Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital

Since October 26, 1990, in line with the opening of outpatient, emergency, and inpatient medical services at this hospital, we officially began providing medical services in the southern region of Taiwan. The department has been led by three directors: the first director, Dr. Mo Jing-tang, the second director, Dr. Liu shiuh-inn, the third director, Dr. Chen Yu-chia, and since July 2023, the department has been under the leadership of the current director, Dr. Chen Yu-chia. With the continuous efforts of all our colleagues, the department has experienced vigorous development. Upholding the spirit of "Exquisite and Honorable, Famous Worldwide," we continually strive for excellence in all subspecialties, aiming not only to improve the quality and quantity of medical services but also to shoulder the mission of a medical center focusing on clinical care, education, and research.

In 2023, under the leadership of Dr. Chen Yu-chia, the department continued to grow. The number of attending physicians increased to 11 full-time attending physicians, 10 part-time attending physicians, 5 residents, 7 specialist nurses, and 1 administrative assistant. With such a strong medical team, the department continues to introduce the latest medical techniques and update equipment, while also enhancing staff training to improve professional skills, hoping to provide patients with more advanced and comprehensive medical services.

General surgery is the core of every hospital’s surgical department. Our general surgery department includes the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the digestive organs such as the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, as well as conditions affecting the thyroid, breasts, retroperitoneal organs, superficial tumors, trauma, infections, and nutritional support for surgical patients. Over the past thirty years, surgical techniques, particularly in laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery, have marked a new era in the field. Our department has been at the forefront of these developments. Starting in January 1991, we pioneered laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the Kaohsiung area. Based on our experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, we actively developed other minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries, gradually expanding laparoscopic equipment and refining surgical techniques. These efforts and persistence have positioned the general surgery department of Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital as a key player in the development and promotion of "minimally invasive surgery" in Taiwan. To date, we are proficient in performing various minimally invasive surgeries, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy, common bile duct stone surgery, gastric cancer resection, gastric perforation repair, appendectomy, colorectal cancer resection, thyroidectomy, breast surgery, and bariatric surgery. Our department will continue to develop and improve on the foundation we have established, actively training the next generation of medical professionals to meet the hospital’s expectations.

The department actively participates in major domestic and international medical conferences, regularly publishes research papers, and engages in multiple research projects both within the hospital and in collaboration with other institutions. Additionally, we continue to arrange for attending physicians to undergo further training abroad to acquire new medical knowledge, enabling research work to be integrated with clinical practice. Our colleagues are passionate about teaching, providing young physicians learning in our department with comprehensive and hands-on training opportunities to accumulate clinical experience. Our teaching efforts consistently receive high feedback and satisfaction scores from trainees. Over the years, the department has had a 100% pass rate for specialty certification exams. Moving forward, the department will continue to uphold the spirit of "People First, Respect for Life" and strive to provide the public with the latest and most comprehensive medical services.

Our hospital has been providing outpatient, emergency, and inpatient medical services to the residents of southern Taiwan since its opening in October 1990. The Veterans General Hospital system was among the first to establish Colorectal Surgery as an independent department, and we were honored to perform the first surgery at the time of our hospital’s inauguration. As early as the second year after our hospital opened, we were accredited by the Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons as a teaching and training hospital, making us a key institution for training colorectal surgery specialists in southern Taiwan.

In addition to introducing advanced techniques and equipment, our department is dedicated to cultivating skilled professionals and enhancing medical expertise, continuously striving for excellence in both academic and clinical practice.

Currently, our department consists of four full-time attending physicians, two part-time attending physicians, two endoscopy technicians, and four specialized nursing practitioners.

We continuously introduce advanced medical technologies and send our attending physicians abroad for further training to acquire new knowledge. In addition to our busy clinical workload, we actively participate in domestic and international medical conferences, publish research papers in medical journals, and engage in hospital research projects to maintain a balance between clinical practice and academic development.

In terms of education, our department adopts a "Teamwork" model, where attending physicians mentor both resident doctors and interns. During morning meetings, we conduct clinical case discussions, journal reviews, mortality and complication conferences, and multidisciplinary colorectal imaging conferences. Beyond bedside teaching during daily rounds, attending physicians also provide surgical instruction, outpatient training, and at least one inpatient teaching session per week.

