A/Prof Sujeong Kim is currently the Vice Director of the Research Institute for Hospice and Palliative Care, the Catholic University of Korea and is a member of the APHN Council.
What drew you to work in this particular field of paediatric palliative care?
I worked as a nurse in a neonatal intensive care unit. The hospital where I worked was the last hope for cases throughout the country that had not responded well to treatment. As a result, I saved many babies, but I also had to witness many deaths due to the severity of their conditions. But, when I had just moved the bed of a recently deceased baby to the corner and was performing CPR on a new baby right next to it, I often questioned myself, ‘Is this right?’. I felt that I needed to do something for the deceased babies and their families, but I had no idea what to do. This led me to think that I should learn about pediatric hospice care. However, at that time, the concept of pediatric hospice care was unfamiliar in Korea, so I went to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. and learn about it. I want to help healthcare providers develop the ability to feel fulfillment in caring for terminally ill children without ethical distress, just as they find joy and satisfaction in saving lives.
“It takes a village to raise a child!” As I raise my son who is now a teenager, I realize that raising a child requires a tremendous amount of effort and it needs the support of society. Even raising a healthy child is challenging, raising a sick child must require an immense amount of help. Hope my research and project trajectory will help to ensure that children and families facing such difficulties receive social attention and practical support.
If you could learn any new skill instantly, what would it be?
Effective communication skills and leadership.
What’s your favorite season and why?
Spring, I love the time when the new leaves emerge and cover the area in light green, before foliage becomes dense. They are immature, yet beautiful, vibrant, and full of life. Though it’s uncertain how they will grow, the thought that they will turn out wonderful makes me excited.