First Dermatologist to Receive Presidential Award

Dr. Beom-jun Kim, Professor of Dermatology, Chung-Ang University Hospital

 

 

Dr. Kim, Professor of Dermatology, Chung-Ang University, shares his experience of conducting research, “If you want to conduct a study on a topic you are interested in, you also have to conduct a study on a topic others are interested in. You cannot do research by yourself and should consider the interests of all team members. If there is a project that requires my help, I will always offer my participation. That way, other experts offer their help when it is my turn to ask for a favor.”

Dr. Kim is one of a few Korean dermatologists who conduct the largest number of clinical studies in Korea. There is even a saying that having Dr. Beom-jun Kim as one of the authors makes the study more likely to obtain approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and his name does appear in most of major dermatology studies in Korea. His research covers various topics including laser, cosmetics, medical devices, and clothing, etc. In recognition of his contribution to clinical literature and academic discussions, Dr. Kim was appointed as the youngest head of the department of dermatology and was the first dermatologist to receive the Presidential Award.

“In the past, the most important part of a doctor’s job was his clinical practice. This has not changed but university hospitals are now focusing more on research. Thanks to IT and technological advancements spilling over to medicine, doctors can also be recognized for achievements in medical technology. Most of dermatologists have chosen private practice over research, and this may have allowed me to be the youngest head of department. I am grateful for this valuable opportunity and will do my best to enlarge clinical data in the field of dermatology.”

 

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Dr. Kim’s colleagues and acquaintances say his achievements more than suit his title of the head of the department despite his young age. His schedule packed with research projects and lectures shows his active contribution to the academia. One area of particular interest for Dr. Kim is the efficacy of vitamin B12 for relieving pruritus in atopic dermatitis.

“Dermatologic science developed based on clinical research. Recently, interdisciplinary collaborations have begun and we can integrate efforts with other science fields or industry. This naturally led to more active preclinical and clinical research. Atopic dermatitis is a focus of my research. Besides vitamin B12, we are also conducting clinical studies on new drugs, phototherapy, dietary supplements, and clothing with better absorption and ventilation for improving atopic dermatitis in collaboration with the industry. To identify various targets of atopic dermatitis, I am also examining natural clothing materials and new biosynthetic chemicals.”

Dr. Kim’s research team played a crucial role in his achievements. It was his team that led Korea’s very first research on the relationship between vitamin D receptor anomaly and alopecia areata.

“I have put together a research team of 30 members with my personal funds. We started out our clinical and preclinical research in all dermatology-related topics including pharmaceutical products, medical devices, dietary supplements, cosmetics, clothing and other products, etc. with the help of government support (Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Welfare). Working on research projects with global corporations helped me understand latest trends in Korea as well as around the world. Our team was the very first in Korea to obtain MFDS approval on a medical device for atopic dermatitis treatment. We were also able to achieve MFDS approval of the famous MTS microneedle roller as well as CE marking. We also obtained the first MFDS approval for CJ’s kimchi lactic acid bacteria powder supplement for treatment of atopic dermatitis. We are currently conducting clinical studies on the effects of Korea Yakult Corporation’s lactic acid bacteria powder supplement on atopic dermatitis. We also developed a first-in-class drug for atopic dermatitis as well as injection and pruritus treatment. The topical glycopyrrolate ointment we conducted clinical trials on was the first in Asia to be approved for hyperhidrosis. We obtained trial authorization and marketing approval for all Korean botulinum toxin products.”

Dr. Beom-jun Kim was the first Korean professor to be appointed an academic editor for American Dermatological Association and International Journal of Dermatology, which show that his work contributes to the academia of around the world.

“Professors and famous dermatologists provided me with themes and ideas for new studies. If the academia and clinicians continue to work together like this to improve research, Korean dermatologists will soon have enough scientific and clinical evidence that will allow them to play a larger role in international scientific communities.”

 

-To be continued-