KFSYSCC: Taking from Society, Giving Back to Society

By Andrew T. Huang, Chairman and Dean of KFSYSCC

A New Chapter Begins

For over three decades, the Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center (KFSYSCC) has been a pioneer in the field of cancer treatment in Taiwan. From its inception in 1990 until 1997, under the leadership of Dean Juei Low Sung, we were temporarily housed within Renai Hospital, embarking on the journey of operating the nation's first cancer treatment center. This period laid the solid foundation and strength of KFSYSCC. From 1997 to 2023, we moved to our current location, with myself as the dean, inspiring the KFSYSCC team to continue growing and achieving better results, marking outstanding achievements in various aspects. Now, I am honored to serve as the chairman of KFSYSCC, feeling a profound sense of responsibility. I am committed to helping KFSYSCC turn a new chapter.

Significant Improvement in Medical Outcomes

The contribution of KFSYSCC to the development of cancer treatment in Taiwan is undeniable. Thanks to the years of dedication by our team, we have significantly improved the five-year survival rate of our cancer patients, giving a new lease on life to more than 58,000 individuals. Initially, the five-year survival rate of patients at the time of the hospital's opening was 55%. Through the initial phase of development and the relentless efforts of every team member, the five-year survival rate at KFSYSCC has now improved to 75%. This achievement not only proves the advancement in KFSYSCC's medical technology but also affirms the selfless dedication of all our colleagues. As the new chairman, I will continue to strive to enhance the medical standards at KFSYSCC, standing together with all colleagues to bring hope and happiness to more cancer patients.

Medical Quality Recognized by Patients

Beyond pursuing advancements in medical technology, we also value patients' satisfaction with the quality of medical care. Recently, under the commission of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Dean Cheng Shou-Hsia of the National Taiwan University College of Public Health conducted a "Pilot Study on the Operation Model of Inpatient Medical Experience Survey" across national hospitals. The results showed that KFSYSCC ranked first nationwide in the Patient-Reported Hospital Quality (PRHQ) across all hospitals, including medical centers, regional hospitals, and local hospitals. For KFSYSCC, which prioritizes patient welfare, this is the best New Year gift! At KFSYSCC, we are committed to providing high-quality medical care to cancer patients. We not only focus on enhancing medical technology but also value the warmth of interactions with patients and their families. This research result confirms that we have been moving in the right direction!

The Four Major Development Plans of KFSYSCC

Regarding the new phase of KFSYSCC, I propose four major development plans. First, we will strengthen research and application in the field of molecular medicine to improve the precision of diagnosis and treatment. Second, we will continue to develop the health promotion center, providing comprehensive health services to the nearby community, turning the red marks in health check reports back to black. Third, we will expand palliative care to improve the quality of life for patients in the terminal phase of their lives, ensuring a comfortable and dignified end. Lastly, we will continue to cultivate more talented professionals in the medical field, hoping they will take on significant roles in the future development of Taiwan's medical sector.

At the opening press conference of KFSYSCC in March 1990, a journalist asked Chairman Koo Chen-Fu how he would manage this corporate affiliate. Chairman Koo immediately responded, "The Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center Hospital is not a corporate affiliate of our group but a public welfare institution we received from society and give back to society." As the new chairman, I will inherit the philosophy of the first chairman and ensure that the spirit of "Taking from Society, Giving Back to Society" never fades. I will work hard to support KFSYSCC in continuing its mission with unwavering belief. I am confident that with the joint efforts of all colleagues, we can create a more secure future for cancer patients.