Seasoned trauma physician leads new era at Korea University Ansan Hospital

Suh Dong-hun, new director of Korea University Ansan Hospital, delivers his inauguration speech in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, Monday. Courtesy of Korea University Ansan Hospital

Korea University Ansan Hospital began a new chapter on Monday as Suh Dong-hun, a physician widely recognized for his expertise in treating severe trauma cases, took over its leadership. The hospital, a key institution in the industrial area southwest of Seoul, has undergone a remarkable transformation since its modest founding in 1985.

Starting as a 100-bed facility, it has expanded into a major tertiary care center now encompassing 767 beds, becoming a crucial hub for specialized medical services throughout Ansan, Gyeonggi Province. In a region that once struggled to keep pace with the health care needs of its rapidly growing industrial base, Korea University Ansan Hospital has become an indispensable cornerstone of the local health system, reflecting the area's development and its increasing reliance on comprehensive medical care.

The welcoming ceremony for Suh was attended by distinguished guests, including Korea University President Kim Dong-one, Korea Choongang Education Foundation Executive Director Park Myung-sik, and Yoon Eul-sik, executive vice president for medical affairs at Korea University and president and CEO of Korea University Medicine.

Born in 1970, Suh graduated from Korea University College of Medicine and later earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees from the same institution.

Suh specializes in hip disorders, along with pelvic and femoral fractures. Until recently, he served as the hospital’s deputy director, becoming instrumental in ensuring smooth operations and fostering strong internal and external partnerships that helped elevate the institution's status.

In a speech, Suh emphasized the importance of fostering a people-centered organizational culture, highlighting it as key to attracting top professionals and ensuring the hospital's continued growth and success.

“Securing highly skilled experts is essentially securing the hospital’s future,” he said. “I will mobilize every possible means to ensure that future.”

The president of Korea University congratulated the new director and pledged his full support for the hospital.

“This year marks both the 40th anniversary of Korea University Ansan Hospital and the 120th anniversary of Korea University — a truly meaningful milestone,” Kim said. “We are determined to become an indispensable institution that tackles humanity’s greatest challenges. To achieve that, the role of hospitals — which are responsible for the quality of life — is more important than ever.”

Suh, the hospital’s 21st director, outlined plans to establish a foundation for long-term service to the community, focusing on the hospital’s continued development and its role in addressing future health care needs.

“I will devote myself to growing alongside the region and building trust with our patients,” he said. “But turning that promise into reality depends on our staff. I will work to improve the working environment so you can take pride in what you do, and I will communicate with humility every step of the way.”