Young Un Choi | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Young Un Choi | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor from WonJu Severance Christian Hospital, South Korea

Dr. Young Un Choi is a highly experienced Clinical Assistant Professor at Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, specializing in trauma surgery, emergency medicine, and critical care. Throughout his distinguished medical career, Dr. Choi has been committed to advancing trauma management and emergency surgical procedures through both clinical practice and academic research. He has accumulated extensive hands-on experience working in various hospitals, including service in international medical cooperation programs. His clinical expertise is complemented by his active engagement in numerous national and international trauma, surgery, and emergency care societies. Dr. Choi has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, contributing significantly to the understanding of trauma mechanisms, surgical interventions, and critical care outcomes. His dedication to continuous learning is evident through his participation in globally recognized trauma certification courses and advanced surgical training programs. Dr. Choi’s research has had a positive impact on the development of trauma care protocols in South Korea, particularly in the establishment and improvement of regional trauma centers. His work addresses critical healthcare challenges, aiming to reduce mortality rates and improve the survival and recovery of severely injured patients. With a solid foundation in clinical excellence, academic rigor, and a vision for improving trauma systems, Dr. Choi stands out as a leading contributor in his field.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Young Un Choi has pursued a comprehensive medical education that forms the foundation of his clinical and research expertise. He began his medical studies at Inje University College of Medicine from March 2000 to February 2008, where he earned his medical degree. Demonstrating a strong interest in further specialization, he pursued a Master’s degree at the same institution from March 2011 to February 2017, focusing on advanced surgical practices and trauma management. His academic journey continued with a Ph.D. from Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, which he completed between March 2019 and February 2022. This doctoral program allowed him to delve deeply into the field of trauma surgery, focusing on the complex interrelationships between surgical techniques, patient outcomes, and trauma care systems. Throughout his academic development, Dr. Choi consistently balanced clinical responsibilities with advanced studies, equipping him with both theoretical knowledge and practical proficiency. His educational progression reflects a deliberate effort to strengthen his expertise in emergency medicine and critical care, positioning him to contribute meaningful advancements in these domains. The combination of medical, master’s, and doctoral degrees underscores his commitment to lifelong learning and clinical excellence, ultimately shaping him into a highly skilled and knowledgeable leader in trauma and critical care research.

Professional Experience

Dr. Young Un Choi has built an impressive career with extensive professional experience across multiple clinical and academic roles. He began his journey in 2008 as an intern doctor at Good Samsun Hospital, followed by residency training in surgery at Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital from 2009 to 2013. His early focus on pediatric surgery led him to a short-term observer fellowship at Samsung Medical Center in 2013. From 2013 to 2015, he served as a clinical instructor in surgery at Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital. His international exposure includes working as a medical doctor for the Korea International Cooperation Agency at the Korean-Laos Children’s Hospital between 2015 and 2016, contributing to global medical aid. In 2016, Dr. Choi joined Yonsei University as a Clinical Research Assistant Professor in trauma and intensive care, advancing through academic ranks to his current role as Clinical Associate Professor at Wonju Severance Christian Hospital. His career is marked by consistent growth in trauma surgery and critical care, and he has played a crucial role in clinical education and the development of trauma systems. His professional timeline showcases a dynamic balance between clinical excellence, academic service, and humanitarian medical missions.

Research Interest

Dr. Young Un Choi’s primary research interests focus on trauma surgery, emergency medicine, critical care management, and surgical outcomes in severely injured patients. His work consistently addresses challenges in managing complex trauma cases, particularly blunt abdominal and chest injuries, as well as the evaluation and optimization of diagnostic and surgical interventions. Dr. Choi is especially interested in improving the early identification of critical injuries, developing efficient trauma assessment methods, and refining surgical protocols to reduce mortality and complication rates. He has a strong focus on the utilization of radiographic techniques in trauma diagnosis, the prevention and management of surgical site infections, and strategies for enhancing survival in patients with severe polytrauma. Additionally, his research covers postoperative critical care and the role of advanced therapies such as immunoglobulin administration and antithrombin III in trauma patients. Dr. Choi also explores trauma care efficiency during mass gatherings and pandemics, as reflected in his study of trauma center responses during the COVID-19 outbreak. His body of research contributes to the global effort to improve trauma systems, optimize critical care practices, and develop evidence-based guidelines that can be applied both regionally and internationally.

