A local medic could help up to 150 people start new lives with his donated organs and tissues following his death.
The Korea Organization for Sharing Tissue said Tuesday that it had received the donation by the late Dr. Park Joon-chul, head of the surgery department at Hana Hospital Clinic. He died of a heart attack on Oct. 6.
This is the first time in Korea a local doctor has become an organ donor. Park left his skin, bones, joints, marrow, veins, valves and other tissues to be used to treat diseases or disorders.
According to the organization, Dr. Kim Jeong-chul of Gimpo Woori Hospital suggested that Park donate his bodily tissues considering his support for organ donation.
Park traveled around the world from the Philippines to Africa for medical volunteer work. He also helped those in need with free medical services.
“He always said helping other people is what doctors should do. He always said he would like to donate his body after death,” his wife Song Mi-kyeong told the Chosun Ilbo daily, adding that the bereaved family members consented to his wish.
“Currently, Korea imports 78 percent of human tissues because not many people pledge organ donation. We hope Park could inspire other people to donate their organs after death,” said a KOST official.
By Bae Ji-sook (
baejisook@heraldcorp.com)
