Q. Once again, congratulations on being selected as the winner of the ‘Doosan Yonkang Academic Awards – Hepato-biliary-Pancreatic Surgeon’s Division’.

A. In the midst of today’s challenging healthcare landscape, receiving this award brings not only gratitude but also a deep sense of responsibility. Still, I find it deeply meaningful to contribute, even in a small way, to the advancement of healthcare in our country—especially in the field of hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery.

Q. Among the many fields of medicine, I would like to hear the reason why you chose “Hepato-biliary-Pancreatic Surgery” as your major.

A. I’ve always considered surgery the pinnacle of medicine, and I was especially drawn to the dramatic and life-saving nature of liver transplantation. It’s certainly a challenging and demanding field, but I believe the sense of reward is just as great.

Q. It would be grateful if you are able to explain the field you are working on, and the importance of the research.

A. My research mainly focuses on liver tumors, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma, transplant immunology related to liver transplantation, and the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive liver surgery. These are all highly meaningful and important areas of study—addressing cancers that humanity has yet to fully overcome, tackling the persistent challenge of post-transplant rejection and the need to minimize side effects of immunosuppressants, and striving to reduce surgical invasiveness while achieving equal or even better outcomes.

Q. Could you please provide an explanation of the award-winning research paper?

A. This study investigates the efficacy and safety of pure laparoscopic right hepatectomy in living donors, which is one of the core techniques in minimally invasive liver surgery. Recently, there has been growing interest in performing this technically demanding procedure using minimally invasive approaches, and Korea has been at the forefront of this effort. Our research objectively demonstrates that pure laparoscopic donor right hepatectomy can be performed safely and effectively, even in donors with a body mass index (BMI) over 30. We hope these findings will contribute to the safer expansion of living donor liver transplantation and help foster a more positive culture around organ donation.

Q. I would like to inquire about your plans as a researcher and surgeon.

A. I will keep pushing forward to deliver safer, more effective surgical and clinical outcomes, always aiming for better without settling for the status quo.

Q. Lastly, could you please share a few words of encouragement or advice for your fellow surgeons who are applying for the Doosan Yonkang Academic Awards – Hepato-biliary-Pancreatic Surgeon’s Division’.

A. I hope we can join forces to create better research outcomes and improve the healthcare environment together.