Research Skills

Dr. Young Un Choi possesses a comprehensive skill set in trauma surgery, emergency procedures, critical care, and clinical research methodologies. He is proficient in advanced trauma life support (ATLS), emergency surgical techniques, preperitoneal pelvic packing, and hemodynamic stabilization strategies for severely injured patients. Dr. Choi is highly skilled in utilizing diagnostic tools such as chest radiography and computed tomography in emergency trauma settings, allowing for rapid and accurate injury assessment. His clinical expertise extends to the management of complex abdominal and thoracic injuries, as well as the application of advanced resuscitation protocols in critical care. In addition to his clinical abilities, Dr. Choi is adept at conducting retrospective and prospective clinical studies, employing data analysis, outcome measurement, and cohort study designs to derive meaningful conclusions from patient cases. His proficiency in multi-disciplinary trauma care and his ability to integrate research into clinical practice are evident throughout his published work. Furthermore, he has strong teaching and mentorship skills, regularly contributing to academic activities, surgical training, and national trauma courses. Dr. Choi’s unique combination of hands-on surgical skills, trauma management expertise, and rigorous clinical research make him a valuable contributor to both academic and hospital settings.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Young Un Choi’s distinguished career is supported by several certifications, memberships, and recognitions in the field of trauma and emergency medicine. He holds board certifications in general surgery, trauma surgery, critical care medicine, and emergency trauma surgery, reflecting his multi-specialty proficiency. Dr. Choi has completed numerous internationally recognized training programs, including Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) from Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Canada and the Definitive Surgical Trauma Care (DSTC) course in Sydney, Australia. He is certified in specialized courses such as Advanced Trauma Operative Management (ATOM) and Korean Advanced Life Support (KALS), among others. Dr. Choi is an active member of several professional societies, including the Korean Surgical Society, the Korean Society of Acute Care Surgery, the Korean Society of Traumatology, and the Korean Society of Critical Care Medicine. His involvement in these organizations signifies his dedication to continuous professional development and knowledge dissemination. In addition to his certifications and society memberships, Dr. Choi has served as an instructor for several national trauma training courses, playing a vital role in the education and training of upcoming trauma surgeons and emergency care providers. His honors and certifications underscore his expertise and leadership in the trauma field.

Conclusion

Dr. Young Un Choi is a dedicated and highly skilled trauma surgeon and clinical researcher whose contributions to emergency and critical care medicine are both extensive and impactful. His academic journey, clinical excellence, and substantial research output position him as a leader in trauma care in South Korea. Through his focused research on trauma mechanisms, surgical interventions, and critical care strategies, Dr. Choi has significantly advanced the understanding and management of severe trauma cases. His consistent participation in national and international trauma societies and his role in surgical education further highlight his influence within the medical community. Although his accomplishments are already remarkable, Dr. Choi has opportunities to expand his global collaborations, increase involvement in multicenter trials, and explore innovative technologies to further elevate his contributions to the field. His ability to balance clinical duties, research, and education is commendable and demonstrates his commitment to improving patient care and trauma system efficiency. Overall, Dr. Choi’s professional journey reflects a rare combination of surgical expertise, academic dedication, and passion for advancing trauma care, making him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publications Top Notes

  • Differences in Characteristics of Trauma Between General Trauma and Suicidal Trauma–Trauma Mechanism, Injury Site, and Severity: A Single‐Center Study
    Ji Young Hyun, Yae Jun Son, SuHyun Kim, Keum Seok Bae, Jae Sik Chung, Il Hwan Park, Young Un Choi, Roberto Cirocchi
    2025

