Prof. Kim first Korean to win IAC Award
Eulji University professor Kim Jong-yull with International Awards Committee Jury chairwoman Shirley Greening, after Kim was named Cytotechnologist of the Year 2014 at the 19th International Congress of Cytology in Yokohama, May 28. / Courtesy of the International Academy of Cytology
By Kim Yoo-chul
The International Academy of Cytology (IAC) named Eulji University professor Kim Jong-yull as the Cytotechnologist of the Year 2014, the first time a Korean has won the award.
Founded in 1957, the IAC has about 20,000 members in 83 countries. The body is a non-profit organization of cytopathologists, cytotechnologists and other professionals concerned with research in and practice of clinical cytology.
“Kim’s nomination for the award is because of his outstanding record of cytology-teaching excellence, promotion of professional collaborations and exemplary service to the IAC,” the organization said in a release.
The awards ceremony was held at the 19th International Congress in Yokohama, Japan, May 28.
“It’s great honor for me to be the first Korean to receive the award. This is a result of collaboration with IAC members and steady investment for cell-detection technologies,” Kim told The Korea Times by telephone, Sunday.
Kim was certified as an international cytotechnologist in 1985. Most of his members are currently involved in various projects with larger local hospitals for the development of advanced cell-detection technologies to be used in curing diseases and illnesses.
Kim, who is also the president of MicroCellBio Consulting, said he was hoping the nomination would fuel additional momentum for the enhancement of cell-detection technologies for early and effective treatment of various types of incurable diseases such as cancer.
“The use of detection techniques is widespread both in laboratory and clinical settings. Because specific protocols and processes utilized for detecting cells are based on exact information, demand for cell-detection technologies will remain solid,” said Kim, adding he will team up with other researchers to enhance such techniques.
The professor said he was eyeing chances to sharpen techniques that incorporate modern-day detection methods, which could offer great improvements.
“Amid growth in health-related markets and growing awareness to develop methods for exact treatment of diseases, proficiency testing in tissues and cells is presenting opportunities,” Kim said.