Dr. Shin Hyung-ik has been appointed as the new director of the National Rehabilitation Center, an institution operated by Seoul National University Hospital. His tenure is set to begin on September 1, 2024, and will extend for two years until August 31, 2026.
The National Rehabilitation Center was established by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to minimize the long-term disabilities of traffic accident victims and support their swift reintegration into society. It is a public rehabilitation hospital managed under a consignment agreement with Seoul National University Hospital. The center specializes in the rehabilitation of patients with severe disabilities resulting from various causes, including traffic accidents, falls, and industrial disasters. As of July 2026, approximately 70.8% of all inpatients at the center were individuals with severe disabilities.
Key Goals for Enhanced Rehabilitation Services
Upon assuming his role, Director Shin outlined four primary objectives for the center:
- Strengthening the rehabilitation services for patients with severe disabilities.
- Establishing a continuum of care through the development of outpatient rehabilitation services.
- Enhancing clinical and policy research.
- Nurturing specialized talent in the field of severe disability rehabilitation.
The center currently possesses a multidisciplinary treatment system capable of treating patients with severe disabilities, leveraging its expertise and its unique national program for automobile insurance-focused rehabilitation. Building on this foundation, the plan is to expand treatment capabilities to include patients with even more severe conditions. A significant development will be the opening of an outpatient rehabilitation center in 2027. This new facility aims to create a seamless treatment pathway, connecting inpatient care to outpatient follow-ups and ensuring continuity from initial admission through to community-based rehabilitation.
Furthermore, the center intends to broaden its social reintegration support services for individuals recovering from severe disabilities. This includes expanding the social reintegration registry project and strengthening multidisciplinary education and exchange programs to cultivate a new generation of rehabilitation specialists.
Vision for the Future of Rehabilitation Medicine
Director Shin expressed his commitment to advancing the field of severe disability rehabilitation. “We will further enhance the specialization of severe disability rehabilitation and develop a comprehensive rehabilitation care system that leaves no gaps,” he stated. “By proactively preparing for the evolving landscape of rehabilitation medicine, we will drive the continuous development of the National Rehabilitation Center.”
His vision emphasizes a proactive approach to the dynamic changes within the rehabilitation sector, aiming to position the National Rehabilitation Center as a leader in providing advanced and accessible care. This forward-thinking strategy is designed to ensure the institution remains at the forefront of medical innovation and patient support.
Background and Expertise
Dr. Shin Hyung-ik brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished academic background to his new position. He is an alumnus of Seoul National University College of Medicine and holds master’s and doctoral degrees from Dongguk University. His extensive career in rehabilitation medicine includes previous roles as a physician at the National Rehabilitation Center and the head of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Seoul National University Hospital.
His leadership extends to significant positions within professional organizations. He has served as the president of the Korean Academy of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, a policy director for the Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine, and vice president of the Korean Society of Critical Care Rehabilitation. This deep involvement in professional societies underscores his commitment to advancing the field and shaping its future direction through policy and practice.
Director Shin’s appointment is expected to usher in a new era of specialized care and research at the National Rehabilitation Center, focusing on improving outcomes for patients with severe disabilities and strengthening the overall rehabilitation infrastructure in South Korea.