  • Mortality Trends in Chest-Abdominal Trauma Patients Before and After the Establishment of Trauma Centers in South Korea
    Dae Ryong Kang, Hye Sim Kim, Ji Young Jang, Ou-Hyen Kim, Kiyoung Kim, Un Young Choi, Jiwool Ko, Keum Seok Bae, Hongjin Shim
    2024

  • Occult Pneumothorax in Patients with Blunt Chest Trauma: Key Findings on Supine Chest Radiography
    Il Hwan Park, Chang Wan Kim, Young Un Choi, Tae Wook Kang, Jihye Lim, Chun Sung Byun
    2023

  • Association of Chest Anteroposterior Radiography with Computed Tomography in Patients with Blunt Chest Trauma
    Young Un Choi, Chang Whan Kim, JiHye Lim, Il Hwan Park, Chun Sung Byun, Roberto Cirocchi
    2023

  • Effect of Antithrombin III Administration on the Prognosis of Severe Trauma Patients with Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
    Jae Sik Chung, Myoung Jun Kim, Young Un Choi, Jun Gi Kim, Keum Seok Bae
    2023

  • Adjuvant Intravenous Immunoglobulin Administration on Postoperative Critically Ill Patients with Secondary Peritonitis: A Retrospective Study
    Young Un Choi, Jun Gi Kim, Ji Young Jang, Tae Hwa Go, Kwangmin Kim, Keum Seok Bae, Hongjin Shim
    2023

  • Outcomes Improvement Despite Continuous Visits of Severely Injured Patients During the COVID-19 Outbreak: Experience at a Regional Trauma Centre in South Korea
    Young Un Choi
    2022

  • Determination of Risk Factors for Predicting Bladder-Urethra Injury in Cases of Pelvic Bone Fracture: A Retrospective Single Center Study
    Ji Wool Ko, Myoung Jun Kim, Young Un Choi, Hongjin Shim, Hoejeong Chung, Ji Young Jang, Keum Seok Bae, Kwangmin Kim
    2022

  • A Study on Trauma Mechanisms and Injury Sites in Patients with Blunt Abdominal Trauma
    YoungUn Choi, SuHyun Kim, JiWool Ko, MyoungJun Kim, Hongjin Shim, JaeHun Han, JiHye Lim, Kwangmin Kim, Roberto Cirocchi
    2022

  • Determination of Risk Factors Associated with Surgical Site Infection in Patients Undergoing Preperitoneal Pelvic Packing for Unstable Pelvic Fracture
    Kang Min Kim, Myoung Jun Kim, Jae Sik Chung, Ji Wool Ko, Young Un Choi, Hongjin Shim, Ji Young Jang, Keum Seok Bae, Kwangmin Kim
    2022

Risa Yamada | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Risa Yamada | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Researcher from National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Japan

Risa Yamada is an esteemed Chief Researcher at the Department of Preventive Intervention for Psychiatric Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Japan. Her research primarily focuses on neuropsychopharmacology, epidemiology, and neurophysiology in patients with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, and substance abuse. She is renowned for her pioneering work in the epidemiology of gambling disorders, exploring the impact of comorbid behavioral addiction. Her research has yielded significant insights into the effectiveness of serotonin-5-HT1A receptor partial agonists for cognitive enhancement in schizophrenia, with findings published in prestigious journals. Additionally, she is conducting cutting-edge research on transcranial photobiomodulation to ameliorate cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Yamada has made notable contributions to the understanding of depression severity and the role of adverse childhood experiences in mood disorders. With a background in clinical psychology and neuropsychopharmacology, she is a rising leader in the field of psychiatric research.

