National Taiwan University Hospital(NTUH) was inaugurated in 1895, and regardless of whether it is through its teaching, research, educational system, diagnostic and treatment techniques, or innovative research and development, NTUH has made significant contributions to the development of medical treatment in Taiwan. Our founders and those who followed them relied on their passionate idealism to pass on their profession, and through their sense of mission and perseverance, established a high academic model for NTUH.

Among the traditions that have been passed on throughout its history, the tradition that shows NTUH's most important worth is its development of human resources. Although expensive high-tech equipment is an important foundation for modern diagnosis and treatment, a doctor's basic knowledge, technical ability, and correct attitude towards serving the patient is more important because these are the basic factors that determine the quality of healthcare and medical treatment. This principle is the conviction that drives our education of medical professionals. Nevertheless, research is what drives the progress of medical care for tomorrow, thereby meeting the needs of the public and upholding our social responsibility. With the approach of an era where the flourishing of science and technology is combined with an aging population and declining birthrates, NTUH's medical research will move forward towards raising its degree of "welcoming high technology, exploring unique domestically developed medical treatments, and developing healthcare". Only when based upon respect, care and empathy, can one provide services that make patients feel warmth and moved, and achieve high quality and humane medical services. This is the essential requirement of all staff members at NTUH. We should also have this spirit in providing support and services to fellow staff members, thus enhancing the smooth operation of NTUH.

As we face increasingly harsher business environment and strong competitive pressure from other medical service providers inside and outside of Taiwan, NTUH senses the importance and urgency to reform, and thus has already begun to create forward-looking and integrated new medical services. We are also actively pursuing outstanding innovations in clinical medicine, in areas such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), reproductive medicine, and cancer translational medicine. The achievements of our National Center of Excellence for Clinical Trial and Research have already helped NTUH achieve even greater international renown. The recent inauguration of the NTU Children's Hospital has also allowed NTUH's medical system to gain an additional strong and beneficial new member. The future addition of the Health Center Building and the Cancer Center Hospital will further contribute to making NTUH's medical system even more comprehensive. In 2010, NTUH underwent evaluation for international accreditation by the Joint Commission International(JCI) and scored high marks in all the tests for the certification.

Being the unrelenting guardian of people and patients' health is the mission and duty that every member of NTUH is committed to. Regardless of whether it is with respect to education, research or services, or their professional know how or attitude, all members of NTUH must strive to become the paragon of the medical community in Taiwan. This is not merely the expectation of the people, but NTUH also demands this of herself. Furthermore, this belief is shared by all NTUH's medical teams and is their unwavering commitment. We want this commitment to be deeply planted in every staff member's heart and reflected in every member's conduct.

It took NTUH's forefathers more than a century of hard work to bring about the splendid achievements of today's NTUH medical system. We treasure the excellent traditions and reputation that our forefathers accumulated and passed on to us. So that much more, we should continue to pass on this mission and duty to those who follow us. I look forward to seeing the entire staff of NTUH have an open mind and wholeheartedly accept all of the necessary changes, carrying out the forthcoming adaptations and changes with a proactive and optimistic attitude, and setting aside the relics that would hinder us from moving forward as we seek to give NTUH new life through internationalization. We have confidence that the future will be bright and full of accolades, and will bring NTUH to new heights.