Greeting

Greetings from the Chairperson of the executive board.

To members of the Korean Association of Anatomists,

The Korean Association of Anatomists (KAA) celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2017. We are proud of the longest history and tradition among medical societies in Korea. In 1947, with 12 members, 'Chosun Association of Anatomists' made its first step, leading the development of Korean anatomy. A total of 67 academic conferences have been held so far, and the number of members has now grown to about 1,100. This is not the result of self-determination but the result of the dedication and enthusiasm of our seniors. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and respect.

Distinguished members of the Korean Association of Anatomists!

I have been in charge of the Chairperson of the executive board of KAA for the next two years. It feels like I have a heavy burden, however, I do not worry much since I believe in your support. I will do my very best for the development of our association. We need to make a bigger development by stepping on the accomplishments of our seniors. We must do our best to be firmly established as a pillar of future medicine in which anatomy protects human life and health. In the reality that the size of the basic medicine in the country is decreased, we will have to devote ourselves to education and research so that we can reestablish the status of anatomy and reach out to the future.

I will do my best to fulfill this mission of our association for the next two years. First of all, I will devote all the capacity of the Society to the successful hosting of the 8th Asia-Pacific International Congress of Anatomists (APICA) at Busan in 2018. Also, by riding the momentum, I will make an effort to make the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA) be held in Korea in 2024. In addition, the SCI publication of our academic journal, Anatomy and Cell Biology (ACB), which is a wish of the society, must be accomplished. And anatomy, histology, neuroanatomy, and embryology will be standardized by universities in the country to strengthen the foundation for scholarly development. In particular, I will also hurry to unify the terms of the anatomy in preparation for the reunification of Korea. Internally, we will communicate with members and expand the meeting with senior members to create a vibrant atmosphere. We will also provide various experience opportunities to change the general perception of anatomy.

Two years is never long to do these tasks. I cannot do it alone with the power of the chairperson alone. It is only possible if everyone is involved and interested. Let's go hand in hand for the development and advancement of KAA.

I kindly ask for your support and encouragement. Once again, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you who have visited the KAA homepage.

I wish you all the best in your every endeavor.

Yours sincerely,

Kyu Youn Ahn,
Chairperson of the executive board
Korean Association of Anatomists