Kevin Pak | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kevin Pak | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Transplant Hepatology Fellow | UCLA | United States

Dr. Kevin C. Pak, M.D., is a distinguished transplant hepatologist affiliated with the Pflieger Liver Institute at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. With a strong background in internal medicine, gastroenterology, and hepatology, Dr. Pak has dedicated his career to advancing liver disease treatment and transplantation. His contributions to academic research and clinical practice have earned him recognition in the medical community.

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Strengths for the Awards✨

Exceptional Research Contributions: Dr. Pak has an extensive portfolio of peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, covering a range of topics in gastroenterology, hepatology, and military medicine. His research on hepatitis B, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, and inflammatory bowel disease is particularly noteworthy.

Clinical and Academic Leadership: As an Assistant Professor at USUHS and a former Chief Fellow in a gastroenterology fellowship, Dr. Pak has demonstrated strong mentorship and leadership in academic medicine. His contributions to teaching and training future physicians further emphasize his dedication to research and education.

Recognized Excellence: Multiple honors and awards, including the AASLD Emerging Liver Scholar Award (2019) and Resident Researcher of the Year, highlight his significant impact in the field. His invited presentations and poster sessions at national and international conferences further validate his research reputation.

Interdisciplinary and Military Medicine Contributions: His unique background in military medicine and research contributions in military healthcare settings (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease in active-duty personnel) provide a broader impact beyond civilian medicine.

Education 🎓

Dr. Pak began his academic journey at the United States Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, New York, earning a B.S. in Life Sciences. He then pursued his medical degree at the F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, Maryland. His postgraduate training includes an Internal Medicine Residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, followed by a Gastroenterology & Hepatology Fellowship at Naval Medical Center San Diego. He further specialized in Transplant Hepatology through a fellowship at the Pflieger Liver Institute at UCLA.

Experience 💼

Dr. Pak has held several academic positions, including Assistant Professor of Medicine and Teaching Fellow at USUHS. He is actively involved in medical education, mentoring students and residents. His clinical expertise spans hepatology, transplant medicine, and gastroenterology, making him a key contributor to the field. Additionally, Dr. Pak has served in the military, where he provided medical services in critical care settings.

Research Interests On Medicine🔬

Dr. Pak’s research focuses on liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, chronic hepatitis B, and liver transplantation. He is particularly interested in optimizing treatment strategies for liver disease and investigating emerging therapies. His work contributes to advancements in hepatology, improving patient outcomes and clinical practices.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Pak has received numerous accolades throughout his career. He was honored with the Resident Researcher of the Year Award and the AASLD Emerging Liver Scholar Award. His excellence in teaching earned him the James J. Leonard Award for Excellence in Teaching. In his military service, he received commendations such as the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

Publications 📚

Dr. Pak has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals. His notable works include:

  • Systematic review of safety of selective androgen receptor modulators in healthy adults: implications for recreational users

    • Authors: JD Vignali, KC Pak, HR Beverley, JP DeLuca, JW Downs, AT Kress, …
    • Publication Year: 2023
    • Citations: 38
  • Wilson’s disease and iron overload: pathophysiology and therapeutic implications

    • Authors: K Pak, S Ordway, B Sadowski, M Canevari, D Torres
    • Publication Year: 2021
    • Citations: 23
  • Helicobacter pylori Treatment Regimen Selection and Eradication Rates Across Department of Defense Patients for Fiscal Years 2016-2018

    • Authors: ZC Junga, A Mertz, K Pak, M Singla
    • Publication Year: 2023
    • Citations: 9
  • The Patterns and Associated Cost of Serologic Testing for Helicobacter pylori in the U.S. Military Health System

    • Authors: K Pak, Z Junga, A Mertz, M Singla
    • Publication Year: 2020
    • Citations: 6
  • State of the art: Test all for anti-hepatitis D virus and reflex to hepatitis D virus RNA polymerase chain reaction quantification

    • Authors: E Umukoro, JJ Alukal, K Pak, J Gutierrez
    • Publication Year: 2023
    • Citations: 5
  • Occult HBV infection: a case series at a military treatment facility

    • Authors: K Pak, S Ordway, D Torres
    • Publication Year: 2020
    • Citations: 4
  • An acute presentation of chronic gastric volvulus

    • Authors: K Pak, Z Junga, P Young
    • Publication Year: 2020
    • Citations: 4
  • Decades of cough: Delayed recognition of atypical cystic fibrosis in an adult patient

