Vision of society integration: Remaining and future issues

Abstract

For integrating academic societies, the main themes for vision consideration were membership composition, specialist system, relationship with study groups, pediatric oncology education, and internationalization efforts. The importance of aiming for an organization that emphasizes total care, like the International Society of Pediatric Oncology, was recognized as the organization’s philosophy. During my tenure as president, the reforms necessary to achieve this vision were performed. These include restructuring the organization from a specified non-profit organization to a general incorporated association, publication of a textbook for pediatric hematology and oncology, holding educational seminars for doctors involved in pediatric hematology and oncology through lectures and case presentations in seven regional blocks nationwide, establishment of the liaison council for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancer-related academic societies, conclusion of a contract to make the Pediatric Blood & Cancer an official journal, conclusion of an academic/researcher exchange business agreement with the Korean Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, the e-mail distribution of JSPHO news, and the online journalization of the Journal of JSPHO. It is hoped that long-term follow-up and transitional medical care systems will be developed in the future and that international collaboration will be further strengthened. Furthermore, in light of the accelerated practical application of telemedicine due to the evolution of ICT, it is hoped that academic activities will focus on a new era of pediatric hematology and oncology, including a review of the medical system that considers the QOL of patients and their families.