Health · Healthcare & Policy · 17 hrs ago
Two South Korean professors receive 2026 surgical research awards
South Korean professors Kim Chang-hyun and Lee Sang-hoon received the 2026 Doosan Yeon Kang Surgical Awards at a ceremony in Seoul.
Kim’s clinical trial examined whether the location of blood-vessel ties during rectal cancer surgery affects healing where the bowel is reconnected.
The trial found no difference in complications or functional recovery between the approaches, offering evidence to guide surgeons’ choices.
Lee studied the effect of expanded payment supplements for pediatric surgery, which have been in place since 2021.
The total amount billed for surgery more than tripled, although the number of operations did not change; the increase was greatest for babies weighing less than 1.5 kilograms.
The award was established in 2007 to support surgical research in South Korea, and 46 people have received it through this year.
Kim Chang-hyun and Lee Sang-hoon received the 2026 Doosan Yonkang Surgical Research Awards.
The Doosan Yonkang Foundation presented the awards at a ceremony in Seoul on November 7.
Kim was recognized for a clinical trial on how the location of blood-vessel ligation in rectal cancer surgery affects recovery at the bowel connection site.
Lee was recognized for analyzing the effect of expanded pediatric surgery fees, which began in 2021.
The award was established in 2007 to support the development of surgery in South Korea and encourage research by surgeons.
- Who
- Kim Chang-hyun, a professor at Chonnam National University Medical School, and Lee Sang-hoon, a professor at Samsung Medical Center.
- What
- They received the 2026 Doosan Yonkang Surgical Research Awards.
- When
- The ceremony was held on November 7, 2026; the foundation announced the awards on November 8.
- Where
- Swiss Grand Hotel in Hong-eun-dong, Seoul.
- Why
- Kim’s research provided evidence for choosing a surgical method. Lee’s analysis found that expanded pediatric surgery fees improved compensation for pediatric surgery.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Doosan Yonkang Surgical Research Award was established.
Expanded pediatric surgery fees began, whose effects Lee later analyzed.
The foundation held the award ceremony in Seoul.
The foundation announced the award recipients.
- Award recipients
- Kim Chang-hyun and Lee Sang-hoon
- Kim’s award
- 30 million won and a plaque
- Lee’s award
- 10 million won and a plaque
- Lee’s finding
- Total billed pediatric surgery fees increased more than threefold, while the number of operations did not change
- Award history
- Established in 2007; 46 people had received it through 2026