Asan Medical Center said Wednesday that Professor Choi Jong-woo of the Department of Plastic Surgery has been awarded the William Zamboni Professorship by the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM).

This award was established in memory of Professor William A. Zamboni of the University of Nevada School of Medicine, who passed away in 2015. It is the highest honor awarded to physicians who have achieved outstanding achievements in the fields of clinical practice, research, and education in microsurgical reconstructive plastic surgery worldwide.

Professor Choi is the first recipient of this award in Korea.

Professor Choi has performed over 1,500 facial reconstructive surgeries and head and neck cancer microsurgical reconstructions over the past 20 years. He was recognized for advancing microsurgical reconstructive surgery through his outstanding clinical and research achievements worldwide.

Additionally, Professor Choi has pioneered the development of vascular sarcoma-based sarcoma organoids, a world-first achievement that advances precision medicine. He is actively conducting research and clinical trials that integrate reconstructive and cosmetic surgery using technologies from the fourth industrial revolution, such as 3D simulation, 3D printing, and augmented reality (AR).

With this award, Choi will receive official sponsorship from the ASRM and spend a year visiting major U.S. hospitals to deliver lectures and surgical demonstrations, thereby exchanging knowledge and experience with medical professionals worldwide. In January next year, he will also give an invited lecture at the ASRM.

“It is a great honor to receive this award, which is given to world-renowned microsurgery and reconstructive plastic surgeons. I will continue to contribute to the advancement of the field of microsurgical reconstructive plastic surgery through patient-centered care and ongoing academic activities," Professor Choi said.

The American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, established in 1984, is a leading academic organization in the field of microsurgical reconstruction, with over 1,100 members from 16 countries.