Q. Once again, congratulations on being selected as the winner of the ‘Doosan Yonkang Academic Awards – Pediatrics’ division’.

A. I am truly honored to receive this award, and I am delighted that my research has been recognized in this way. This honor will be a great motivation for my future work. I would like to express my gratitude to Professor Jeong Ho Lee at KAIST, my mentors and colleagues, my eternal boss, Professor Han-Wook Yoo, and Professors Jin-Ho Choi and Beom Hee Lee from the Department of Pediatrics at Asan Medical Center, for their invaluable support throughout my research. I will continue striving to contribute to the advancement of our field.

Q. Among the many fields of medicine, I would like to hear the reason why you chose “Pediatrics” as your major.

A. I was drawn to pediatrics because it offers the unique opportunity to have a direct impact on the health and development of young patients. In an era of declining birth rates, I believe the role of the pediatrician has become even more critical. Every child is precious, and it's deeply rewarding to help them grow up healthy and become the future members of our society. Pediatrics allows me to have a long-term impact on children's growth and development and contribute to their overall quality of life, which is why I chose this field.

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

A. I am currently researching rare endocrine disorders, with a particular focus on adrenal diseases and disorders of sexual differentiation. These conditions, although rare, are critical because they can significantly impact patients' physical development, metabolic health, and overall quality of life. By advancing our understanding of these diseases, I hope to contribute to the development of more effective diagnostic tools and treatment options, ultimately improving patient outcomes and supporting the families affected by these complex conditions.

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

A. The work focused on uncovering the genetic causes of focal cortical dysplasia, a form of intractable childhood epilepsy. The research team developed a method to detect ultra-low level mutations in mTOR pathway genes that were previously undetectable, increasing the diagnostic rate to 80%. This work provides a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying focal cortical dysplasia and aims to lay the groundwork for potential future therapeutic developments.

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

A. As a physician and educator, I plan to promote the interplay between clinical practice and basic research to generate new ideas and conduct innovative research, while also providing education on translational research. In the face of challenges such as declining birth rates and various social issues, I believe that the role of researchers has become increasingly important. Despite these challenges, I am committed to advancing scientific knowledge to research rare pediatric diseases and develop treatments that can provide tangible benefits to patients. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to the health of future generations through both research and clinical practice and to make a meaningful impact on society.

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 - Pediatrics’ division

A. This award is significant and a true honor for pediatric researchers. I am deeply grateful and humbled that my research was selected for this award. This experience has provided a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the passion and dedication we bring to our field. I encourage my colleagues to pursue this meaningful challenge and gain valuable experience and accomplishments.