Somi Shin | Nursing | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Somi Shin | Nursing | Best Researcher Awardย 

Ms. Somi Shin, College of Nursing, Konyang University, South Korea

Ms. Somi Shin is a dedicated healthcare professional and researcher affiliated with the College of Nursing at Konyang University, South Korea. With a strong academic foundation in infection control and advanced nursing, she is currently pursuing her Ph.D. while actively contributing to public health research at the Korean National Tuberculosis Association. Her work focuses on infection prevention, tuberculosis control, and the development of evidence-based nursing practices to improve patient outcomes and healthcare systems.

Profile

Orcid

๐ŸŽ“ Early Academic Pursuits

Somi Shin embarked on her academic journey with a deep passion for healthcare and public health, focusing particularly on the growing need for specialized nursing in infection control. Born on June 24, 1989, in South Korea ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท, her early academic aspirations were rooted in the pursuit of excellence in medical and healthcare services. Her commitment culminated in a Masterโ€™s degree from Konyang University, majoring in Infection Control Advanced Nursing in 2022.

Demonstrating academic ambition and dedication to continual learning, she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Nursing (with specialization in Infection Control) at the same university, further strengthening her foundation in specialized healthcare research and practice. Her academic progression signifies her unwavering desire to contribute meaningfully to the fight against infectious diseases through evidence-based nursing and healthcare interventions.

๐Ÿ’ผ Professional Endeavors

Somi Shin has accumulated over a decade of diverse professional experience, with her career beginning in May 2013 at Konyang University Hospital. There, she worked as a nurse for over 11 years, gaining extensive clinical experience in managing patients with various health conditions and honing her skills in infection control โ€” especially vital during the global COVID-19 pandemic. ๐Ÿฅ

In parallel, she extended her expertise to the academic world. From 2021 to 2023, she served as an adjunct professor at both Joongbu University (Chungcheong Campus) and Daejeon Institute of Science and Technology. Through these teaching roles, she played a crucial role in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals, sharing her hands-on knowledge and instilling the importance of infection prevention and evidence-based care. ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ“˜

Currently, she is a researcher at the Korean National Tuberculosis Associationโ€™s Tuberculosis Research Institute, starting in November 2024. This transition reflects her growing focus on applied research in the field of tuberculosis (TB), a major public health challenge in Korea and globally. Her shift from clinical to research roles showcases her dynamic career path, blending patient care with scientific inquiry.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Contributions and Research Focus

Somi Shinโ€™s research interests are aligned with some of the most critical global health issues, particularly tuberculosis control, hospital infection management, and advanced nursing practices in infectious disease settings. Her Masterโ€™s and Ph.D. studies underscore her commitment to developing effective infection control protocols, particularly for vulnerable populations and healthcare workers.

Her current role at the Tuberculosis Research Institute places her at the heart of Koreaโ€™s public health research infrastructure, where she contributes to national and international efforts to curb TB incidence, improve infection surveillance, and enhance patient outcomes. ๐Ÿฆ ๐Ÿ“Š

Moreover, her work is expected to contribute to the development of policy guidelines, training modules, and technological innovations that aid in infection tracking and control within clinical and community settings.

๐Ÿ… Accolades and Recognition

While formal awards and recognitions are not listed in her documented history, Somi Shinโ€™s reputation as a clinical expert and educator speaks volumes about her impact in the healthcare and academic sectors. Her trusted roles at multiple academic institutions and prestigious research bodies demonstrate recognition by peers and institutions alike.

In the nursing field, where impact is often measured by patient outcomes and student feedback rather than plaques or medals, her longevity and versatility are accolades in themselves. ๐Ÿ’

๐ŸŒ Impact and Influence

Through her clinical work, education, and now research, Somi Shin has influenced multiple layers of the healthcare system in South Korea. Her dual role as a nurse and researcher uniquely positions her to bridge the gap between theory and practice, allowing her insights to shape hospital policies and academic curricula alike.

She has also mentored nursing students, many of whom are likely to follow in her footsteps as infection control specialists โ€” a field gaining significance in the post-pandemic world. Her influence continues to ripple through hospital corridors and university classrooms, contributing to stronger, safer healthcare systems. ๐Ÿฉบ๐Ÿงฌ

๐ŸŒฑ Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Somi Shin is poised to become a thought leader in infection control nursing and tuberculosis research. As she completes her Ph.D. and deepens her engagement in national health research, her contributions are likely to influence not only policy but also the broader discourse on sustainable healthcare in Korea and beyond.

