Professor Keum Ki-chang of radiation oncology at Yonsei University College of Medicine has been appointed as CEO and President of Yonsei University Health System (YUHS) and YUHS Vice President for Health Sciences, Severance Hospital said on Tuesday. His term will begin on March 1 and will last for four years.

The new YHUS chief will oversee Yonsei University’s College of Medicine, College of Dentistry, College of Nursing, Graduate School of Public Health, Severance Hospital, Gangnam Severance Hospital, and Yongin Severance Hospital.

Professor Keum has held various key positions, having previously served as the director of the public relations office at YUHS, vice president of Yonsei Cancer Center, and president of Yonsei Cancer Center. He notably led the construction project of the heavy particle therapy facility and served as the head of the Songdo Severance Hospital construction project.

As his main pledges, Keum has proposed initiatives such as a human-centered culture, sustainable and efficient management, diversification of fundraising routes, establishment of a master plan for YUHS' spaces, establishment of an innovative and essential medical system, reconstruction of digital infrastructure, and expansion of research infrastructure.

Keum said, "I will establish a sound and sustainable management structure so that hospital management does not falter amidst rapidly changing external circumstances. I will also rebuild the outdated hospital information system and bring about changes and innovations in treatment and research."