Meet the Board: Paul “PJ” Jung, MD, MPH, FACPM

Paul “PJ” Jung, MD, MPH, FACPM, is one of ABPM’s newest Board members, having started his term as a Public Health and General Preventive Medicine representative in August 2023.

Dr. Jung graciously answered a few questions about himself. You can learn more about Dr. Jung’s background here.

What led you to a career in medicine and, specifically, the specialty of Public Health and General Preventive Medicine?

I chose medicine because I felt it was the best career for my skills and interests, and it provided an opportunity to further my interests in social impact. The biggest surprise was the magnitude of dysfunction in the U.S. health system. So I chose the specialty that I thought would best prepare physicians to assess and address the systemic issues in addition to delivering patient care.

What is the value of board certification to you?

In a word, commitment. Board certification signals that the physician is not only competent and aspires to the highest levels of professionalism and skill, but that the physician is committed to demonstrating a willingness to maintain the highest levels of proficiency and be recognized for it.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term on the ABPM Board of Directors?

I want to work with the Board to ensure that we set the highest standards for our specialty. At the same time, we need to make sure that our standards are both practical and responsive to the needs of our diplomates. Our specialty is changing, and so is the nature of certification. Hopefully ABPM can not only keep pace with the change but also lead and direct the change. I believe ABPM is on the right course and is ready to lead and set that standard.

What hobbies or other activities do you enjoy outside of work? 

I write. In longhand, with a pen. It’s a habit that has led to international conferences and several publications, including some on our specialty of Preventive Medicine. And since the pen is mightier than the sword, I practice as much as I can.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself with the ABPM community?

It’s an honor for me to serve on the ABPM Board of Directors. I’m looking forward to all the important work ahead of us.