Vancouver, Canada: The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Vancouver successfully held the "Next Generation Korean Physician Networking Night" on November 21 at the Paradox Hotel in downtown Vancouver, gathering about 70 attendees, including next-generation physicians.
The event featured remarks by Consul General Jongho Kyun, BC MLA Paul Choi (representing Burnaby South-Metrotown), as well as next-generation Korean physicians and medical students from the Vancouver area. Dr. Victoria Lee, President and CEO of Fraser Health Authority, which oversees approximately 2 million people in areas with high Korean populations (including Burnaby, Coquitlam, Langley, and Surrey), delivered a keynote speech.
In his address, Consul General Kyun highlighted that the Korea-Canada relationship has evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership since 2022, focusing on cooperation for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. He noted that the human exchanges between the two countries, which began with the dedication of Canadian physicians who traveled to Korea as missionaries in the 19th century, are central to the bilateral relationship, which now includes over 100,000 members of the Korean community in the western region alone.
Additionally, Kyun expressed hope that this networking event would reaffirm the Korean identity of Canadian-Korean physicians and foster a sense of community. He urged that the BC Korean Medical Association, established in 2004, be revitalized to contribute to the Korean community and the broader society.
The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Vancouver has continuously supported Korean networking initiatives, leading to the establishment of the BC Korean Professors Association and the BC chapter of the Korean Canadian Bar Association. Moving forward, the Consulate plans to host various networking events for next-generation Koreans across different professions to provide communication opportunities and support the development of the Korean community.
