Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Department of Social Welfare announced on the 13th that it conducted an "Integrated Care Workforce Training for Current Students" in Yeosu over two days from October 1 to 2. As part of the Ministry of Education and Jeollabuk‑do Special Self‑Governing Province's Regional Innovation‑Centered University Support (RISE) project, the training was attended by Professor Jeong Gyu‑hyeong and about 40 current students.

The training was organized to strengthen the expertise and practical capabilities required in integrated care settings. The program, centered on the key theme "Addiction and Care," included expert lectures, mentoring between undergraduate and graduate students, and in‑depth discussions on current issues.

Professor Jo Hye‑jeong of the Department of Social Welfare, Gyeongsang National University (Chair of the Addiction Management Committee, Korean Association of Mental Health Social Work), delivered a keynote lecture titled "Addiction and Care: Professional Competencies." Professor Jo explained the social implications of addiction within community‑based integrated care systems and emphasized the professional role of social workers in addressing these issues, receiving strong responses from students.

In the subsequent mentoring program, undergraduates and graduate students were paired as mentees and mentors to engage in in‑depth discussions and share experiences on integrated care issues. The program was evaluated as offering an opportunity to cultivate problem‑solving skills through intergenerational exchange, beyond simple knowledge transfer.

Lee Hyun‑gu, a fourth‑year student who participated in the training, said, "This lecture made me realize that addiction is not merely an individual issue but a challenge that society as a whole must address. It prompted me to seriously consider what perspectives I should adopt as a future social worker." Graduate student and mentor Jeon Geon‑woo said, "Sharing career concerns with juniors helped clarify my own research direction. I was reminded once again that integrated care is not simply a policy but an important issue that must be addressed concretely in the field."

Professor Jeong Gyu‑hyeong, who oversaw the program (Principal Investigator (PI) of the RISE Integrated Care Workforce Training Project), said, "This training provided students with a valuable opportunity to directly experience the importance of integrated care and the challenges encountered in the field. We will continue to strengthen cooperation with local community organizations and expand domestic and international training to do our best in nurturing future leaders who will lead integrated care."