On February 12, it was announced that Gangnam Peter Hospital has recruited Professor Hong Seung-bong, a recognized authority in epilepsy and sleep medicine from Samsung Seoul Hospital’s neurology department (former president of the Korean Society of Epilepsy), to establish a specialized medical system, including the opening of an epilepsy sleep center.
Professor Hong Seung-bong led academic advancements and nurtured medical professionals through active academic activities, serving as the president of the Korean Society of Epilepsy from 2015 to 2018, the Korean Sleep Society, and the Asian Sleep Society. He expanded the foundation for epilepsy treatment by establishing the country’s first epilepsy support center and pioneering the introduction of magnetoencephalography equipment and surgical robots. In recognition of these contributions, he became the first Korean to receive the Asian and Oceanian Outstanding Achievement Award from the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) in 2022.
Together with Professor Hong’s appointment, Gangnam Peter Hospital plans to open a specialized epilepsy treatment center in March. It aims to build a comprehensive specialized medical system covering intensive epilepsy treatment and the entire field of neurosurgery. The center will be equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure, including the medical surgery robot Chimer and Cadwell EEG equipment specialized in stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG). The hospital aspires to enhance its expertise in the neurosurgery field and establish itself as a leading medical institution setting new standards for epilepsy treatment.
In South Korea, it is estimated that there are about 350,000 to 400,000 epilepsy patients. However, only seven hospitals in the country can perform epilepsy surgery, and the number of surgeries is too low for patients to receive appropriate treatment. A hospital representative stated that by inviting Professor Hong and opening the epilepsy center, the accessibility of epilepsy surgical treatment in South Korea will be improved, ultimately expanding treatment opportunities and improving the quality of life for patients.
Professor Hong Seung-bong expressed his determination to continue providing better treatment environments for epilepsy patients and elevate the treatment standard for epilepsy in South Korea. Yoon Kang-jun, the chief director of Gangnam Peter Hospital, emphasized that by recruiting Professor Hong and establishing the specialized epilepsy treatment center, the hospital will strengthen its neurosurgical expertise and lay a new foundation for related treatments, leading to the provision of better and innovative medical services and qualitative progress in epilepsy treatment in the country.