Korean takes the helm of global neurorehabilitation: Seoul National University Hospital President Baek Nam-jong takes office as WFNR president

[Financial News] A Korean is set to lead an international neurorehabilitation organization comprising member societies in 41 countries and more than 5,000 members. The appointment is seen as further raising the international standing of Korean neurorehabilitation research.
Seoul National University Hospital said its president, Baek Nam-jong, a professor of Rehabilitation Medicine, took office as the first Korean president of the World Federation for NeuroRehabilitation (WFNR) at the 14th World Congress for NeuroRehabilitation, held on the 15th. His term is four years.
Founded in 1996, the WFNR is a UK-based multidisciplinary international organization. It runs 38 Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and works with national societies around the world. Its activities include raising awareness of neurorehabilitation, providing education and training, supporting research, facilitating exchanges among experts, and promoting international cooperation.
The World Congress for NeuroRehabilitation (WCNR), held every two years by the WFNR, is a leading international academic event in the field. This year's 14th congress was held in Daegu from the 14th to the 17th, with neurorehabilitation researchers and clinicians from around the world in attendance.
President Baek has led research into the rehabilitation of neurological disorders, including stroke, and has recently also worked on research applying artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health technologies to rehabilitation medicine.
Newly appointed WFNR President Baek said, "With populations aging rapidly around the world, the number of patients with neurological disorders such as stroke, dementia and Parkinson's disease is growing, and the importance of neurorehabilitation is greater than ever. In particular, neurorehabilitation is advancing rapidly as cutting-edge technologies such as brain-computer interfaces (BCI) and neuromodulation are incorporated into rehabilitation treatment."
He added, "Efforts are also needed to reduce disparities in neurorehabilitation care around the world, including in low- and middle-income countries, so that the benefits of these advances do not remain limited to just a few countries. As president, I will strengthen cooperation with national societies and lead efforts on both advancing cutting-edge technology and improving access to healthcare."


[email protected] Jeong Myeong-jin, Medical Correspondent Reporter