Interview with Prof. Nam-Jong Paik– World Congress for Neurorehabilitation (WCNR) Vienna 2022
Interviewee: Nam-Jong Paik, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
Interviewer: Stefana-Andrada Dobran
Professor Nam-Jong Paik expressed his overall satisfaction with the event and conveyed his strong support for active participation in similar scientific congresses, serving as a crucial catalyst for skill development within the field. Professor Paik also mentioned the learning platform available on the WFNR website, which offers a wealth of valuable lectures and articles for interested individuals.
The event covered a wide spectrum of topics, encompassing cutting-edge research, clinical practice, and social considerations. This holistic approach highlighted the importance of a well-rounded understanding of neurorehabilitation.
Professor Nam-Jong Paik then approached the role of hybrid multidisciplinary events in advancing neurorehabilitation research and practice. He emphasized the need to embrace insights from other disciplines, promoting knowledge sharing among researchers and practitioners. The conversation turned to the topic of neuromodulation, where Professor Paik delved into the challenges faced in designing effective interventions and techniques. Notably, he highlighted the shortcomings of large multicenter clinical trials and stressed the necessity of identifying specific populations that would benefit the most from these technologies.
Patient compliance and comfort during neuromodulation were also addressed during the interview. Prof. Nam-Jong Paik acknowledged that technology is rapidly evolving and can play a pivotal role in enhancing these aspects of care. He discussed the potential for technology to improve patient experiences and adherence to rehabilitation regimens. Lastly, the interview touched on robotic-based therapy and strategies for making such technologies accessible in countries with limited resources. Professor Nam-Jong Paik pointed out that while technology often originates in high-income countries, it becomes increasingly accessible over time. This progressive diffusion ensures that valuable innovations eventually reach a global audience, benefiting patients worldwide.