Lee Hyun-ju, a professor of Pediatrics and Adolescence at Hanyang University (HYU) Hospital, has received the “Minister of Health and Welfare Award” for her contributions to enhancing the treatment system for individuals with developmental disabilities. She played a pivotal role in the early implementation and establishment of HYU Hospital as a leading center for developmental disabilities.
Q. Please give us a brief overview of your main research field.
A. My expertise lies in assessing and treating brain developmental delays in newborns and premature infants. Brain development medicine involves studying, diagnosing, and treating neurological development and brain structures in children with developmental disabilities. I am dedicated to developing individualized treatment approaches to help children with developmental disabilities reach their full potential.
Q. How has the current model led to changes in the domestic developmental disability care system?
A. Before the implementation of the current model, most university hospitals took one to two years to conduct necessary assessments as their treatment required coordination among multiple hospital departments, resulting in significant treatment delays. To address this issue, a new medical system model was introduced, allowing patients to receive comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment comfortably. Currently, HYU Hospital collaborates with related medical departments to ensure coordinated treatment. Additionally, customized treatment plans are created for each patient, considering their symptoms and needs.
Q. Why did you choose pediatrics and adolescents, among those related to developmental disabilities?
A. During my time as an exchange professor at Harvard Medical School and working in the neonatal intensive care unit at Boston Children’s Hospital, I gained a profound understanding of the importance of fetal and neonatal brain development, which provides unparalleled knowledge about the mysteries of human development. It was for this reason that I decided to pursue a research field dedicated to developmental disorders. I knew that by improving the functional capacity of brain development, potential solutions could be found for a range of mental and degenerative diseases.
Q. Can you give advice to HYU students who want to pursue a career in this field?
A. My message to students is to find joy in their work. As a doctor, professor, and researcher, I am motivated by the enjoyment I derive from my responsibilities. This enjoyment enables me to work diligently and connect with patients who impart valuable lessons. Through observation and hard work, I continuously improve and gain even more pleasure from my work. This joy has enabled me to persevere in my research, despite challenges. Hence, I encourage students to welcome the happiness and enthusiasm derived from their work and transform these sentiments into sources of motivation.