About
Board Chair's Letter
Dear colleagues,
It is great pleasure to welcome all of you to the KAMA. The Korean American Medical Association (KAMA) is an organization that share many important common values among physicians of Korean heritage practicing medicine in USA. There are an estimated 18,000 to 20,000 physicians of Korean heritage nationwide. Founded in 1974, KAMA has grown over the past five decades, and is dedicated to fostering community, sharing expertise, promoting professional development, and advancing the contributions of Korean American physicians both in the U.S. and abroad.
The history of the Korean physician in the USA goes back to the 19th century, when Dr. Soh Jaipil became the first Korean to receive an American medical degree from George Washington University in 1892. Since then, generations of Korean physicians have come to the USA for further training and have contributed immensely to health care as well as academic advances in the USA. Furthermore, for the past few decades, these first-generation Korean American physicians contributed enormously to academic and technical advances of the medical system in Korea. Without contribution from these dedicated Korean American physicians, the magnificent technical and academic advances of Korean Medicine would have been difficult to achieve.
Recent KAMA conventions have served as highly successful platforms for professional growth, mentorship, and community building. In 2024, we had 50th annual KAMA convention at Shilla Hotel in Seoul. During this convention, we strengthened collaboration between the United States and Korea, from government institutions to physician groups including Korean Medical Association (KMA), Korean Hospital Association (KHA), major academic institutions and medical groups. US Ambassador to South Korea attended along with Korean minister of Health, 5 members of the Korean National Assembly, Presidents of KMA, KHA, largest hospitals, Korean Women medical association, and Korean Surgical Society. 4 branches of U.S. military stationed in Korea attended including commanding general. In 2025, we had 51st annual KAMA (50th Scientific) convention in Washington DC. Over 200 addended with the highest attendance registered for students and residents. Keynote speakers included AMA president, Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Howard Koh. Joint sessions with the Korean Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), and Korea University were also held.
As Korean American physicians, we recognize a special responsibility to mentor and support the next generation. Medical students and residents across the U.S. have shown great interest in following our footsteps, forming the Korean American Medical Student Association (KAMSA) and the Korean American Residents and Fellows Association (KAMRAF). Their activities have grown steadily, providing opportunities for leadership, professional development, and community engagement.
Looking to the future, KAMA continues to address challenges such as healthcare delivery and health disparities within the Korean American community, promoting equitable opportunities in medical education for Korean American Students, strengthening collaboration between the U.S. and Korean medical communities through research partnerships, medical education exchanges, an information network for locating expertise, and many more.
We can handle these challenges more effectively if we work together. By increasing KAMA membership and fostering solidarity among us, we can build a strong foundation for the long-term growth of our community. We invite you to join us, contribute your talents, and help KAMA continue to thrive for future generations. I look forward to working with you in near future.
Thank you,
Brice Byung-Il Choi, M.D.
Chairman of the Board of Directors,
Korean American Medical Association