Sangyoung Ahn

Biography and Expertise of Sangyoung Ahn

Dr. Sangyoung Ahn operates at the nexus of traditional knowledge, modern research, and global health policy. As a Technical Officer at the World Health Organization (WHO), he is dedicated to strengthening the evidence base and regulatory frameworks for TCIM worldwide. His background as a Doctor of Korean Medicine (KMD) combined with a PhD provides him with a unique, dual perspective, enabling him to bridge the gap between clinical practice and the high-level policy demands of international public health.

His contributions are directly aligned with the 3rd WCTCIM’s core objectives. Dr. Ahn’s work on the development of the WHO global traditional medicine strategy 2025–2034, for instance, provides the very blueprint for action that the congress aims to advance. Therefore, his efforts embody the congress’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems,” as he develops the standards and tools necessary for countries to incorporate TCIM safely and effectively into their primary healthcare services and achieve universal health coverage.

Furthermore, the focus of Sangyoung Ahn on data and evidence through projects like the global TCIM survey and the creation of TCIM dashboards speaks to the Thematic Axis, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” He is instrumental in transforming TCIM from a field often reliant on historical tradition to one underpinned by robust, comparable data, fulfilling a key mandate of the Gujarat Declaration.

Professional Career

Dr. Sangyoung Ahn‘s professional journey reflects a consistent progression from national-level research and development to a prominent role in global health governance. His career began in the Republic of Korea, where he was deeply involved in the scientific investigation of traditional Korean medicine. This foundational experience prepared him for his subsequent roles at the WHO, where he now applies his expertise on an international scale.

This trajectory demonstrates a commitment to not only generating evidence but also ensuring that evidence is translated into meaningful policy and practice worldwide. His career is a testament to the importance of building robust national systems as a precursor to effective global collaboration.

• Technical Officer, WHO Headquarters, Geneva: In his current role, he focuses on developing global norms and standards, contributing to the WHO’s most critical TCIM projects, including the global strategy and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).
• Technical Officer, WHO Western Pacific Regional Office: Prior to his global role, he provided technical support to member states in the Western Pacific Region, gaining valuable experience in the regional application of TCIM policies.
• Principal Researcher, KIOM & NIKOM: At the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM) and the National Institute for Korean Medicine Development (NIKOM), both WHO Collaborating Centres, he led research initiatives that helped build the evidence base for traditional Korean medicine.

Academic Qualifications

The academic foundation of Dr. Sangyoung Ahn was built at Kyung Hee University in Seoul, a globally recognized leader in traditional medicine education and research. His comprehensive training there equipped him with both the clinical skills of a practitioner and the analytical rigor of a research scientist. This dual competence is a cornerstone of his work, allowing him to understand and address the complexities of integrating TCIM into modern health systems.

This educational background is crucial for his role at the WHO, as it provides him with the credibility and nuanced understanding required to engage with diverse stakeholders, from traditional medicine practitioners to health ministers and academic researchers.

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Kyung Hee University: His doctoral studies solidified his expertise in research methodology and evidence-based medicine, preparing him to lead data-driven projects on a global scale.
• Master’s Degree in Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University: This degree deepened his specialized knowledge and research capabilities within the field of traditional Korean medicine.
• Doctor of Korean Medicine (KMD), Kyung Hee University: As a licensed KMD, he possesses firsthand clinical knowledge, which provides an invaluable practical context for his global policy and standardization work.

Key Contributions to Global TCIM Policy and Standards

Dr. Sangyoung Ahn has been a driving force behind several of the WHO’s most impactful TCIM initiatives. His work is not purely academic; it is focused on creating practical tools and strategic documents that guide the 194 WHO member states in their efforts to regulate and integrate TCIM. Consequently, he plays a vital role in standardizing a field characterized by immense diversity.

These contributions represent significant milestones in the formal recognition and evidence-based development of traditional medicine within the global health landscape.

WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034

Dr. Ahn was a key contributor to this decadal strategy, which sets the global agenda for TCIM. The document provides a roadmap for countries to strengthen TCIM’s role in health and well-being, focusing on evidence, data, and regulation.

ICD-11 Traditional Medicine Chapter

His involvement in the development of the traditional medicine chapter for the ICD-11 was a landmark achievement. For the first time, this allows for the systematic recording and analysis of TCIM conditions and practices within global health statistics, enhancing visibility and research.

Global TCIM Survey and Dashboards

Dr. Sangyoung Ahn led the third global survey on TCIM and the launch of corresponding dashboards. This initiative provides the first comprehensive, standardized data on the status of TCIM worldwide, empowering policymakers with the evidence needed to make informed decisions.

Global Initiatives and Collaborations

The work of Dr. Sangyoung Ahn is fundamentally collaborative, involving continuous interaction with a global network of experts, policymakers, and institutions. His role requires building consensus and partnerships to advance the WHO’s agenda for traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine. This engagement is crucial for ensuring that global strategies are relevant and applicable across diverse national contexts.

His active participation in key initiatives ensures that the WHO’s work is informed by the latest research and the practical needs of its member states. Therefore, he serves as a critical link between the global health community and national TCIM stakeholders.

• WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC): As an agile team member, he contributes to the mission of this new center, which aims to leverage science and technology to maximize the contribution of traditional medicine to global health.
• Technical Support to Member States: He provides direct technical assistance to countries seeking to develop their national TCIM policies, regulatory frameworks, and quality assurance mechanisms.
• Engagement with WHO Collaborating Centres: Drawing on his own experience at KIOM and NIKOM, he works with a worldwide network of WHO Collaborating Centres to coordinate research, share best practices, and implement WHO programmes.

Connect with Dr. Ahn

For further information on the work and publications of Dr. Sangyoung Ahn, you can consult his professional profiles. These resources offer deeper insights into his contributions to global health policy and the integration of traditional medicine into health systems.

ORCID Profile: View Publications and Activities

LinkedIn Profile: Connect on LinkedIn