▲ Dr. Joo Inho, Korea's Scheweitzer who cared for the African continent ©Jenny Yoon
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A Pioneer of Preventive Medicine : Devoted to Epidemic Research in Africa.
Dr. Joo In-ho, often referred to as “Korea’s Schweitzer,” dedicated his life to the study of epidemiology and the prevention of infectious diseases in Africa. His groundbreaking efforts began with a tragic outbreak in 1976 in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), where a mysterious illness caused the deaths of 325 people, including over 20 medical personnel. Dr. Joo was the first to arrive at the scene, where bodies lay scattered. He courageously collected serum samples and identified the cause as the Ebola virus.
In 1977, risking his life, he ventured into a rebel base in Uganda to vaccinate the last known smallpox patients on Earth. This act of selfless love earned him the recognition of the British Royal Society, which appointed him as a life member—a title regarded as the Nobel Prize of medicine. Later, at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, he officially declared, “Smallpox has been completely eradicated from this planet.” He devoted all his energy to eradicating and preventing infectious diseases across Africa.
From WHO Collaboration to Lifelong Dedication
Dr. Joo’s association with the World Health Organization (WHO) began in 1969 when he attended a cholera symposium in India. Fluent in six languages, he quickly caught the attention of WHO officials, who recruited him for his exceptional abilities. As the chief epidemic advisor for the WHO’s African region, he spent his career researching and preventing epidemics, contributing immensely to global public health.
Academic Achievements and Contributions
A graduate of Gyeongseong Medical School (the predecessor to Seoul National University) in 1942, Dr. Joo achieved global recognition for being the first to isolate the Japanese encephalitis virus. He introduced the term “public health” in Korea and co-founded the Korean Society for Preventive Medicine with Professors Kwon Yi-hyuk of Seoul National University and Yang Jae-mo of Yonsei University, becoming its inaugural president. Even Uganda’s controversial leader Idi Amin admired Dr. Joo, gifting him Korean ginseng in gratitude—a testament to the respect he earned from both African citizens and leaders alike.
A Life of Humility and Service
Dr. Joo’s life motto was “Living together, simple life.” Concerned about environmental issues long before they gained global attention, he instilled in his children the importance of reducing waste, emphasizing, “The only way to tackle the waste crisis is to consume less.” He practiced what he preached, leading a frugal life.
Every morning, he would clean his neighborhood, collecting trash in front of his house and around the streets of Wangsimni, where he lived. Locals even nicknamed him the “Wangsimni Street Cleaner,” and some wondered why he didn’t wear an official cleaner’s uniform. Despite sending his three sons and four daughters to study abroad, he lived modestly in an 18-pyeong (59.5 m²) house in Wangsimni until his passing—a testament to his philosophy of minimalism.
Advocate for Elderly Health
Dr. Joo founded Korea’s first senior citizens' center in Seongdong District and established the Elderly University at Muak Church, where he served as dean for 20 years. He emphasized, “Aging is inevitable for everyone, so studying geriatric medicine is the duty of all doctors. Furthermore, serving others is not an option but an obligation and responsibility for physicians.”
A Style Icon of Simplicity
Dr. Joo was also known for his signature bow ties, which he preferred for their practicality over traditional long ties. Although his choice had no connection to fashion, people remembered him as a stylish professor. His modest suits, paired with a bow tie, gave him the appearance of a distinguished gentleman—a reflection of his humble yet impactful personality.
Dr. Joo In-ho’s life serves as an enduring inspiration, demonstrating how one person’s dedication, humility, and service can leave a lasting legacy in the fields of medicine and humanity. To be continued in the next issue
▲ Dr Joo Inho © Jenny Yoon
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