships with organizations like Korean Community Services, MinKwon, and the Korean American Nursing Association, we have significantly expanded access to healthcare in underserved communities. These efforts have demonstrated the power of unity in action, allowing us to make a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals.

• Lessons Learned

What were the key challenges you faced during your presidency, and what advice would you give to future leaders of KAMPANY to navigate similar situations?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing the diverse needs of our members while ensuring that we stayed true to our mission. Korean American physicians are incredibly driven and busy, which sometimes makes it difficult to engage everyone effectively. To address this, I focused on creating initiatives that were both meaningful and accessible, such as smaller-scale health fairs and events that cater to specific interests.

Another significant challenge was navigating the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The isolation many physicians experienced, combined with the financial hurdles our organization faced, required strategic and empathetic leadership. Rebuilding trust and momentum took time, but it reinforced the importance of adaptability and perseverance.

My advice to future leaders would be to listen closely to the needs of your members and the community you serve. Be adaptable, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box when addressing challenges. Most importantly, lead with empathy—it’s the foundation of trust and collaboration.

• Legacy and Influence

How has KAMPANY grown or changed since its establishment, and what do you hope your contributions have inspired in its current and future leadership?

Since its founding in the 1980s as an organization that courageously advocated for Korean physicians against larger forces that misunderstood and underestimated us, KAMPANY has become a beacon of resilience and leadership in the Korean American medical community. What began as a group dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of Korean physicians in New York has evolved into a multifaceted organization with a mission to uplift, connect, and empower its members.

Today, KAMPANY is more than a community-based organization—it’s a force for good. Our initiatives span healthcare access and education, mentorship, international outreach, and personal development. These efforts reflect our commitment to not only serve the underserved but also to nurture the professional and personal growth of our members.