South Sudan's first neurologist trained in Ethiopia, inspired by Korean priest

Joseph Bol, inspired by the late Father Tadeusz (Italy) Seok's humanitarian work, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming South Sudan's first neurologist.

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Whenever I feel tired and exhausted, I talk to the priest in the photo and regain my strength

Bol completed his residency at Black Lion Hospital, a teaching hospital of Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia, in June. He had previously graduated from medical school in South Sudan. His journey to medicine began in Tonj, his hometown, where he met Father Seok, an Italian Catholic priest and doctor who dedicated his life to medical and educational activities in South Sudan until his death in 2010.

Father Seok, who graduated from medical school in Korea before becoming a priest, moved to Tonj in 2001. Amidst ongoing civil war, he led the construction of a hospital and school, and established South Sudan's first brass band to help heal children traumatized by war. Bol was part of this brass band. Father Seok's impactful life was widely recognized through the 2010 documentary film 'Don't Cry for Me, Tonj'.

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South Sudan has many patients suffering from neurological diseases such as epilepsy, but there is not a single neurologist.

Bol's medical education was also supported by the parents of Kwon Sung-hyun, a Korean student who passed away from leukemia after being accepted into Seoul National University's medical school. Kwon's parents donated six years of his tuition fees to the Itae Seok Foundation, hoping to see his dream fulfilled through another young person. Bol was selected as a 'Kwon Sung-hyun scholarship student' and received their support.

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I want to return to my hometown and treat and give back to people in need with love that is several times greater than what I received.

Bol chose neurology due to the high prevalence of conditions like epilepsy in South Sudan, where there are no specialists. He expressed his desire to return to his homeland and provide care with even greater love than what he received. He stated, "Whenever I feel tired and exhausted, I talk to the priest in the photo and regain my strength," keeping Father Seok's picture in his room as a constant source of inspiration.

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I will always keep Father Itae Seok in my heart and remember him in everything I do.