Spring/Summer 2012 Aesculapian Magazine - University of Georgia ...

Soyoung Kwon
First graduate of the PhD in Veterinary
and Biomedical Sciences
Soyoung Kwon, who came to the U.S. in 2008 from
South Korea, is the CVM’s first graduate of the PhD
in Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Program. The
PhD-VBS program is designed to broaden the scope
of biomedical training and research by including
graduate faculty and resources of the College’s clinical
departments with those in the basic sciences.
What did you do before coming to UGA?
I pursued Veterinary Medicine in Seoul, South Korea,
where thoroughbred racing is an important sport and
a major industry. After my veterinary training, I spent
three months at the Equine Health Center at the Korean
Racing Authority as a visiting veterinarian before joining
the graduate program at UGA in 2008.
What made you want to pursue the PhD in
Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences?
During vet school training, I realized that research
in basic and clinical sciences is essential for a better
understanding of disease pathogenesis and the
improvement of treatment regimens. I became interested
in continuing my study with a focus on clinical sciences,
especially equine medicine. The UGA CVM has one of
the greatest equine research teams, and has various
research topics that interest me, like equine colic and
laminitis. Both conditions are major issues in equine
health and I joined the team with the hope that I might
be able to help horses suffering from such diseases.
Which professors greatly influenced you
during your time at UGA?
There were so many outstanding mentors, including
sJim Moore, Tom Robertson, Michel Vandenplas, and
David Hurley. They all have different backgrounds from
clinical sciences to molecular biology, and the unique
perspectives each of them bring to the field broadened
my understanding of medicine. I was truly fortunate
to have worked with them, not only because of their
incredible insights as scholars, but also because of their
thoughtful and endless support of my studies.
What aspects of the program were the most
beneficial to you?
My knowledge of equine immunity and diseases that
I gained while studying at UGA gives me a deeper
understanding of the diseases I see at the clinic. I am also
continuing my latest clinical research to measure serum
concentrations of flagellin and anti-flagellin antibodies in
horses with colic.
What are you doing now and what are your
goals for the future?
I shifted gears back into clinical settings, and I am
currently working at Alamo Pintado Equine Medical
Center in California as an intern. My goal after
completing my clinical internship is to continue into
an equine medicine residency, which is necessary
to accomplish my long-term goal of devoting my
experiences and knowledge to improve animal health
and welfare.
Photo courtesy of Soyoung Kwon