Hallym University Professor Commended for Rare Disease Research and Patient Support

Professor Ji-young Shin of Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital has received a commendation from the Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency for her significant contributions to the treatment and support of patients with rare neuromuscular diseases. The recognition was presented at the ’10th Rare Disease Overcoming Day’ ceremony in Seoul on March 10, 2026.

Commitment to Rare Disease Treatment

Professor Shin was honored for her long-standing dedication to maintaining a specialized treatment center for individuals affected by rare neuromuscular diseases and for her efforts to improve the overall treatment system and expand patient support resources.

“Rare diseases often lack medical accessibility and institutional support due to the small number of patients, so patients and their families have to bear a large burden,” Professor Shin stated. “We will strive to improve the research and treatment environment so that patients with rare diseases can receive more stable and systematic treatment without being left out.”

Expertise in Neuromuscular Disorders

Professor Ji-young Shin is a recognized authority in the field of rare neurological diseases in Korea. She operates a specialized clinic for rare and incurable neuromuscular diseases at Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital. Her contributions extend to several key roles within professional organizations, including:

• General Affairs Director and Textbook Editing Committee Member of the Korean Neurological Association
• Academic Director of the Korean Neuromuscular Disorders Association
• Editorial Committee Member of the Society of Neuroimmunology

Hallym University and Rare Disease Research

Hallym University has demonstrated a commitment to addressing healthcare challenges, including rare diseases. Research conducted at Hallym University, such as a study on the association between asthma and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients [1], highlights the institution’s dedication to medical advancement. The university’s Sacred Heart Hospital plays a crucial role in providing specialized care and fostering research in complex medical conditions.

National Survey of Infection Control Practices

Researchers affiliated with Hallym University’s Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital have also contributed to national efforts to improve healthcare quality. A nationwide survey evaluating infection prevention and control (IPC) components in acute care hospitals in the Republic of Korea [4], revealed areas for improvement in standard operating procedures, particularly in smaller hospitals.

Professor Park Ji Young, from the Department of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine at Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, has published extensively on respiratory infections and medicine [3].