Professional Profile

Education

Risa Yamada completed her medical education at the Jikei University School of Medicine, earning her Ph.D. in February 2023. Prior to this, she received a Bachelor of Science degree from Toho University in 2011 and a Master of Psychology from Teikyo University in 2018. Throughout her educational journey, she focused on the intersection of clinical psychology and psychiatry, particularly in understanding the neuropsychological aspects of psychiatric disorders. Her academic development laid a strong foundation for her subsequent research career. In addition to her medical degrees, Yamada holds certifications as a Clinical Psychologist (2019) and a Public Psychologist (2019), which further demonstrate her expertise and commitment to advancing psychological and psychiatric research. These educational qualifications, coupled with her practical research experience, allow Yamada to contribute significantly to the development of new treatment strategies for psychiatric conditions, particularly those related to cognitive dysfunction and behavioral addictions.

Professional Experience

Risa Yamada currently serves as the Chief Researcher at the Department of Preventive Intervention for Psychiatric Disorders at the National Institute of Mental Health, part of the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry in Tokyo, Japan. She has been in this role since September 2021 and has been instrumental in leading research focused on cognitive impairments in psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia. Yamada’s career began as a Research Associate in the Department of Mental Disorder Research at the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry from 2018 to 2021, where she investigated depression severity and its links to adverse childhood experiences and coping styles. Prior to her current position, she conducted a doctoral research project at Jikei University, where she explored the relationship between gambling disorder and psychiatric conditions. Her extensive experience spans multiple research settings, with her work having a significant impact on clinical understanding and treatment development for various psychiatric conditions. Yamada’s role as a researcher and educator also extends to her involvement in several leading academic societies in psychiatry and neuropsychopharmacology.

Research Interests

Risa Yamada’s research interests lie at the intersection of clinical psychology, psychiatry, and neuropsychopharmacology. She is deeply engaged in studying the cognitive and neurophysiological aspects of psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia, mood disorders, and behavioral addictions such as gambling disorders. Her work focuses on the use of neuropsychological methods to explore the biological and psychological underpinnings of these conditions, with a particular emphasis on cognitive impairment. One of her notable research projects involves studying the augmentation of cognitive function in schizophrenia using serotonin-5-HT1A receptor partial agonists, a promising avenue for improving psychotic symptoms and cognitive deficits. Additionally, Yamada is investigating the potential of transcranial photobiomodulation, a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, to address cognitive impairments in patients with schizophrenia. She also explores the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and mood disorders, with the goal of identifying effective biomarkers and treatments for negative valence in psychiatric conditions. Her research aims to advance both theoretical understanding and practical interventions for these prevalent and challenging mental health conditions.

Research Skills

Risa Yamada possesses a diverse and advanced skill set in clinical research, particularly in the fields of neuropsychopharmacology, epidemiology, and neurophysiology. She is proficient in conducting meta-analyses and cross-sectional studies, particularly related to psychiatric disorders and cognitive dysfunction. Her expertise in neuropsychological methods allows her to investigate complex interactions between psychological traits and psychiatric conditions. Yamada is skilled in using clinical scales and neurophysiological tools, such as skin conductivity measures, to assess psychological traits like interoception and alexithymia in relation to psychiatric conditions. Furthermore, she has experience in neuroimaging techniques, including the use of transcranial photobiomodulation for brain stimulation. Yamada’s work with behavioral addiction, particularly gambling disorders, demonstrates her ability to apply epidemiological methods to mental health research. She is also adept at analyzing large-scale clinical data sets and using statistical models to explore the relationship between psychiatric symptoms and demographic variables. These research skills enable her to lead impactful studies that contribute both to the scientific community and to practical applications in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.

