Lately, disinfectants have been emphasized domestically because of the advent of the new flu. Therefore, CBT had an interview with Lee Joo-Ho, the Director General of the National Veterinary Research & Quarantine Service (NVRQS). Unlike general veterinarians, he has engaged in public service and has experienced various situations. He is the chief person responsible for domestic quarantine, called ¡®the second frontier.¡¯- Ed.
Lee Joo-Ho, Director General of NVRQS
Q: Since the outbreak of the new type of flu, the NVRQS has been concerned. Please explain the role of the NVRQS simply.
A: The roles of the NVRQS are significantly made up of 6 parts: import/export quarantine, prevention and control of zoonosis, sanitary management & inspection of livestock products, research & development activities in veterinary services, management & quality control of drug & biologicals and animal protection & welfare. Since we perform so many services, our organization needs to be extended.
Q: Unlike other veterinarians, you have worked as a public servant, so you have gone through many adversities. How did you conquer them?
A: I have worked as a public servant for 34 years. It¡¯s not too much to say that I¡¯ve experienced all that a veterinarian can do. The belief that I¡¯ve kept in my heart and will keep in my mind is ¡®to do my best¡¯ whatever is given to me. I think no matter how small or big the problem is, if you do your best, the result won¡¯t betray your efforts. I¡¯m proud of my association with NVRQS. We will do our best continually.
Q: If you have a special principle of your own, please let us know.
A: The most important words in my life are ¡®All in.¡¯ I experienced that if the problems looked impossible, I could solve it by ¡®All in.¡¯ When I worked as an Examining Officer of raw milk, the quality of Korean milk was poor, below the standard level. It¡¯s because, in addition to the old fashioned work style, the whole examination process depended on a farm¡¯s own veterinarian. I struggled to change these old systems. Since the problem was strongly related to veterinarians¡¯ profits, I ran up against a wall of those who didn¡¯t want to lose their profits. However, I finally changed an enforcement ordinance. As a result, the quality of Korean milk has improved to recent levels.
Q: Please give CBNU students some advice.
A: The privilege of being university students and young men is an opportunity that you can enjoy just once in a lifetime. Try to challenge anything that suits you. Modern society is segmented diversely. No longer isn¡¯t it important to be a jack of all trades. Be a master in your own talent. It might be difficult to find your talent. Widen your viewpoint, experience all the things you can do and read as many books as possible when you¡¯re a student.
If you decide your way, have a dream! You might be broken or disappointed, but your dream will be your motivation. CBNU students, whenever or wherever I meet you again, I promise you will be on your way to becoming a specialist.
In interviewing him from start to finish, he was a man with strong belief and pride in his work. Model yourselves on his unlimited efforts. While interviewing him, he showed a lot of common patterns of those who succeed.