Dr. JoongHyun Nam/ Chungnam National University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital/ Korea

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Veterinarian Spotlight #14:
Dr. JoongHyun Nam

We are delighted to introduce Dr. JoongHyun Nam as this month’s featured veterinarian. Grew up and educated in the beautiful southern region of Korea, Dr. Nam graduated from Gyeongsang National University. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he carried out a distinctive form of military service as a Public Health Veterinarian and conducted quarantine services for animals within the region. He later served as Chief of the Medical Department at Union Animal Medical Center in Changwon-city and is now pursuing a Master’s degree in Veterinary Surgery at Chungnam National University.

Bio:

  • Graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University
  • Undergraduate Researcher, Surgery Laboratory, Gyeongsang National University
  • Public Health Veterinarian, Livestock Quarantine Team, Haman County Office
  • Public Health Veterinarian, Livestock Quarantine Team, Animal Hygiene Testing Institute, Gyeongsangnam-do
  • Chief of Medical Department, Union Animal Medical Center, Changwon-city
  • Master’s course in Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University (Current)
  • Chief of Surgery, Chungnam National University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (Current)

 

Q1 :  How would you introduce yourself in 3 words

Bright and positive energy, creative thinking, and a good listener.

 

Q2 : At what age, did you decide to become a vet?

Although he has now crossed the rainbow bridge, my bond with my first family dog, ‘Chungbok,’ who came into my life when I was fifteen, was the reason I chose the path to become a veterinarian. The profession of a veterinarian held a sense of mission and attraction for me, in that it would allow me to protect these pure beings, who give unconditional love, from the closest possible position.


Q3 : What do you like the most for being a vet?

For me, who has loved and cherished animals since I was young, being a veterinarian is more than just a job; it is the realization of “doing what you love”—a perfect alignment of my passion and my profession. The fact that this path allows me to better understand and protect the beings I love so much brings me immense fulfillment and happiness.

 

Q4 : One sentence that describes your value as a vet.

The value I hold most important as a veterinarian is ‘compassion’; it is my goal to be a helper who deeply empathizes with and embraces the suffering of the animal and the feelings of the owner, taking responsibility to the very end—going far beyond mere sympathy.

 

Q5 : Can you share one memorable moment in your career as a vet?

The moment when patients, upon being discharged, act affectionately and seek comfort from their owners always touches my heart deeply. It seems the larger the dog, the greater the emotion, and I find myself feeling particularly affectionate towards large breeds.

A few months ago, a Doberman presenting with lameness due to Wobbler syndrome was admitted. There were many challenges, from the genetic nature of the disease to the surgical preparation and even nights spent monitoring the patient post-operation. However, the patient eventually regained the ability to walk properly. On the day of discharge, seeing him excitedly and a bit clumsily trotting around in front of his owner brought an overwhelming sense of fulfillment as a veterinarian.

The image of a patient I’ve cared for with all my dedication leaving the hospital healthy in this way is always vividly etched in my memory.”

 

Q6 : What is your expertise (pursuing focus)?

Although I feel I still have a long way to go, I want to study more deeply in the field of transplant vascular surgery and pave new paths within veterinary medicine.

 

Q7 : What do you like the most about CardioBird?

Fast interpretation, ease of use, and high accuracy.

CardioBird enables ECG measurement in less than one minute with minimal stress to the patient, and a professional ECG analysis report can be obtained within 10 minutes. It is highly useful as equipment for evaluating the overall condition of patients as well as for pre- and post-anesthetic ECG examinations.

Q8: Surely you have a dream. What do you hope to accomplish through your career or in life?

Ultimately, I want to pioneer pathways to provide more advanced treatments in order to improve the quality of life for companion animals. My goal is to become a veterinarian who expands the boundaries of veterinary medicine through diverse clinical experience and research, ensuring there are no moments where owners must give up due to a lack of treatment options, thereby offering hope to both pets and their owners.

Furthermore, as an individual, I wish to live a life of constant learning and humble growth, improving myself every day.