image: Master’s degree conferment ceremony for the Dr. Lee Jong-wook Fellowship Program
Credit: KU Medicine
Healthcare professionals from seven countries complete two years of education and research
Graduates poised to help advance healthcare in their home countries
Korea University College of Medicine held a master’s degree conferment ceremony for the Dr. Lee Jong-wook Fellowship Program on August 18, 2026 in the College’s main building. Fifteen fellows from seven countries—the program’s inaugural cohort—received their master’s degrees after completing approximately two years of education and research.
The fellowship’s degree program is one of the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare’s (KOFIH) initiatives to develop global healthcare talent. It invites healthcare professionals from developing countries to enroll in formal degree programs at Korean universities, providing specialized education and research opportunities. The program aims to cultivate professionals who will lead healthcare development in their home countries upon their return.
Korea University College of Medicine has operated the program since 2024. The 15 fellows selected that year completed master’s programs in their respective disciplines over the past two years: five in basic medical sciences, six in medical education, and four in nursing. Another 12 fellows, who enrolled last year, are continuing their studies and research in their respective fields.
The fellows received structured training encompassing discipline-specific coursework, research methodology, thesis research, academic activities, and lectures and seminars led by experts. In particular, they conducted research addressing healthcare challenges in their home countries, developing both academic expertise and practical problem-solving skills they can apply upon their return.
The graduates bring professional experience from healthcare and educational institutions in their respective countries. Drawing on the specialized knowledge and research skills acquired at Korea University College of Medicine, they will return to their institutions to help improve the quality of healthcare services, train healthcare professionals, and strengthen healthcare systems.
Senior leaders and academic supervisors from the College, KOFIH representatives, and fellows attended the ceremony to celebrate the graduates’ achievements and support them as they embark on the next stage of their careers.
“The graduates receiving their degrees today will carry forward the legacy of Dr. Lee Jong-wook, former Director-General of the World Health Organization, whose work embodied a commitment to practical action on the ground,” said Sung Bom Pyun, Dean of Korea University College of Medicine and Director of the Dr. Lee Jong-wook Fellowship Education Program. “We hope they will build on the knowledge and experience gained at Korea University to become leaders who bring positive change to healthcare in their countries.”
Korea University College of Medicine will continue to support capacity building for healthcare professionals in developing countries through international collaboration. It also plans to maintain and expand its network of graduates and their institutions, fostering continued cooperation to ensure that the benefits of the program translate into improvements in healthcare practice in each country.
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