Lee Gil-yeo, president of Gachon University, has been appointed as the first honorary member of the Korean Academy of Engineering.
The Korean Academy of Engineering held its '55th Regular General Meeting and Honorary Membership Ceremony' at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul on the 17th and announced that it has appointed President Lee as its first honorary member.
The Korean Academy of Engineering is a special corporation established in 1996 to discover and reward engineering technicians who have made significant contributions to the development of engineering and technology, and to contribute to the nation's continuous development through academic research and support projects related to engineering technology. To honor the achievements of those who contributed to Korea's industry and economy, the academy established an honorary member system, and President Lee, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, has been appointed as the first honorary member.
The Korean Academy of Engineering stated that the reason for appointing President Lee as the first honorary member is that, since opening Lee Gil-yeo Obstetrics and Gynecology in Incheon in 1958, she has continued to innovate as a 'first' in establishing the first non-profit medical corporation by a female doctor, introducing the country's first ultrasound equipment, hospital computerization, operating a doctor helicopter and trauma center.
In her speech at the honorary member appointment ceremony, President Lee said, 'It is a great honor to be appointed as the first honorary member of the Korean Academy of Engineering, which leads the development of Korean engineering and technological innovation.' She added, 'I have spent my entire life as a doctor constantly pondering how to accurately diagnose and treat patients' diseases and alleviate their suffering.'
She noted, 'Although I am not an engineer, I believe that my ability to become an honorary member of the Korean Academy of Engineering is perhaps due to my 'love' for patients.' She continued, 'I believe that both medical professionals and engineers share the same goals in striving for the health and happiness of humanity.' She added, 'Identifying hidden pains in the world and diligently researching to create solutions is not easy, and it requires exceptional passion and determination, which is why I believe that excellent engineers and medical professionals are true innovators in society.'
President Lee said, 'I have lived passionately for ninety years with love for humanity and a spirit of innovation,' adding, 'As an honorary member, I will do my utmost for the advancement of engineering and for the sustainable growth of our society and the well-being of humanity.' She also expressed her hope that 'this gathering will facilitate the boundless meeting of excellent engineers and medical professionals and contribute to making our society healthier and happier.'