Professor Dr Byung In Lee
Nominated by: Dr Ching Soong Khoo, Physician, Neurology Fellow, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Malaysia; Epilepsy Fellow, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University, Republic of Korea.
In what way does the nominee inspire you?
Despite his age of nearly 70 years old, he plays an active and pivotal role in the medical field as an academician, clinician, researcher and mentor. He is constantly in good spirits to impart his invaluable wisdom and knowledge to his colleagues, residents and fellows. His steadfastness in establishing the right diagnosis and subsequently right care for patients, unassuming manner and industrious trait make him a stunningly inspiring teacher. His charisma is truly beyond words.
Nominee's personal contribution to medical practice and impact on care
Prof. Lee is one of the most renowned pioneers in the Asian-Oceanian region for his significant contributions towards the field of epilepsy. He has authored more than 300 original/review articles in both local and international peer-reviewed journals and has served several professional boards including: President of the Korean Epilepsy Society (1998 - 2002), President of the Korean Neurocritical Care Society (2007 - 2013), Chairman of the Council of the National Medical College Professors (2007 - 2011) and Chair of the Commission of Asian Oceanian Affairs (CAOA), International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) (2009 to present).
One of his most cited research articles on SPECT and EEG correlations in temporal lobe epilepsy published in Neurology has laid the foundation for many important discoveries in the epilepsy networks. Prof. Lee has been awarded the BOWON Award (the best research of the year from Yonsei University) in 1997, Chisuckyoung Academic Award (from Health and Welfare News) in 2005, Epilepsy Ambassador Award (ILAE) in 2013, Songpa Academic Award (from the Korean Neurological Association) in 2014, to name but a few for his exemplary service in the medical profession.
In what way has the nominee shown their commitment to equality, diversity and inclusivity?
Prof. Lee has always treated me (as an International Fellow in Epilepsy) like a family member in his department. Prof. Lee is always grateful to his clinic and ward staff by having periodical appreciation dinners. He regularly holds seminars to update them to improve patients’ care and is a well-respected figure in this region. There was once a volcanic outbreak near a conference venue in Bali (Indonesia), which resulted in many flight cancellations from Australia. He swiftly agreed to taking over many seminars without further ado.