FOWPAL’s Message Resonates at Dominican Medical and Dental Society's Symposium
With the Doomsday Clock ticking, FOWPAL inspires medical leaders to embrace transparency, integrity, and compassion
In a powerful convergence of medicine, compassion, and moral leadership, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, President of the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), led a FOWPAL delegation to the Dominican Medical-Dental Society’s Annual CME Symposium in Fort Lee, New Jersey, on May 18, 2025. Nearly 200 esteemed medical doctors and healthcare professionals gathered to explore the role of ethics, service, and education in advancing global health.
The Dominican Medical-Dental Society (DMDSNY), known for its unwavering commitment to underserved communities, organized the event. DMDSNY regularly conducts free medical and dental missions in the Dominican Republic and other underdeveloped regions, empowering professionals and uplifting the vulnerable through healthcare, education, and charitable outreach. The event served not only as a professional symposium but also as a celebration of service, unity, and humanitarian commitment.
Among the highlights of the event was a keynote speech by Dr. Bernard Fialkoff, a respected dentist and President of A Time for Truth Foundation. He emphasized the vital importance of ethics and transparency in medicine and in all walks of life.
FOWPAL’s presence added a dynamic layer of inspiration and global perspective. The delegation performed an uplifting song titled “We Can Change the World,” echoing the day’s central theme of collective action and hope. Dr. Hong delivered a heartfelt address, calling upon medical professionals to act with conscience and compassion during these uncertain times.
“When medical professionals follow the guidance of their conscience and look at the world with a compassionate heart,” Dr. Hong said, “they will feel that the world urgently needs our collective efforts to change it for the better. In 2025, the Doomsday Clock was set to 89 seconds before midnight—the closest humanity has ever been to annihilation. At this critical moment, it is essential for everyone to follow their conscience and believe in truth in order to get through the challenging times and move toward hope.”
Following his speech, Dr. Hong presided over the Bell of World Peace and Love ceremony—an internationally celebrated ritual designed to awaken conscience and inspire collective action for peace. Dr. Hong rang the bell nine times, praying for world peace and harmony.
Dr. Juan Tapia-Mendoza, founder and CEO of Pediatrics 2000, also rang the bell and made a heartfelt wish: “I wish that the medical/dental society continues to live up to its compromiso (commitment) to help the condendos de la tierra (the oppressed on earth) wherever they are.”
Dr. Tapia-Mendoza shared that ringing the bell brought him a profound sense of inner peace: “When I rang the bell of the peace, I felt such an inner peace that I have not felt in many years. I believe a lot in integrity, in helping our fellow human beings, and there's nothing in the world that gives more satisfaction when you do unto others as you would want others to do unto you.” “If we don’t have a conscience, there’s no way that we can help the world. The first thing that we need for peace, for progress, and for hope is to have a good conscience.”
Journalist Rafael Bello described the bell ringing ceremony as a rare, life-changing experience—simple yet powerful—filled with energy, enlightenment, and meaning that deeply moved him and left a lasting impact. “I thank you guys for changing my life probably because experience in this. This moment is a unique moment that I will cherish forever.”
The Bell of World Peace and Love, symbolizing conscience, unity, and hope, has been rung by 637 distinguished leaders from 158 nations, including 80 heads of state and government and 15 Nobel Peace Prize laureates—all sharing a common vision of a peaceful, ethical, and harmonious world.
FOWPAL also hosted a booth at the event, inviting participants to endorse the Declaration of Transparency and Integrity. This global initiative encourages individuals and institutions to uphold transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership as pillars of a trustworthy and sustainable global community.
“I do like transparency and integrity very much because I think the more transparent the world is, the better we all are,” said Adelina Afopa, a nurse practitioner.
“It’s very important to have integrity and to be transparent with all my customers and patients simply because I want to treat them the way I want to be treated,” said Demetri Ballas, who works with a laser company.
To recognize outstanding commitment to ethical leadership in healthcare, Dr. Hong presented the Compass Clock of Conscience—a symbolic reminder to stay aligned with one’s inner truth—to five honorees: Dr. Jacobo Peña, Dr. Ysabel Ulerio, Dr. José Goris, Dr. Eduardo Andrickson, and dental hygienist Astrid Hidalgo.
Dr. Jose Goris, one of the recipients, expressed his gratitude: “I’m very humbled by the award that we were given today, focusing on peace and the well-being of all the humanity.” He added, “Transparency and integrity are part of our profession and is part of our daily commitment to not only to our patients but also to our community and to the world as a whole.”
Through music, ceremony, and a powerful message of hope, FOWPAL’s participation in the medical symposium left a lasting impact. As the world faces mounting challenges, the gathering stood as a beacon of conscience, compassion, and collaboration in the pursuit of a brighter, healthier, and more peaceful future.