Upholding the spirit of "Excellence at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Recognized Worldwide," we strive for continuous improvement by training professionals, upgrading medical equipment, and keeping our medical techniques in sync with global advancements, all to provide patients with the best possible care.

Urology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of disorders related to the urinary system in both males and females, as well as the male reproductive system. Urologists treat a wide range of conditions, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder disorders, prostate diseases, male infertility, and urologic cancers.

Modern urology incorporates advanced medical technologies such as minimally invasive surgery, robotic-assisted procedures, and laser treatments to enhance patient outcomes. With a multidisciplinary approach, urologists collaborate with specialists in nephrology, oncology, and reproductive medicine to provide comprehensive care.

As a constantly evolving field, urology continues to improve through ongoing research and innovations in surgical techniques, pharmacology, and patient management strategies, ensuring better quality of life for patients with urologic conditions.

The Department of Plastic Surgery at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital was established on October 31, 1990. Under the leadership of its founding director, Dr. Yinn Jyh-Horng, the department gradually became a trusted medical institution in southern Taiwan for reconstructive plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. To accommodate a growing number of patients, the Burn Intensive Care Unit was established in May 1993. Just a few months later, in August 1993, the hospital was officially recognized as a medical center.

In September 1993, Dr. Chen Jin-Shyr took over as the department’s second director, spearheading significant advancements in microsurgery, breast reconstruction, head and neck reconstruction, cosmetic surgery, hand surgery, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In addition to excelling in these fields, the department expanded its services with the establishment of the Aesthetic Medical Center in 2004, as well as the Burn Intensive Care Center, Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Center, and Difficult Wound Treatment Center. On January 16, 2017, the Hyperbaric Oxygen Center was designated as a Hyperbaric Medicine Clinical Training Hospital.

Dr. Chen Lee-Wei assumed the role of department director on November 16, 2004, focusing on both clinical and basic research while leading the department into a new era of medical innovation and education. On February 26, 2014, Dr. Yang Kuo-Chung succeeded him, training a new generation of doctors specializing in head and neck reconstruction. His efforts in enhancing medical standards led to the department receiving the National Quality Seal Certification (SNQ) in 2020.

Since February 26, 2021, Dr. Liu Wen-Chung has served as the department’s director, actively strengthening personnel training, improving medical services, and enhancing the overall quality of care. His leadership continues to advance the standards of reconstructive plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine in southern Taiwan.

Neurosurgery is a delicate, unique and highly specialized sub-specialty that covers the diagnosis and treatment of all diseases of the human nervous system, including the brain, spine and its spinal cord nerves, and peripheral nerves distributed throughout the body.

Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital is a public medical center and neurosurgery training center located in southern Taiwan.

Clinical service provided:

Head injury, Intracranial hemorrhage, Intracranial aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation, Brain tumor, Hemifacial spasm, Trigeminal neuralgia, Stroke, hydrocephalus, Neck pain, Limbs weakness and numbness, Cervical radiculo-myelopathy, Sciatica, Herniated intervertebral disc, Pars fracture or spondylolisthesis, Peripheral neuropathy.

The choice of treatment is based on the patient's age and individual condition.

Division of Thoracic Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital

The Division of Thoracic Surgery at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital (VGH) was established in 1990, coinciding with the hospital’s founding.

Leadership and Development

• First Chief: Dr. Wen-Hu Hsu
  Dr. Hsu served as the first chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery until 1993, when he resigned for personal reasons and returned to Taipei VGH.
• Second Chief: Dr. Hong-Chi Hsu
  Dr. Hsu succeeded Dr. Wen-Hu Hsu and actively promoted lung transplantation, lung cancer surgery, and prevention. In 1995, attending physician Dr. Huang-Jou Chang returned from the United States after specialized training in lung transplantation. In 1998, Dr. Yih-Gang Goan also returned from the U.S. after studying tumor molecular biology. Additionally, attending physician Dr. Fu-Tsou joined the department’s trauma emergency response team, further strengthening its capabilities.

Several colleagues who trained or worked in the Division have since taken leadership roles in other hospitals:

• Dr. Mu-Shun Huang currently serves as the Chief of the Emergency Surgery Division at Taipei VGH.
• Dr. Chien-Ming Su is the Chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at Chung Shan Medical University.
• Dr. Chung-Yang Wang has established his own private practice.

