Seong Son | Musculoskeletal | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Prof. Dr. Seong Son | Musculoskeletal | Best Researcher Award

Professor, Gil Medical Center, Gachon university College of Medcine

Dr. Seong Son, M.D., Ph.D., is a distinguished neurosurgeon and Professor at the Department of Neurosurgery, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine in South Korea. Specializing in spine surgery, he has steadily advanced from internship to professorship, culminating in his current role as Director of the Spine Center. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Son’s clinical practice is supported by extensive academic involvement, numerous national and international affiliations, and a prolific publication record in minimally invasive spine techniques. His overseas training and visiting scholarship at UC Irvine further demonstrate his commitment to global medical excellence. A respected member of multiple neurosurgical and spinal societies, he contributes to the field through education, editorial duties, and cutting-edge research. His focus on minimally invasive spinal procedures continues to shape the field in South Korea and abroad.

Profile

Orcid

🔹 Education 

Dr. Son began his medical journey at Gachon Medical School (2000–2006), earning his bachelor’s degree in medicine. He continued at Gachon University’s Graduate School for his master’s degree (2009–2012), developing foundational expertise in neurosurgery. He then pursued a Ph.D. at Inha University College of Medicine (2015–2018), focusing on advanced neurosurgical techniques and spine pathologies. He obtained his Korean medical license in 2006 and became a board-certified neurosurgeon in 2011. His educational path reflects a consistent focus on excellence in clinical training and academic development, equipping him with deep scientific and practical knowledge in spine surgery. His studies laid the groundwork for an impactful career that bridges clinical practice, surgical innovation, and academic leadership in neurosurgical sciences.

🔹 Experience 

Dr. Seong Son has built a comprehensive clinical and academic career over nearly two decades. He started as an intern (2006–2007) and resident (2007–2011) in neurosurgery at Gil Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in the Spine Center (2011–2013). He served as Assistant Professor in trauma and spine neurosurgery (2013–2020), then advanced to Associate Professor (2020–2025), and became a full Professor in 2025. Since July 2024, he also serves as Director of the Spine Center. Internationally trained at institutions in the U.S., Germany, and Singapore, Dr. Son combines surgical practice with education, research, and leadership. His role has expanded from clinician to academic authority and institutional leader, shaping both patient outcomes and the future of neurosurgical training in South Korea.

🔹 Awards and Honors

While specific named awards are not listed, Dr. Seong Son’s honors are embedded in his progressive academic appointments, international fellowships, and scholarly roles. His overseas training, including the ASSET course at LAC+USC, a fellowship at Singapore’s National University Hospital, and a visiting scholarship at UC Irvine, highlight global recognition of his skills. His membership in premier societies like NASS and KOMISS, and his role on the editorial board of JMISST, further reflect his high professional standing. His contributions to leading textbooks and his appointment as Director of the Spine Center signify his excellence and leadership in spine surgery. These collective achievements serve as marks of peer respect, international collaboration, and recognition in academic neurosurgery.

🔹 Research Focus 

Dr. Son’s research centers on minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal trauma, degenerative disorders, and advanced surgical techniques for cervical and lumbar regions. His extensive contributions to surgical textbooks highlight his expertise in anterior cervical approaches, vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, and geriatric spine care. As a member of multiple spinal societies, his work emphasizes clinical innovation, procedural safety, and functional outcomes in spine surgery. His studies contribute to optimizing patient recovery and reducing surgical invasiveness, enhancing long-term spine health. Dr. Son actively integrates evidence-based practice with cutting-edge research to shape the evolving standards of spinal neurosurgery in both Korean and international contexts.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Seong Son stands out as a highly skilled clinician-researcher in spine surgery with a robust academic and clinical background. His expertise in minimally invasive techniques, leadership roles, and international exposure position him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. However, to fully align with global standards for research excellence, greater visibility through high-impact publications, grant leadership, and quantitative metrics would further strengthen his candidacy. Overall, he is a deserving nominee, particularly in clinically driven and translational research categories.

Publication

  • Title: Development of an Exercise Rehabilitation Functional Group for Individualized Exercise After Lumbar Spine Surgery
    Authors: Seong Son, Han Byeol Park, Chan Jong Yoo, Moon-Hee Kim, Byung Rhae Yoo, Jae Ang Sim
    Year: 2025
    Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060943

 

  • Title: Comparison of the Efficacy of Zoledronate and Denosumab in Patients with Acute Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Trial
    Authors: Seong Son, Michael Y. Oh, Byung-Rhae Yoo, Han-Byeol Park
    Year: 2024
    Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13072040

 

  • Title: Outcome of Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy in Relation to the Surgeon’s Experience: Propensity Score Matching
    Authors: Seong Son, Michael Y. Oh, Han Byeol Park, Alexander M. Lopez
    Year: 2024
    Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11040312

 

  • Title: Digital therapeutics-based lumbar core exercise for patients with low back pain: A prospective exploratory pilot study
    Authors: Seong Son, Byung Rhae Yoo, Yu Mi Jeong
    Year: 2024
    Link: https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076231218154

 

  • Title: Low-Energy Transcranial Navigation-Guided Focused Ultrasound for Neuropathic Pain: An Exploratory Study
    Authors: Dong Hoon Shin, Seong Son, Eun Young Kim
    Year: 2023
    Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13101433

 

