ISSUE 18

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Our 18th issue marks the end of 2018, a year full of changes, challenges and controversies regarding healthcare, especially in the United States. Surviving numerous contestations by the incumbent presidential administration, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has proven to be a formidable fixture of federally funded healthcare, and with several bold policy decisions and agendas—including the Food and Drug Administration’s crackdown on e-cigarette use—the focus on health, and the maintenance of it, is as significant as ever.

For our cover story, we met with Dr. Terry Kim, a professor of Ophthalmology at the Duke University Eye Center who has dedicated his life to improving and preserving vision, one of the most delicate senses. As Chief of Duke’s Cornea and External Disease Service and Director of the Refractive Surgery Service, Dr. Kim is a triple threat: a prominent surgeon continuously listed and voted one of the top doctors in the U.S., a principal investigator with award-winning research and a dedicated teacher to young, aspiring doctors. We explore Dr. Kim’s passion for mentorship and extensive work within the national and international ophthalmology communities. We were also able to glean some insight into the ongoing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in ophthalmology, such as the introduction of the brain-computer interface (BCI) to restore loss of vision from retinitis pigmentosa, in conjunction with the FDA-approved Argus retinal prosthesis system. The burgeoning field of BCI has incredible potential, promising so many new ways to approach medicine that even Elon Musk is interested, with his own neurotechnology company looking to develop implantable BCIs.

Touching on the theme of exciting, fresh developments in healthcare, this issue also highlights the upcoming 11th New York Health Forum (NYHF) with the theme “Healthcare/Life Sciences Industry: Preparing for 2019.” Akin to how translational research brings experts from various backgrounds together to improve health outcomes, the NYHF brings together hundreds of healthcare stakeholders— from academia, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, Wall Street and other institutions and fields—to address current and future healthcare issues and trends. We explore how the triannual conference promotes synergistic collaboration and discourse within an industry that is as multi-faceted and everchanging as its constituents.

2018 was a remarkable year. At WKMJ, we wish all our readers a festive holiday season and look forward to a healthy and prosperous 2019.

David Y. Ko, MD

Publisher

President of WKMO

Loma Linda University

FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Pulitzer-winning investigative reporter John Carreyou examines the breathtaking rise and subsequent collapse of Theranos—the infamous blood-testing startup once valued at $9 billion—in his book “Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup.” In its review for the nationally acclaimed bestseller, Publisher Weekly praises Carreyrou’s skillful integration of “lucid descriptions of Theranos’s technology and its failures with a vivid portrait of its toxic culture and its supporters’ delusional boosterism. The result is a bracing cautionary tale about visionary entrepreneurship gone very wrong.” Visionary leadership can often make or break an organization, playing a crucial role in its success. Nonetheless, Theranos warns entrepreneurs that vision should always be built around a foundation of truth and principles.

Including “Bad Blood,” I have read about 20 books this year. With about a month left in 2018, I believe I will be reaching my goal of completing 2 books every month. The volumes I chose have been diverse in both subject and author, but the emphasis on the importance of two things—people and purpose— has remained consistent. At WKMJ, we strive to find those who also believe in the value of these two organizational components for our covers. Every issue explores what it means to be a great leader with equally invaluable purpose.

For this issue, we feature another passionate and inspiring leader in the medical arena. Dr. Terry Kim, a professor of Ophthalmology at Duke’s medical school, is also on the executive boards of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the Cornea Society. Dr. Kim, who will serve as Vice President of ASCRS next year and President of the organization in 2020, shared with us his various experiences as a leader who has lived through, and continues to see, groundbreaking advancements in medical technology and surgical techniques.

Our Special Report features the New York Health Forum, a quarter yearly, one-day event that draws innovators from all areas of the global medical and life sciences industries to discuss the next big healthcare trends and concerns. The report focuses on the people and purpose of the unique platform, in addition to its initiatives and progress. I believe the New York Health Forum will become one of the key players in cross-border collaborations and transactions.

We also discuss new developments in the bio-health industry in this edition of the WKMJ. I always thank my writers and partner media organizations who endeavor to share important stories with our readers. Their contributions provide valuable knowledge and insights. As the year draws to a close, I hope you will find both information and inspiration within these pages.

DoHyun Cho, PhD

Editor in Chief

President & CEO of W Medical Strategy Group

Chairman of New York Health Forum