From 1999 to 2001, Dr. Huan-Chun Su from the Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital received comprehensive thoracic surgery training in the department. In July 2002, Dr. Yi-Ping Chou was promoted to attending physician, while clinical researcher Dr. Tzu-Tsung Liang also served as chief resident, assisting with administrative and medical responsibilities.

In July 2003, resident doctors Dr. Hung-Sheng Lin and Dr. En-Kuei Tang joined the department, bringing fresh talent. In October 2004, both passed the general surgery board certification with high marks. In October 2005, they further obtained specialty certifications in thoracic surgery and critical care medicine. After completing their two-year rural service in December 2005 and February 2006, they returned to the main hospital as attending physicians in December 2007 and April 2008, respectively.

Third Chief: Dr.Yih-Gang Goan

• Dr. Goan was promoted to chief on August 1, 2005. His predecessor, Dr. Hong-Chi Hsu, was appointed Superintendent of Taitung VGH on July 21, 2006, and retired on March 1, 2007.

Achievements and Contributions

Under the leadership of its first two chief , the division has been committed to serving the people of southern Taiwan since its inception. From 1995 to 2006, the division successfully performed 17 lung transplants (including 3 double-lung transplants), with the longest-surviving patient living beyond nine years, making it the most advanced lung transplant center in southern Taiwan.

With Dr. Goan’s efforts, the Division has further enhanced medical care, education, and research. The Division performs approximately 500 lung cancer surgeries and over 100 esophageal cancer surgeries annually, the highest number in southern Taiwan.

In 1999, the Tumor Research Laboratory was established, led by Dr. Goan and researcher Dr. Chien-Ying Bai, to accelerate advancements in lung and esophageal cancer treatment and prevention. The current chief, Dr. En-Kuei Tang, continues to lead the team in serving the community.

We deeply appreciate the long-term support and care from the hospital administration and the people of southern Taiwan. The Division remains committed to continuous improvement and giving back to the community.

The Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital was established in 1990, coinciding with the hospital's founding. With the meticulous planning of Dean Dr. Kuo-Chi Cheng and the proactive development led by former cardiovascular director Dr. Shu-Min Kuo, the department has significantly improved the success rates of cardiac surgeries, benefiting countless patients. These achievements have positioned the hospital as a leading cardiovascular surgery center in southern Taiwan. In recognition of its excellence, the department was accredited as a specialized training institution for cardiac surgeons in January 1993 and March 1996.

Our department consists of a highly skilled and passionate medical team, where all attending physicians have undergone comprehensive specialist training and pursued further studies at renowned medical centers in the United States and Japan.

We are equipped with dedicated cardiovascular wards, operating rooms, and intensive care units, staffed by highly experienced medical professionals. Our facilities are on par with world-class medical centers, featuring state-of-the-art equipment such as fully functional cardiopulmonary bypass machines and continuous cardiopulmonary monitoring systems. These advancements enhance both our medical technology and the overall quality of care.

Our department provides a full spectrum of cardiovascular treatments for patients of all age groups—including adults, children, and newborns—a rare capability within Taiwan’s medical community.

Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital has made significant contributions to the field of organ transplantation, marking milestones in various types of transplants over the years. In 1990, the hospital began performing corneal transplants, offering hope to many patients suffering from vision impairment. A few years later, in 1992, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital successfully carried out its first kidney transplant. This was an important step in advancing the hospital's capabilities in organ transplantation. By May 2007, the hospital's kidney transplant program had achieved remarkable success, with a five-year survival rate reaching 100%, a milestone highlighted by Zhi-Bin Gao, Director of the Medical Review Committee, in a nationwide report.

Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital continued to expand its transplant services with a heart transplantation program in 1993, followed by the introduction of lung transplantation in 1995, which was the first of its kind in the Kaohsiung-Pingtung region. This marked another achievement for the hospital in offering life-saving treatments to patients in need of complex organ transplant. In 2015, the hospital made another significant step forward with the establishment of a liver transplantation program, further enhancing its reputation as a leader in the field.

These accomplishments were made possible through the efforts of the hospital's dedicated medical teams and are supported by the resources and collaborations with organizations such as the Organ Donation and Transplantation Registration and Patient Autonomy Promotion Center, as well as the Transplant Surgery Departments of Taipei VGH, Taichung VGH, and Kaohsiung VGH.