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Lawmaker Receives Emergency Medicine Honor, Vows to Fight for Systemic Change
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Seoul, South Korea – February 6, 2024 – New Reform Party Assembly member Lee Joo-young was honored with the Yoon Handeok Award on February 4th, a recognition she initially questioned, viewing it not as praise for past achievements but as a call to persevere in advocating for improvements to Korea’s strained emergency medical system.
- Lee joo-young received the 5th Yoon Handeok Award for her dedication to emergency medicine.
- The award prompted reflection on the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for systemic improvements.
- Lee pledged to continue advocating for emergency medicine and pediatric care, bridging divides between political parties and medical professionals.
- She donated the entire prize money to asan Medical Center’s Children’s Hospital.
Lee Joo-young, a member of the National Assembly, admitted to feeling conflicted upon learning she would receive the 5th ‘Yoon Handeok Award’ at a memorial service for the late director of the National Medical Center’s Central Emergency medical Center, yoon Han-deok, held on February 4th. she initially wondered what she had done to deserve such an honor, especially considering her departure from direct emergency room practice and her relatively limited legislative successes to date.
A Burden of Responsibility
“To be honest, my first thought was, ‘Why am I receiving this award?'” Lee shared during a meeting with reporters on February 5th. She expressed concern that the award might be premature, given that many dedicated medical professionals continue to work tirelessly on the front lines of emergency care. Lee acknowledged the immense pressure faced by emergency room staff, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the systemic issues that contributed to the crisis. She emphasized the need for ongoing efforts to address these challenges and improve the overall emergency medical infrastructure.
Lee explained that she views the award as a responsibility to continue advocating for those working in emergency medicine. She detailed her approach to the legislative process, explaining that when drafting legislation related to the Emergency Medical Services Act, she routinely seeks input from officials at the Central Emergency Medical Center, asking whether proposed language would create undue burdens or offer meaningful improvements.
Looking ahead, Lee intends to prioritize policies that strengthen both emergency medicine and pediatric care. She believes her political party can play a crucial role in fostering collaboration between the ruling and opposition parties, the National Assembly, and the government.She aims to serve as a bridge,facilitating communication and consensus-building within the medical community and beyond.
A Commitment to the Future
Lee announced her decision to donate the entire prize money to the Children’s Hospital at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, a hospital with which she has a long-standing relationship and that has consistently supported pediatric hospice care. She explained that the donation was a way to reaffirm her commitment to the field and to honor the legacy of Dr. Yoon Han-deok.
Reflecting on her time working in the emergency room from 2015 to 2024, Lee highlighted the meaningful changes that occurred during that period, including the evolution of pediatric emergency services and the implementation of new medical details systems like MEDIS and KTAS. She credited Dr. Yoon Han-deok’s continuous contributions and dedication as central to these advancements.
“Emergency medicine is medical care that dreams of providing the most complete treatment in the most inadequate situations,” Lee concluded. “It’s a field where every minute counts, where we meet patients on the road, frequently enough with limited information. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the emergency medicine and medical staff who have become Korea’s heroes, protecting our communities.”