Over the past few decades, the field of cardiology has seen development of epoch-making, easy-to-operate disease treatment methods that have contributed greatly to the ultimate purpose of medicine- extension of life expectancy.

Recently, there has been a shift in the pattern of medical research from a focus on outstanding individual researchers to that on well-arranged researcher groups. This shift is due to the fact that all-out support, including economic assistance, proper research environments and human infrastructure, is required to carry out any large-scale research.

Four years ago, we established the CardioVascular Research Foundation (CVRF), a non-profit, clinical research foundation with the long-term objective of contributing to enhancing the health of humankind. More specifically, CVRF aims to propagate standardized up-to-date disease treatment methods, provides aid to cardiological research, enhances the degree of awareness of cardiovascular diseases on the part of the general public, and prevents relevant diseases.

Recognizing the importance of propagation of standardized treatment methods, CVRF has done what it can for education of those engaged in the medical service on treatment methods of cardiovascular diseases. This Foundation has held the annual international symposium Angioplasty Summit. Last year, it held the first educational session on up-to-date treatment methods in cooperation with Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) of the United States. At the Angioplasty Summit, world-famous authorities on cardiology carry out lectures and live demonstration sessions to help those engaged in the field hone their practical skills, letting attendees participate in demonstrations in an effort to overcome limitations of a simple conveyance of knowledge.

As well, this Foundation strives to invigorate on/off-line educational systems. The website Summitmd.com operated by CVRF, introduces a variety of intervention treatment methods and in-depth reviews of relevant technologies and research results. It also serves as the bridge between researchers in many countries, helping them receive feedback promptly, while introducing new knowledge and equipment and publishing textbooks and reference books on cardiology and trying to realize the merits of the Internet, i.e. prompt connection to a variety of information through immediate introduction of updated knowledge and new devices. It is also engaged in education of those engaged in the medical service through publication of textbooks. It also publishes major reference books concerning cardiology.

Under the fellowship program carried out in cooperation with world-famous cardiological centers and Asan Medical Center in Seoul, Korea, CVRF holds educational sessions on clinical research, inviting cardiological specialists, keeping in mind that first-hand experience of cooperating with world-famous scholars is the most efficient way of education.

CVRF puts stresses the support for research of new technologies and treatment methods. Recently, clinical tests carried out on a large scale require large-scale financial support. Individual researchers cannot expect to carry out satisfactory clinical research. Keeping such a fact in mind, this Foundation provides support, both academically and economically, to young talented researchers, in addition to running core laboratories and establishing collaborative relations with clinical research centers and providing support funds for worthwhile research subjects.

Since its establishment four years ago, this Foundation has made great strides thanks to much warmhearted support. With this support as momentum, the field of cardiology will continue to develop rapidly both in quantity and quality. I sincerely hope that CVRF will continue to play a pivotal role in relevant activities and research and would like to thank all those who have offered us their generous support.