Professor at Samsung Medical Center, South Korea
Dr. Young-Min Shon is a distinguished neurologist and neuroscientist, internationally recognized for his expertise in epilepsy, neuromodulation, and translational neuroscience. As a professor and director at Samsung Medical Center and Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, he has been instrumental in pioneering non-invasive and implantable neuromodulation therapies for drug-resistant epilepsy. His research integrates clinical neurology with advanced biomedical engineering, focusing on technologies such as deep brain stimulation, EEG analysis, focused ultrasound, and wearable sensors. With a prolific academic portfolio, he has published over 40 high-impact papers and contributed extensively to Korean and international neurological societies. His leadership and multidisciplinary approach have earned him national accolades and positions of influence across research institutions and professional committees. Committed to advancing smart healthcare systems and patient-centered neurotechnologies, Dr. Shon continues to drive innovation that bridges laboratory discoveries with real-world clinical applications, making a profound impact on neuroscience and patient care.
Professional Profile
Education🎓
Dr. Shon began his medical journey at Seoul National University, where he completed his MD in 1993. He later pursued specialized training in neurology, completing his residency at Samsung Medical Center from 1997 to 2001. His strong interest in research and epilepsy led him to further academic excellence, culminating in a Ph.D. in Neurology from Sungkyunkwan University in 2006. He continued to deepen his clinical skills and academic exposure through a fellowship at Samsung Medical Center and later as a Visiting Professor at the Mayo Clinic in the U.S., one of the world’s leading medical institutions. His educational foundation is further strengthened by multiple certifications in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) from 2007 to 2023, reflecting his commitment to clinical research ethics and standards. Dr. Shon’s education reflects a blend of rigorous academic training and international exposure, positioning him as a highly qualified expert in clinical neurology and neuroscience research.
Professional Experience📝
Dr. Shon’s professional journey spans over two decades of clinical, academic, and leadership excellence. He is currently a Professor of Neurology and Director at Samsung Medical Center and Chair of the Medical Engineering Center at Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine. Previously, he served as a professor and associate professor at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, part of the Catholic University of Korea, where he developed his clinical and research expertise in epilepsy. He has also held a prestigious Visiting Professorship at the Mayo Clinic, USA. Since beginning his academic career as an instructor in 2003, Dr. Shon has taken on progressively influential roles in both hospital and university settings. His leadership at the Smart Healthcare Research Institute and Biomedical Engineering Research Center has helped drive interdisciplinary research and innovation. Throughout his career, he has actively led research teams, supervised clinical trials, and mentored future clinicians and researchers in neurology and neuroscience.
Research Interest🔎
Dr. Shon’s research interests are deeply rooted in the clinical management and technological advancement of refractory epilepsy. He focuses on the development and clinical translation of neuromodulation techniques such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), focused ultrasound, and vagus nerve stimulation. His research also emphasizes multimodal neuroimaging, EEG signal processing, and closed-loop seizure control systems. In recent years, he has expanded into wearable biomedical sensors and AI-based diagnostics, collaborating across neurology, biomedical engineering, and computer science. His translational approach bridges preclinical studies, device development, and clinical trials to create practical, patient-centered neurotherapies. Additionally, Dr. Shon is interested in exploring the neurovascular and electrophysiological mechanisms underlying seizure disorders, contributing to better-targeted treatments. His vision is to combine engineering innovation with neurological care to transform the lives of patients with intractable epilepsy, making his research not only scientifically groundbreaking but also socially impactful.
Award and Honor🏆
Dr. Young-Min Shon has earned recognition for his significant contributions to neurology and epilepsy research, most notably receiving the Best Research Award from the Korean Epilepsy Society in 2006. His dedication to advancing epilepsy care through both clinical and translational research has earned him respected positions on the research boards of the Korean Epilepsy Society (KES), Korean Neurological Association (KNA), and Korean Academy of Sleep Medicine (KASM). He has also held roles such as Planning Director and Academic Board Member for KES, reflecting his influence in shaping national research agendas. Furthermore, his contributions have been recognized through editorial appointments, including serving as Co-editor for the Journal of Epilepsy Research. His involvement in numerous national committees highlights the esteem he holds in Korea’s neurological community. These honors underscore his leadership, integrity, and commitment to improving neurological health through innovation and collaborative advancement in science and medicine.
Research Skill🔬
Dr. Shon possesses a comprehensive skill set that spans clinical, technical, and analytical domains in neuroscience and biomedical research. He is highly skilled in intracranial EEG interpretation, seizure localization, and neuroimaging modalities like SPECT, fMRI, and PET. His engineering-oriented capabilities include the design and application of neuromodulation systems, such as DBS, low-intensity focused ultrasound, and wireless stimulation devices. He has deep expertise in clinical trial design, adhering to GCP standards, and is experienced in integrating machine learning algorithms into EEG and heart rate variability analyses for disease prediction. Dr. Shon is proficient in both preclinical animal studies and human translational research, often employing multimodal biomarker integration to enhance diagnostic precision. His ability to collaborate with engineers, neuroscientists, and clinicians has enabled the development of closed-loop seizure control technologies. Collectively, these interdisciplinary research skills make Dr. Shon a leader in transforming complex clinical challenges into actionable and innovative therapeutic solutions.
Conclusion💡
Dr. Young-Min Shon is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his exceptional contributions to the fields of epileptology, neuromodulation, and translational neuroscience. His groundbreaking work on advanced treatments for intractable epilepsy—ranging from deep brain stimulation and focused ultrasound to real-time EEG diagnostics—has significantly improved patient outcomes and set new standards in neurological care. With a robust academic background, leadership in prestigious medical institutions, and a strong publication record in high-impact journals, he exemplifies research excellence and clinical innovation. Looking ahead, Dr. Shon is well-positioned to lead next-generation neurotechnological advancements, foster global collaborations, and continue shaping the future of smart healthcare and personalized
Publications Top Noted✍
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Title: A 10-V-Tolerant Dual-Mode Neural Stimulation System With Self-Sustaining Dynamic Supply and Error-Resilient Digital Stimulus Odometer
Authors: Kyeongho Eom, Han-Sol Lee, Seung-Beom Ku, Joonghoon Kang, Hyungjin Jung, Taewoo Kim, Jaesoon Joo, Taekyung Kim, Young-Min Shon, Hyung-Min Lee
Year: 2025
Citation: IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, DOI: 10.1109/JSSC.2025.3542022
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Title: Electroencephalogram Changes After Virtual Reality-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Panic Disorder
Authors: Hyewon Park, Heekyung Hwang, Minjung Kim, Haein Park, Imhong Jeon, Young-Min Shon, SungJun Hong, Deokjong Lee
Year: 2025
Citation: Journal of Korean Medical Science, DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e185
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Title: Hippocampal Deep Brain Stimulation for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: Insights from Bilateral Temporal Lobe and Posterior Epilepsy Cases
Authors: Seung Ho Choo, Hea Ree Park, Seunghoon Lee, Jung-Il Lee, Eun Yeon Joo, Dae-Won Seo, Seung Bong Hong, Young-Min Shon
Year: 2025
Citation: Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy, DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.11.018
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Title: Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Can Alter Autonomic Function and Induce an Antiepileptic Effect in Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Seizures in Rats
Authors: Eunmi Choi, Taekyung Kim, Sung Jun Hong, Taewoo Kim, Minhee Kang, Young-Min Shon, Eunkyoung Park
Year: 2024
Citation: IEEE Access, DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3393984
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Title: A Multi-Channel Neural Recording System With Neural Spike Scan and Adaptive Electrode Selection for High-Density Neural Interface
Authors: Han-Sol Lee, Kyeongho Eom, Minju Park, Seung-Beom Ku, Kwonhong Lee, Taewoo Kim, Taekyung Kim, Young-Min Shon, Hangue Park, Hyung-Min Lee
Year: 2023
Citation: IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems I, DOI: 10.1109/TCSI.2023.3268686
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Title: Exploring Autonomic Alterations During Seizures in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Insights from a Heart-Rate Variability Analysis
Authors: Sung-Min You, Baek-Hwan Cho, Hyo-Eun Bae, Young-Kyun Kim, Jae-Rim Kim, Soo-Ryun Park, Young-Min Shon, Dae-Won Seo, In-Young Kim
Year: 2023
Citation: Journal of Clinical Medicine, DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134284
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Title: Deep Brain Stimulation of the Anterior Nuclei of the Thalamus Can Alleviate Seizure Severity and Induce Hippocampal GABAergic Neuronal Changes in a Pilocarpine-Induced Epileptic Mouse Brain
Authors: Sungjun Bae, Hyun-Kyoung Lim, Yoonyi Jeong, Seong-Gi Kim, Sung-Min Park, Young-Min Shon, Minah Suh
Year: 2022
Citation: Cerebral Cortex, DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac033
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Title: Prediction of the Responsiveness to Vagus-Nerve Stimulation in Patients With Drug-Resistant Epilepsy via Directed-Transfer-Function Analysis of Their Perioperative Scalp EEGs
Authors: Dongyeop Kim, Taekyung Kim, Yoonha Hwang, Chae Young Lee, Eun Yeon Joo, Dae-Won Seo, Seung Bong Hong, Young-Min Shon
Year: 2022
Citation: Journal of Clinical Medicine, DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133695
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Title: Evolution of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features in Cerebral Parenchyma From Prolonged Focal Status Epilepticus: A Case Study
Authors: Sung Chul Lim, Jung Hee Cho, Young-Min Shon
Year: 2022
Citation: Encephalitis, DOI: 10.47936/encephalitis.2021.00171
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Title: Lateralizing Characteristics of Morphometric Changes to Hippocampus and Amygdala in Unilateral Temporal Lobe Epilepsy With Hippocampal Sclerosis
Authors: Hyunjin Jo, Jeongsik Kim, Dongyeop Kim, Yoonha Hwang, Daewon Seo, Seungbong Hong, Young-Min Shon
Year: 2022
Citation: Medicina, DOI: 10.3390/medicina58040480