    • Authors: A Chandel, K Pak, S Dooley, K Salazar
    • Publication Year: 2020
    • Citations: 3
  • A small blemish: isotretinoin-induced microscopic colitis

    • Authors: LR Dukate, K Pak, W O’Connell, Z Junga
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • Citations: 2
  • A Case of Whipple’s Disease With Concomitant Esophageal Candidiasis

    • Authors: R Choi, A Pazevic, K Pak, M Skaret, A Bachmann, R Wilkerson
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1

Conclusion 🔍

Dr. Kevin C. Pak, M.D., is a dedicated physician, educator, and researcher in hepatology and gastroenterology. His commitment to advancing liver disease treatment, coupled with his academic and clinical expertise, makes him a key figure in the field. Through his research, mentorship, and clinical practice, Dr. Pak continues to contribute significantly to medical science and patient care.

Hyung-Youl Park | Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hyung-Youl Park | Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea | South Korea 

Dr. Hyung-Youl Park is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea. With a focus on spinal cord injuries, disc degeneration, adult spinal deformity, minimally invasive surgery, and osteoporosis, Dr. Park has established himself as a leading figure in both clinical and academic orthopedic surgery. His dedication to improving spinal health is evident in his extensive research, teaching, and clinical expertise.

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Strenghts for the Awards

  • Prolific Research Output:
    Dr. Hyung-Youl Park has published extensively, with 72 research articles, including 50 high-impact works in prestigious journals like the European Spine Journal, Diagnostics, World Neurosurgery, and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. His contributions reflect a consistent focus on advancing orthopedic surgery, spinal diseases, and geriatric spinal care.
  • Diverse and Impactful Research Areas:
    His research spans critical topics such as:

    • Risk factors for mechanical complications in spinal surgeries.
    • Pathophysiology and treatment of Kummell’s Disease.
    • Effects of telemedicine on medical staff post-COVID-19.
    • Innovations in bone regeneration and biomaterials.
    • Geriatric spinal fusion and osteoporosis treatment strategies.
    • Surgical management of spinal metastases and deformities.

    These studies showcase clinical relevance and translational impact on improving patient outcomes, particularly in geriatric and oncology-related spinal care.

  • Collaboration and Leadership:
    Dr. Park has co-authored with notable experts like Young-Hoon Kim and Kee-Yong Ha, reflecting his active collaboration in multidisciplinary teams. His involvement in pivotal studies, such as surgical risk factors, spinal imaging, and regenerative medicine, indicates leadership in shaping clinical practices.
  • High-Impact Publications:
    Many of his works are published in journals indexed in Web of Science and Scopus, with notable DOI-linked contributions that enhance global accessibility. His study on telemedicine satisfaction post-pandemic (Telemedicine and e-Health, 2024) and innovative use of recombinant human BMP-2 (Bioengineering, 2023) demonstrate cutting-edge advancements.
  • Clinical Relevance and Recognition:
    Dr. Park’s research addresses real-world challenges, such as post-surgical complications, lumbar stenosis, and adjacent segment degeneration. His findings offer actionable insights for surgical decision-making and patient care optimization.

Education 🎓

Dr. Park holds an impressive academic background:

  • Ph.D. in Orthopedic Surgery (2022), The Catholic University Graduate School, Seoul, Korea.
    • Dissertation: “Are the Choice of Frame and Intraoperative Patient Positioning Associated with Radiologic and Clinical Outcomes in Long-Instrumented Lumbar Fusion for Adult Spinal Deformity?”
  • M.D. (2012), The Catholic University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

His postgraduate training includes internships, residency, and fellowships at renowned hospitals within the Catholic Medical Center in Korea.

Experience 🏥

Dr. Park’s professional journey spans over a decade of clinical expertise:

  • Clinical Assistant Professor (2020 – Present): Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea.
  • Clinical Fellow (2017–2020): Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Seoul and Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospitals.
  • Orthopedic Resident (2013–2017): Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, Catholic Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.

He actively teaches medical students and residents and has played a pivotal role in weekly spine disorder reviews and conferences.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Park’s primary research interests include:

  • Spinal cord injury and disc degeneration.
  • Adult spinal deformity and minimally invasive spine surgery.
  • Osteoporosis and its effects on spinal health.

His research integrates basic science with clinical applications to improve patient outcomes in spine surgery.

