In this blog post, I reflect on the meaning of true service and the role of a physician in action through the life of Dr. Lee Jong-wook.
Dr. Lee Jong-wook is a figure I deeply respect. He was a senior at Seoul National University College of Medicine and served as the sixth Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), leaving an outstanding legacy in global health. He was a man who, based on his expertise as a physician and his international perspective, dedicated himself to advancing human health and lived a life of true service.
Even during his medical school years, Dr. Lee resolved to live a life of service. He voluntarily participated in caring for Hansen’s disease patients at St. Lazarus Village in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province. Hansen’s disease was a condition subject to severe social prejudice and discrimination at the time. His actions—reaching out to patients, treating them directly, and caring for them—were more than mere service.
This was possible because of his deep understanding of humanity and warm compassion. After graduating from medical school, Dr. Lee worked as a physician at a hospital in Samoa, a small island nation in the South Pacific, at the young age of 36, continuing his dedicated medical service in underserved areas. He then began medical volunteer work at the WHO South Pacific Office, marking the start of his full-fledged career in international health.
After performing various duties at WHO headquarters, he ultimately rose to become the head of the World Health Organization, serving as its sixth Director-General. During his tenure, he made significant contributions to dramatically reducing the global incidence of leprosy, AIDS, and polio. This earned him the nickname ‘the Vaccine Emperor’ and made him a globally respected figure. Within WHO, his strong drive and passion earned him the nickname “a man of action.”
I have a deep interest in international health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO). Particularly about three years ago, during the H1N1 flu pandemic, I witnessed WHO collaborating with nations to establish international countermeasures, supplying treatments like Tamiflu, and gradually suppressing the disease’s spread. This experience made me keenly aware of how vital the existence and role of international health organizations truly are. This experience inspired me to dream of a life where I too could join a health organization as a physician, working to prevent diseases that could emerge in society and participating in various campaign activities that practice sharing.
For me, Dr. Lee Jong-wook is the role model who most ideally realized that dream. Even in the highest position as WHO Director-General, he never lost sight of his original aspirations, always leading the way for humanity’s health and welfare through action and practice. I became eager to understand Dr. Lee’s life and philosophy more deeply, and my respect for him grew steadily over time.
Two particular statements made by Dr. Lee Jong-wook left a profound impression on me.
First, he said, “In international organizations, narrow-minded racism and petty patriotism cannot endure; do not imagine the glamorous, narrow-minded diplomat without passion.” Working for an international organization like the WHO might initially evoke the glamorous image of a diplomat active on the international stage. However, Dr. Jong-Wook emphasized the truth hidden behind that image. That is, working in an international organization is not about prestige or a flashy title, but must be grounded in extreme patience and a constant spirit of service. Hearing this made me reflect on whether I, too, had perhaps only admired the outward status of international organizations, and it reaffirmed that a genuine spirit of service is the core quality required to work in such an organization.
Second, he said, “Once you decide to do something, you must start and push forward; you should only question whether it is truly the right thing to do and something that must be done for humanity.” This statement perfectly illustrates the professor’s exceptional execution and sincerity. No matter how many good ideas or policies one conceives, they are useless unless they translate into action. Indeed, most work carried out by international health organizations directly impacts human lives, demanding swift and resolute execution. The Doctor’s words deeply impressed upon me that ‘good intentions without action are meaningless.’ I, too, resolved that whatever I undertake in the future, I will not hesitate to translate my thoughts and ideals into concrete action.
My dream of volunteering for an international organization is something that can never be achieved with a casual mindset of “let’s just try volunteering once.” Such an attitude breeds a narrow perspective and can actually be counterproductive, offering no real help and potentially causing harm. I deeply realized that I must approach not only the volunteer work currently underway at Boramae Hospital, but all future volunteer activities, with a sincere attitude. A warm regard for each individual patient and a responsible attitude are essential. To achieve this, love, empathy, and dedication toward people are indispensable, transcending mere knowledge or technical skills.
Furthermore, to realize overseas volunteer work with international organizations in the future, I must become proficient in various foreign languages, including English. I will strive relentlessly to acquire not only precise medical knowledge but also broad understanding and expertise spanning health policy, international welfare, and administration. Dr. Lee Jong-wook embodies all these qualities yet remains humble, always leading by action in his dedication to human health. To me, he is more than a figure of simple respect; he is a compass guiding my practical life direction.
In this way, Dr. Lee Jong-wook has profoundly influenced my spirit of service and my life values, illuminating the path ahead for me with greater clarity. His words, actions, and philosophy of life have shaped who I am today and will be the driving force for my future growth. Emulating his spirit, I take one step forward each day, striving to become a physician who can contribute to the health and welfare of people worldwide, someday as a member of an international organization.
