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| Suh Chang-suk |
A screening process is now underway for the 52-year-old, who works at the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Seoul National University Hospital in Bundang, Gyeonggi Province.
Suh's nomination came after his predecessor, Lee Byung-seok, decided to leave the post to become the head of Yonsei University College of Medicine. Lee was also a professor of gynecology.
If officially appointed, Suh would become the youngest doctor to take up the position.
The position is usually occupied by physicians, but President Park Geun-hye has only picked professors of obstetrics and gynecology.
According to the hospital's website, Suh is an eminent and well-respected reproductive endocrinologist in Korea and his insight on infertility and reproductive endocrinology are sought internationally, owing to his knowledge about and expertise in such fields.
Suh also serves in the Committee on Reproductive Endocrinology and is a member of numerous medical societies, while acting as an advisor to many societies and organizations, the website says.
It is the first time that the Seoul National Hospital in Bundang produced the president's personal doctor. There are two hospital operated by the university, with the other in Jongno that has produced five since the position was created in 1963 by then President Park Chung-hee, the current president's father.
Cheong Wa Dae has often picked doctors from the Seoul National University, located in Jongno, due to its proximity because the president's doctor needs not stay in the presidential office all the time.
The president's doctor is a unpaid, honorary position, but he is treated with the vice-minister level of courtesy, accompanying the president during her overseas trips, personal vacations or tours of provincial areas.