Her interdisciplinary background โ€” combining clinical nursing, academia, and scientific research โ€” positions her as a catalyst for innovation in patient care and public health. ๐Ÿš€๐Ÿ“ˆ

By continuing her work with the Tuberculosis Research Institute and engaging in academic collaboration, Somi is well on her way to leaving a lasting legacy in the fight against infectious diseases. Her career is a powerful example of how dedication to learning and service can drive meaningful, system-wide change.

Publication Top Notes

Contributors:ย Sun Young Jeong;ย ์ง€ํ˜œ;ย sung eun Lee;ย So mi Shin;ย Kwan-Il Kim
Journal: Healthcare
Year: 2025

Leila Goharian | Nursing and Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Leila Goharian | Nursing and Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Ms Leila Goharian, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Canada

Leila Goharian is an experienced clinical dietitian with 26 years in the field ๐ŸŒฟ. She holds an MSc in Human Services and Healthcare Administration from Capella University and is a Certified Diabetes Educator ๐ŸŽ“. Registered with the College of Dietitians of British Columbia and the American Dietetic Association, she specializes in malnutrition and nutrition support ๐Ÿฅ. As a Dietitian Practice Leader at VCH, she ensures quality patient care, sets practice standards, and mentors students ๐ŸŒŸ. Leila’s research focuses on malnutrition and its impact on hospital readmissions, with several publications in reputable journals ๐Ÿ“š.

Publication profile

Scopus

Education

With a B.Sc. in Dietetics from the University of British Columbia (May 1997) ๐ŸŽ“, and completing a Dietetic Internship Program in Victoria, BC (July 1998) ๐Ÿฅ, I became a Registered Member of the American Dietetic Association in March 1999 ๐Ÿ“œ. I further enhanced my credentials by passing the CNSD (Certification Examination for Nutrition Support Dietitians) in April 2000 ๐Ÿฅผ. I earned a Master of Science in Human Services and Healthcare Administration from Capella University in December 2010 ๐ŸŽ“. I became a Certified Diabetes Educator on July 1, 2014, reinforcing my commitment to healthcare and nutrition education .

Experience

Since June 2022, serving as VCH Dietitian Practice Leader, advising on regulations and standards, ensuring quality patient care, and leading research initiatives ๐Ÿฉบ๐Ÿ“š. Previously, Regional Dietitian Educator (Oct 2021-June 2022), leading student programs and RD education strategies ๐Ÿ“˜๐ŸŽ“. As Community RD (April 2012-Oct 2021), developed a malnutrition screening program ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿฅ. Worked at Copeman Healthcare Center (2013-2018) and VCH Diabetes Education Center (2012-2013) ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ‹๏ธ. In Dubai (2010-2011) and BCCA (2009), provided outpatient nutrition counseling ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿฉบ. At King Faisal Hospital (2000-2008), provided ICU nutrition support and advised the Royal Family ๐Ÿคด๐Ÿฅ. Started at St. Paulโ€™s Hospital (2000) providing ICU nutrition support ๐Ÿฅ.

Certification

๐Ÿ“… Since 2020, I’ve actively pursued leadership and diversity training. I completed the Frontline Leadership Program in December 2022 and the Leadership Conflict Conversation in September 2023. ๐Ÿ“ˆ I explored unconscious bias in April 2022 and anti-racism foundations in March 2022. ๐Ÿ“š My educational journey includes VCH Educator Pathway Levels 1&2 (March 2022) and Level 3 (in progress). I honed my coaching skills in December 2021 and expanded my leadership communication in November 2021. ๐ŸŒŸ Other key achievements include diversity competency modules (August 2021) and certification in ethical research conduct (January 2020). ๐Ÿš€ These experiences have significantly enhanced my leadership capabilities.

Research focus

L. Goharian’s research focuses on the prevalence and impact of malnutrition in adults receiving home and ambulatory care. The study examines how malnutrition influences 30-day hospital readmission rates. Another area of interest is developing consensus-based nutrition care pathways to facilitate hospital-to-community transitions, particularly for older adults in primary and community care settings. This work aims to improve nutritional outcomes and reduce readmission rates through better nutrition management and care coordination. ๐Ÿฅ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ“Š

Publication top notes

Prevalence of malnutrition and impact on 30-day hospital readmission in adults receiving home care and ambulatory care: A descriptive cohort study

Consensus-based nutrition care pathways for hospital-to-community transitions and older adults in primary and community care