Professor Choi Jongwoo of Asan Medical Center Receives "William Zamboni Award"

Recognized for Contributions to the Advancement of Reconstructive Microsurgery

Choi Jongwoo, Professor of Plastic Surgery at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, has been awarded the William Zamboni Award by the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM).

Choi Jongwoo, Professor of Plastic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, Seoul. Asan Medical Center, Seoul

According to Asan Medical Center on July 23, this award is the highest honor given to a physician who has achieved outstanding accomplishments in clinical practice, research, and education in the field of reconstructive microsurgery worldwide. It was established in memory of William Zamboni, a renowned American reconstructive microsurgeon and professor at the University of Nevada, who passed away at the young age of 56 in 2015.

Choi Jongwoo is the first recipient of this award from Korea, further elevating the international standing of Korea's reconstructive microsurgery field. Over the past 20 years, Professor Choi has performed more than 1,500 facial reconstructive and head and neck cancer microsurgeries. He was recognized for his contributions to the advancement of microsurgical reconstruction through outstanding clinical and research achievements, which led to his receipt of this award.

Additionally, two years ago, Professor Choi became the first in the world to successfully develop a sarcoma organoid based on angiosarcoma. He is also actively conducting research and clinical work that integrates reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery by utilizing Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies such as 3D simulation, 3D printing, and augmented reality (AR).

With this award, Professor Choi will receive official support from the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery and will visit major hospitals in the United States over the next year to give lectures and perform surgical demonstrations, sharing knowledge and experience with medical professionals worldwide. In January next year, he will deliver an invited lecture at the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery.

Professor Choi stated, "It is a great honor to receive an award given to world-renowned reconstructive microsurgeons. I will continue to contribute to the development of the field of reconstructive microsurgery through patient-centered care and ongoing academic activities."

Founded in 1984, the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery is a leading academic organization in the field of reconstructive microsurgery, with more than 1,100 members from 16 countries worldwide.