Dear esteemed members of the Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine,

Warm greetings to you all.

I am Hee Suk Shin, and it is my great honor to begin my term as the 28th President of the Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine as of November 2025.
First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest respect and gratitude to the former presidents who have devoted themselves to the development of our Academy. I also sincerely thank all committee members and fellow colleagues whose continued dedication has enabled our Academy to become the leading organization in the field of rehabilitation medicine in Korea.

Our Academy bears a vital mission — to enhance the quality of life of our people through the advancement of rehabilitation medicine and to support patients in their recovery and return to society.
At a time of rapid demographic aging, increasing chronic diseases, and rising demand for rehabilitation services, the role of rehabilitation medicine has never been more crucial. Building upon our strong academic achievements and clinical expertise, it is now time for us to pursue practical and innovative transformation together.
In particular, we must urgently address the following priorities:
Redefining the role of rehabilitation medicine in tertiary hospitals amid ongoing restructuring, Establishing a comprehensive rehabilitation care system centered on convalescent rehabilitation hospitals, and improving relevant laws and systems, including the Medical Technicians Act, in response to the expansion of home-visit rehabilitation services. Our Academy will take the lead in these discussions by working closely with the government, related organizations, and our members. We are committed to clearly presenting the Academy’s position to enhance the quality and safety of rehabilitation care while expanding practical and accessible rehabilitation services.
Furthermore, we aim to integrate AI, big data, and digital health technologies into rehabilitation medicine and to design innovative models of “visiting rehabilitation” and “personalized rehabilitation” that truly benefit our patients and communities.

Dear members,
We stand at a time of profound change and challenge. Yet, I firmly believe that with the wisdom and passion of our academic committees, training hospitals, clinical practitioners, and every member of our Academy, we can fully achieve these goals together.
I sincerely ask for your continued participation and support as we work toward a brighter future for our Academy and the field of rehabilitation medicine.

Thank you.

Hee Suk Shin, M.D., Ph.D.
President, Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine
“The Power to Move Me: Rehabilitation Medicine.”