Awards and Honors

Risa Yamada has received recognition for her contributions to psychiatric research, particularly in the areas of neuropsychopharmacology and behavioral addiction. She has been awarded several academic honors, including recognition for her groundbreaking research on gambling disorders, which was the first of its kind in Japan. Her work on cognitive enhancement therapies for schizophrenia has been published in high-impact journals, earning her a reputation as a leader in the field. While she has not yet received large-scale awards, her growing recognition within the academic community and her role as Chief Researcher at the National Institute of Mental Health reflect her increasing influence. Yamada’s contributions to psychiatric research have been acknowledged through invitations to present her findings at prestigious international conferences. She is also a member of several leading professional societies, including the Collegium Internationale Neuro-Psychopharmacologicum and the Japanese Society of Neuropsychopharmacology, further solidifying her status as a respected researcher.

Conclusion

Risa Yamada is a highly promising and accomplished researcher in the field of psychiatry, with a focus on neuropsychopharmacology, neurophysiology, and epidemiology. Her work has already made a significant impact, particularly in the understanding of cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia and gambling disorders. With a robust educational background and extensive professional experience, Yamada is well-positioned to continue contributing to the advancement of psychiatric research. Her innovative approach to non-invasive brain stimulation, alongside her focus on biomarkers for psychiatric conditions, highlights her potential for further breakthroughs. While her research is primarily centered on schizophrenia and mood disorders, expanding her focus to other psychiatric conditions would enhance the breadth of her contributions. With continued growth in international collaboration and further emphasis on translational research, Yamada has the potential to make a lasting impact on both clinical practice and scientific understanding in the field of psychiatry.

Publications Top Notes

  • Clinical Significance of Psychiatric Comorbidities Among Outpatients With Gambling Disorder in Japan: A 12-Month Follow-Up Study
    Authors: Yamada, R., Stickley, A., Shigeta, M., Miyata, H.
    Year: 2025

  • Semantic memory disorganization linked to social functioning in patients with schizophrenia
    Authors: Wada, A., Sumiyoshi, C., Yoshimura, N., Hashimoto, R., Matsumoto, J., Stickley, A., Yamada, Y., Kikuchi, A., Kubota, R., Matsui, M., Nakachi, K., Fujimaki, C., Adachi, L., Yamada, R., Sumiyoshi, T.
    Year: 2025

  • Autistic trait severity in early schizophrenia: Role in subjective quality of life and social functioning
    Authors: Wada, A., Yamada, R., Yamada, Y., Sumiyoshi, C., Hashimoto, R., Matsumoto, J., Kikuchi, A., Kubota, R., Matsui, M., Nakachi, K., Fujimaki, C., Adachi, L., Stickley, A., Yoshimura, N., Sumiyoshi, T.
    Year: 2025

  • Problematic gambling and psychotic-like experiences: Findings from Japan
    Authors: Stickley, A., Shirama, A., Yamada, R., Sumiyoshi, T.
    Year: 2024

  • Augmentation therapy with serotonin1A receptor partial agonists on neurocognitive function in schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
    Authors: Yamada, R., Wada, A., Stickley, A., Yokoi, Y., Sumiyoshi, T.
    Year: 2023

  • Effect of 5-HT1A Receptor Partial Agonists of the Azapirone Class as an Add-On Therapy on Psychopathology and Cognition in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    Authors: Yamada, R., Wada, A., Stickley, A., Yokoi, Y., Sumiyoshi, T.
    Year: 2023

  • Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Psychiatric Comorbidities With Gambling Disorder in 12 Clinical Settings in Japan
    Authors: Yamada, R., Miyashita, K., Hashimoto, T. M., et al.
    Year: 2023

  • Discrepancy between Clinician-rated and Self-reported Depression Severity is Associated with Adverse Childhood Experience, Autistic-like Traits, and Coping Styles in Mood Disorders
    Authors: Yamada, R., Fujii, T., Hattori, K., et al.
    Year: 2023

  • The relationship between severity of drug problems and perceived interdependence of drug use and sexual intercourse among adult males in drug addiction rehabilitation centers in Japan
    Authors: Yamada, R., Shimane, T., Kondo, A., Yonezawa, M., Matsumoto, T.
    Year: 2021