Awards and Recognitions 🏆

Dr. Park’s work has earned numerous accolades:

  • Young Investigator Award, Korean Society of Spinal Surgery (2023).
  • Best Investigator Award, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Catholic University of Korea (2022).
  • Oral Presentation Awards for innovative research in osteoporosis and spinal tumors at multiple national and international congresses (2016–2021).
  • Nomination for Hibbs Award, Scoliosis Research Society (2017).

These honors reflect his commitment to advancing orthopedic surgery through groundbreaking research.

Publications 📚

Dr. Hyung-Youl Park has authored several impactful articles in high-ranking journals:

  1. “Risk factors for mechanical complications after fusion extension surgery for lumbar adjacent segment disease”
    • Authors: Kim, Young-Hoon; Ha, Kee-Yong; Ahn, Joonghyun; Park, Hyung-Youl; Chang, Dong-Gune; Lim, Jae-Hak; Kim, Sang-Il
    • Journal: European Spine Journal
    • DOI: 10.1007/S00586-023-07880-5
  2. “Understanding Kummell’s Disease: Definition, Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, and Treatment”
    • Authors: Young-Il Ko; Myung-Sup Ko; Chungwon Bang; Hyung-Youl Park; Sang-Il Kim; Young-Hoon Kim
    • Journal: Journal of Korean Society of Spine Surgery
    • DOI: 10.4184/jkss.2024.31.1.23
  3. “Sagittal Realignment Following Decompression for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis in Elderly Patients: A Comprehensive EOS Imaging Analysis”
  4. “Satisfaction Survey of Medical Staff for Telemedicine after the COVID-19 Pandemic”
    • Authors: Seung Eun Jung; Young-Mi Kwon; Soon-Yong Kwon; Young-Hoon Kim; Hyung-Youl Park
    • Journal: Telemedicine and e-Health
    • DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2024.0142
  5. “The Effects of Longer Use of Teriparatide on Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes after Spinal Fusion in Geriatric Patients”
    • Authors: Young-Hoon Kim; Kee-Yong Ha; Hyun W. Bae; Hyung-Youl Park; Young-Il Ko; Myung-Sup Ko; Sang-Il Kim
    • Journal: Medicina
    • DOI: 10.3390/medicina60060946
  1. “Effects of bone cement augmentation for uppermost instrumented vertebra on adjacent disc segment degeneration in lumbar fusions”
    • Authors: Lee, Jae-Won; Kim, Hun-Chul; Kim, Sang-Il; Min, Hyung-Ki; Ha, Kee-Yong; Park, Hyung-Youl; Cho, Chang-Hee; Sung, Hoon-Seok; Lim, Jae-Hak; Kim, Young-Hoon
    • Journal: World Neurosurgery
    • DOI: 10.1016/J.WNEU.2022.11.014
  2. “Junctional Failures at Both Ends After Long Fusion Arthrodesis Stopping at L5: Incidences and Risk Factors”
    • Authors: Kim, Y.-H.; Ha, K.-Y.; Park, H.-Y.; Ko, M.-S.; Ko, Y.-I.; Sin, K.-J.; Kim, S.-I
    • Journal: World Neurosurgery
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.09.063
  3. “Predictive factors for conversion from conservative to surgical treatment in osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures”
    • Authors: Sung, Hoon-Seok; Kim, Sang-Il; Park, Hyung-Youl; Ko, Myung-Sup; Lee, Jeong-Han; Kim, Young-Hoon
    • Journal: European Spine Journal
    • DOI: 10.1007/S00586-023-07864-5
  4. “Risk Factors for Conversion to Open Spinal Surgery after Percutaneous Epidural Neuroplasty”
    • Authors: Young-Hoon Kim; Sang-Il Kim; Jun-Seok Lee; Hyung-Youl Park
    • Journal: Journal of Korean Society of Spine Surgery
    • DOI: 10.4184/jkss.2023.30.1.18
  5. “When Should Spinal Surgery Be Considered for Spinal Metastasis from Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer?”
    • Authors: Hyung-Youl Park; Kee-Yong Ha; Sang-Il Kim; Yeon-Sil Kim; Yongwon Joh; Young-Hoon Kim
    • Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine
    • DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144683

Conclusion

Dr. Hyung-Youl Park is a distinguished orthopedic surgeon, educator, and researcher dedicated to advancing spine health through innovative clinical practices and impactful research. His achievements reflect a blend of clinical expertise, academic excellence, and a passion for improving patient outcomes.