Dreams and hopes of patients with short stature, meeting of two masters

The relationship with Professor Song Hae-ryong, the only American surgeon who overcame short stature

The Rare and Intractable Disease Center (Director Song Hae-ryong) of Korea University Guro Hospital, together with the Association of People with Short Stature of Korea (ALPK), invited Dr. Michael Ain, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, a short stature surgeon from the United States, to hold a pre-clinic and lecture for patients with short stature on November 29.

Professor Michael Ain's pre-clinic, which started at 9 a.m. on this day, was conducted with the participation of Professor Song Hae-ryong of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Korea University Guro Hospital and professional medical staff to provide systematic treatment for patients with short stature.

Professor Song Hae-ryong said, "I prepared a lecture for patients with short stature today thanks to my relationship with Professor Michael Ain, which started about 10 years ago," and expressed his ambition, "I will continue to spare no effort in continuous exchanges and activities for patients with short stature."

One patient with short stature who came out of the pre-clinic said, "I applied after hearing the news that a famous short stature specialist was coming," and expressed satisfaction, saying, "As a fellow patient with short stature, he understood my position better than anyone else, so I was able to receive treatment comfortably."

A lecture was also held for about 200 patients with short stature and their families who filled the auditorium.

In the success story of Professor Michael Ain, who failed to enter medical school 30 times due to prejudice against surgeons but eventually achieved his goal with a continuously challenging attitude, he won the admiration of patients with short stature and became an example.

Professor Ain said, "If you have a shining positive mind, you can fully overcome physical difficulties," and said, "I hope you will not be frustrated and become a person who perseveres and strives to find your dreams."

Professor Song said, "Patients with short stature are only short in height, but there is no problem with their abilities, social, or professional activities," and delivered a message of encouragement, saying, "We must eliminate prejudice against patients with short stature in our society."

Meanwhile, the Rare and Intractable Disease Center of Korea University Guro Hospital has established a cooperative system of a total of 6 departments: orthopedics, pediatrics, neurology, plastic surgery, rehabilitation medicine, and family medicine, and deals with rare diseases such as dwarfism, muscular disease, and scoliosis.

In addition, it is making constant efforts for patients by providing medical expense support information and preparing education programs through the social work team.

[Source]

[Medical Observer] Article published on "Dreams and hopes of patients with short stature, meeting of two masters." 2014.12.05

[Medical Observer] Patients with hopes and dreams, Meet the Masters. 2014.12.05

Link: http://www.monews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=79146