My visit to Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory

I would like to start by thanking Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society (KSES) for offering me this great opportunity to share my memorable experience. Supported by the national research foundation, I visited Congress Medical Foundation in Los Angeles to conduct a biomechanical cadaver study in July this year. I was able to connect with professor Thay Q Lee who is world-renowned for orthopedic biomechanical research thanks to KSES and my teacher, professor Sang-Jin Shin. My initial plan was to visit OBL a year ago, but was delayed to this year due to Covid-19. As my first biomechanical research conducted in a foreign country, I finally got on a plane heading to LA with a fellow in July this year; I was nervous about whether or not this research could go smoothly. I prepared many covid-related documents such as a proof of Covid -19 vaccination and a negative Covid-19 test result in addition to a doctor’s note just in case. However, I didn’t get stopped or asked to present any of the documents while going through the airport checkpoints, which made me feel that U.S. public opinion on the Covid-19 pandemic was different from ours.

After breathing into LA’s unique hot air upon exiting the airport, I came to realize that I indeed arrived in LA for the research that I eagerly waited for. I also remember that the fellow and I pondered about taking off our masks because there was literally no one wearing a mask unlike Korea. Next morning, I visited the Congress Medical Foundation and finally met TQ lee, Michelle and other research group members. Most of the research members were pre-med students and two of them were Koreans who played a significant role in making the entire project go smoothly by assisting me with communicating in English.

On the first day, we discussed the research plan we had envisioned, and then conducted a pilot study 2 to 3 times to finalize the direction of the research. For the first couple of days, we learned how our plan is different from reality as well as discovering unpredictable variables. Thus, based on our findings from the initial meetings, we modified and improved the research plan. Since there were many highly experienced specialists in biomechanical research, it wasn’t difficult to modify the direction of the research. Also, many creative ideas were formed because everyone communicated with each other freely in a horizontal structure . Even though I had considerable concerns due to the fact that this was my first time performing a biomechanical study, the team kindly explained all aspects of the research.

For the first three days, my colleague and I explored what we were up to. For the rest of seven days, we set up and carried the research on our own. Thus, we spent a total of 10 days where I was deeply absorbed in the research that I sometimes lost track of time. Although the research period wasn't that long, I couldn't forget the overwhelming moment of touching the result of research.

After wrapping up 10 days of my research journey, professor Thay Q. Lee invited us to his house party where we had a great time with Michelle and other students who were on my research together. Unlike our ‘hwe-sik’ culture, people gathered in the backyard and enjoyed their time drinking freely with music on, which I still vividly remember after 4 months.

I was impressed by the fact that their approach to research and passion are different from ours during the research. They focused on quenching their curiosity rather than obtaining specific result values. Surrounded by their passion for research itself, I was also highly inspired. Furthermore, the students who worked as a research assistant were hugely impressive; even though they were unpaid, they voluntarily gave up weekends to be immersed in their own research without anyone forcing them to do such. This might come from differences in social systems, but I was jealous of the so-called ‘academic atmosphere of America, an advanced country’ that elicits intelligent young mind’s motivation and curiosity.

It would have been great if I could stay longer in LA to do more research with them and get to know each other, which I couldn’t due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we keep in touch through the OBL Kakao group chat. After the Covid-19 pandemic ends, I look forward to meeting them all again. I would like to express my gratitude to professor Thay Q Lee and Michelle for their teachings and hospitality. Again, I would like to convey my sincere thanks to KSES and professor Sang-Jin Shin for giving me this amazing opportunity.

Yoon-Sang Jeon, MD, PhD
Inha University Hospital, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon