Seong Son | Musculoskeletal | Best Researcher Award

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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

 

Neriman Temel Aksu | Physiotherapy and Rehabilitataion | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Neriman Temel Aksu | Physiotherapy and Rehabilitataion | Best Researcher Award

Neriman Temel Aksu is an Assistant Professor and Doctor Physiotherapist at Akdeniz University Faculty of Health Sciences, Antalya, Turkey. She completed her undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Istanbul University. With seven years of clinical experience at Antalya Anadolu Hospital, she later pursued a master’s degree in Movement and Exercise Sciences at Akdeniz University. She further specialized in Pulmonary Rehabilitation during her second master’s degree and earned her Ph.D. in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation from Süleyman Demirel University. Her research focuses on pulmonary rehabilitation, sleep quality in post-lung resection patients, and the effects of kinesiology taping and Qigong training. She has published numerous research articles and books and is an active member of various professional organizations, including TÜSAD, Türk Toraks Derneği, and the European Respiratory Society. Dr. Aksu is recognized for her contributions to physiotherapy and rehabilitation, particularly in respiratory function and post-surgical patient care.

Profile

Education 🎓

Neriman Temel Aksu completed her undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Istanbul University. She pursued her first master’s degree in Movement and Exercise Sciences at Akdeniz University, where she explored innovative rehabilitation techniques. Recognizing the significance of respiratory physiotherapy, she completed her second master’s degree in Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Akdeniz University, deepening her expertise in respiratory function and post-surgical recovery. She then obtained her Ph.D. in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation from Süleyman Demirel University, where she conducted advanced research on the effects of Qigong exercise training on patients’ shoulder and respiratory functions. Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to evidence-based physiotherapy practices and patient-centered rehabilitation. Throughout her education, she integrated both clinical and research perspectives to enhance therapeutic outcomes, specializing in pulmonary rehabilitation, pain management, and exercise interventions for post-thoracic surgery patients. Her academic qualifications have significantly shaped her contributions to physiotherapy education and practice.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Neriman Temel Aksu has extensive experience in physiotherapy and rehabilitation, combining clinical practice, research, and academia. She worked as a specialist physiotherapist at Antalya Anadolu Hospital for seven years, where she gained hands-on experience in patient rehabilitation and pain management. She later transitioned to academia as a Research Assistant at Akdeniz University Faculty of Health Sciences, contributing to physiotherapy education and clinical research. After completing her doctorate, she was appointed as an Assistant Professor at Akdeniz University, where she continues to teach and mentor students while conducting research in pulmonary rehabilitation. Her expertise includes evaluating the effects of exercise therapy, kinesiology taping, and relaxation techniques on respiratory function and post-operative recovery. She has published extensively in high-impact journals and authored several books on physiotherapy. Her academic and professional journey showcases her dedication to advancing physiotherapy practices and improving patient outcomes through innovative rehabilitation approaches.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Neriman Temel Aksu’s research primarily focuses on pulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory function improvement, and post-operative recovery strategies. Her studies have evaluated sleep quality in lung resection patients, highlighting the role of progressive muscle relaxation exercises. She has investigated the effects of kinesiology taping on pain and respiratory function in thoracotomy patients, contributing to non-invasive rehabilitation techniques. Her doctoral research on Qigong exercise training explored its impact on shoulder mobility and lung function, providing new insights into integrative therapy for post-surgical recovery. Additionally, she has analyzed the benefits of connective tissue massage on pain relief, quality of life, and hospital stay duration. With nine peer-reviewed journal publications and multiple research projects, her work significantly influences clinical rehabilitation protocols. She actively collaborates with national and international respiratory societies to enhance physiotherapy interventions. Her research aims to advance evidence-based practices that improve patient outcomes in post-surgical and chronic respiratory conditions.

Dr. Neriman Temel Aksu has received multiple accolades for her contributions to physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Her research in pulmonary rehabilitation and post-surgical recovery has earned her recognition in national and international physiotherapy forums. She has been nominated for the Best Researcher Award, highlighting her impactful work in respiratory physiotherapy. Additionally, her studies on sleep quality, kinesiology taping, and Qigong training have been acknowledged by professional organizations such as TÜSAD and Türk Toraks Derneği. She has published seven books with ISBN, contributing significantly to physiotherapy education. Her publications in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals reflect the high caliber of her research. She is an esteemed member of the European Respiratory Society, where she actively participates in collaborative research. Through her dedication to evidence-based practice and continuous contributions to physiotherapy, she has established herself as a leading researcher in rehabilitation sciences, particularly in pulmonary and post-surgical patient care.

Publications 📚