  • Title: Efficacy of Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy in Elderly Patients Over 65 Years of Age Compared to Young Adults
    Authors: Seong Son, Byung Rhae Yoo, Hee Jeong Kim, Sung Kyu Song, Yong Ahn
    Year: 2023
    Link: https://doi.org/10.14245/ns.2346192.096

 

 

  • Title: Reference Standard for Digital Infrared Thermography of the Surface Temperature of the Lower Limbs
    Authors: Ho Yeol Zhang, Seong Son, Byung Rhae Yoo, Tae-Mi Youk
    Year: 2023
    Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10030283

 

  • Title: Comparison of adjacent segment disease after minimally invasive versus open lumbar fusion: a minimum 10-year follow-up
    Authors: Jeong, Tae Seok; Son, Seong; Lee, Sang Gu; Ahn, Yong; Jung, Jong Myung; Yoo, Byung Rhae
    Year: 2022
    Link: https://doi.org/10.3171/2021.7.SPINE21408

 

  • Title: Comparison of Lateral Interbody Fusion and Posterior Interbody Fusion for Discogenic Low Back Pain
    Authors: Kim, Woo Kyung; Son, Seong; Lee, Sang Gu; Jung, Jong Myung; Yoo, Byung Rhae
    Year: 2022
    Link: https://doi.org/10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.35063-21.3

 

Albatool Alnojeidi | Rehabilitation Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Albatool Alnojeidi | Rehabilitation Science | Best Researcher Award

📌 Albatool Humod Alnojeidi is a board-licensed physical therapist and an Assistant Professor at Al Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She holds an M.S. in Health (MSH) with a concentration in Chronic Disease and a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science. Her research focuses on chronic low back pain (CLBP), exploring sociocultural and psychological factors affecting pain perception and treatment outcomes. Dr. Alnojeidi has contributed significantly to the field through research, teaching, and mentoring future healthcare professionals. Her work highlights the unique challenges of Arab-Americans with CLBP, addressing gaps in clinical practice and healthcare interventions. She has published multiple research papers in indexed journals and actively participates in professional organizations such as the International Association for the Study of Pain and the Saudi Physical Therapy Association. Her dedication to advancing rehabilitation science has earned her recognition in the academic and research community.

Profile

Education 🎓

🎓 Dr. Albatool Alnojeidi holds a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science, where her research focused on chronic low back pain and its sociocultural determinants. She earned a Master of Science in Health (MSH) with a concentration in Chronic Disease, equipping her with expertise in pain management, rehabilitation strategies, and public health. Her academic journey provided a strong foundation in clinical research, biomechanics, and patient-centered care approaches. Dr. Alnojeidi’s education blends clinical expertise with advanced research methodologies, allowing her to contribute effectively to the field of rehabilitation science. Through her studies, she developed a keen interest in understanding the interplay between physical activity, chronic pain, and sociocultural factors, shaping her research and academic career. She continues to leverage her education to improve healthcare practices and influence policy changes related to chronic pain management.

Experience 👨‍🏫

💼 Dr. Albatool Alnojeidi is currently an Assistant Professor at Al Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, where she integrates clinical expertise and research to educate future healthcare professionals. She has extensive experience in rehabilitation science, chronic pain research, and patient care. Her work focuses on chronic low back pain (CLBP) in Arab and Arab-American populations, addressing the impact of sociocultural, psychological, and healthcare disparities. She has led multiple research projects exploring pain-related injustice appraisal, physical activity, and chronic pain experiences. In addition to her teaching and research responsibilities, Dr. Alnojeidi actively participates in academic collaborations, professional organizations, and mentoring students. She has presented her findings at international conferences and published her research in indexed journals. Her experience extends to working on policy recommendations for pain management and advancing rehabilitation interventions, making a significant impact in her field.

Research Interests 🔬

🔬 Dr. Albatool Alnojeidi specializes in chronic low back pain (CLBP) research, with a particular emphasis on sociocultural, psychological, and physical activity-related factors. Her work investigates the experiences of Arab-Americans with CLBP, addressing healthcare disparities, pain-related injustice, and cultural influences on pain perception. She has published studies on the effects of discrimination, ethnic identity, and pain-related injustice on chronic pain outcomes. Her ongoing projects aim to characterize CLBP in Arab-American and Saudi populations, identifying key demographic, psychological, and healthcare determinants. Dr. Alnojeidi’s research is transforming clinical pain management, offering insights into tailored interventions for underrepresented groups. She has contributed to indexed journals, participated in global research collaborations, and received recognition for her innovative approaches. Her ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, improving pain management strategies for diverse patient populations through evidence-based rehabilitation.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

🏆 Dr. Albatool Alnojeidi has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to rehabilitation science and chronic pain research. She has received multiple nominations and awards, including the Best Researcher Award and Young Scientist Award, acknowledging her groundbreaking studies on chronic low back pain (CLBP) among Arab-American populations. Her research on pain-related injustice appraisal and sociocultural determinants of CLBP has been widely cited and has influenced clinical practices. Dr. Alnojeidi’s contributions to evidence-based rehabilitation and patient-centered care have earned her recognition from professional organizations, including the International Association for the Study of Pain and the Saudi Physical Therapy Association. Her scientific publications, mentorship, and advocacy for culturally informed pain management have positioned her as a leader in the field. Through her dedication to research, education, and clinical practice, she continues to receive accolades for her impact on healthcare and rehabilitation sciences.

Publications 📚