Dear esteemed members of the Korean Society of Clinical Microbiology,
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have joined us for the 28th Annual Conference of the Korean Society of Clinical Microbiology.
This year’s conference, held under the theme “Advances in Clinical Microbiology: From Culture to Whole Genome Sequencing,” provides a timely opportunity to reflect on the evolving role and direction of our society in the face of the rapidly changing paradigm of infectious disease diagnostics.
Through this occasion, we aim to revisit the fundamentals of microbial culture methods tailored to various infection sites and to reexamine molecular diagnostic techniques that are routinely employed in clinical settings. Moreover, we seek to explore the expanding frontiers of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and engage in meaningful discussions on the integration of both conventional and emerging technologies into clinical practice, along with their future potential.
Over the years, the Korean Society of Clinical Microbiology has played a pivotal role in the diagnosis of infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance management, and public health responses. The recent leaps in medical technology have significantly enhanced the precision and speed of clinical diagnostics, along with the capacity to trace and predict the spread of infectious diseases. This conference serves as a valuable platform to share the latest scientific knowledge and real-world experiences in this era of rapid advancement.
At the same time, we must acknowledge that Korea’s current healthcare landscape is facing considerable challenges.
During ongoing conflicts in healthcare policy, many of our colleagues—including students and residents—are enduring difficult circumstances, striving to maintain clinical and research excellence. Likewise, our partners in the diagnostic and healthcare industry are also facing significant hardships.
In these challenging times, we believe it is more important than ever for our academic community to reflect on how we can contribute and stand together–- sharing knowledge and offering mutual support—to overcome these challenges together.
We sincerely hope that this year’s meeting will be a meaningful forum to share the academic vision of the Korean Society of Clinical Microbiology, to reflect on the current realities of our healthcare system, and to seek out a shared path forward.
Thank you once again for your participation.
June 2025
President Jong Wook Lee, MD, PhD
Chairperson of the Board Jae-Seok Kim, MD, PhD
Korean Society of Clinical Microbiology
