Dedicated to Pediatric Cancer and Rare Hematologic Diseases for Over 30 Years, Leading Advances in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Korea

President Ho Joon Im of the Asan Medical Center Children's Hospital Says “I Will Remain a Physician Who Holds a Child’s Hand with Warmth and Shares in Parents’ Concerns, Never Forgetting the Fundamentals of Care”

▲ (From left) Sung-kyu Lee, President of the Korean Hospital Association; President Ho Joon Im of the Asan Medical Center Children's Hospital; Young-Joo Kim, CEO of Chong Kun Dang Pharm.

President Ho Joon Im of the Asan Medical Center Children's Hospital and the Professor of the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, received the 16th Chong Kun Dang Respectable Hospital Figure Award at the 40th anniversary ceremony of Hospital News held on April 22 at Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Seoul.

The Chong Kun Dang Respectable Hospital Figure Award was established by the Korean Hospital Association, Hospital News, and Chong Kun Dang to identify and encourage hospital professionals who have made significant contributions to the development of the medical field and to promote the establishment of a desirable hospital culture. Professor Ho Joon Im received this award in recognition of his dedication over the past 30 years to treating pediatric cancer and rare, intractable hematologic diseases, as well as his contributions to advancing the pediatric care system.

Professor Ho Joon Im is recognized as one of Korea’s leading experts in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and is regarded as an authority in haploidentical transplantation. He has achieved world-class treatment outcomes in aplastic anemia and has contributed to expanding treatment opportunities for pediatric patients with cancer and hematologic diseases who were previously unable to undergo transplantation due to the lack of suitable donors by establishing haploidentical stem cell transplantation in Korea.

In addition, since 2025, Professor Ho Joon Im has been serving as President of the Asan Medical Center Children's Hospital, where he has been working to strengthen communication and collaboration among medical staff and to build a patient safety–centered care environment. In particular, he is striving to improve the clinical system and safety framework of the Children’s Hospital to create a safer and more sustainable pediatric care environment.

President Ho Joon Im of the Asan Medical Center Children's Hospital and the Professor of the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology said, “While medical technology is advancing rapidly and the healthcare environment continues to change, I believe the essence of pediatric care remains unchanged. I hope to remain a physician who never forgets the fundamentals—holding a child’s hand with warmth, sharing in parents’ concerns, and rejoicing together in even the smallest moments of recovery.”

He added, “I will keep the meaning of this award deeply in my heart and continue to quietly fulfill my role by the side of children.”