Sollip Kim1, Jin Ye Yeo2
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 2JLPM Editorial Office, AME Publishing Company
Correspondence to: Jin Ye Yeo. JLPM Editorial Office, AME Publishing Company. Email: jlpm@amegroups.com
This interview can be cited as: Kim S, Yeo JY. Meeting the Editorial Board Member of JLPM: Prof. Sollip Kim. J Lab Precis Med. 2025. Available from: https://jlpm.amegroups.org/post/view/meeting-the-editorial-board-member-of-jlpm-prof-sollip-kim.
Expert introduction
Prof. Sollip Kim (Figure 1) obtained her medical degree from Korea University in 2004 and specialized in Laboratory Medicine in 2009. She is currently a Full Professor of Laboratory Medicine at the University of Ulsan College of Medicine and serves as the Director of Clinical Chemistry Laboratories at Asan Medical Center.
Throughout her scientific career, Prof. Kim has published over 100 articles in peer-reviewed journals and has been invited to present at more than 50 domestic and international conferences. She is an Associate Editor of the Annals of Laboratory Medicine, a member of the IFCC Committee on Evidence-Based Laboratory Medicine, and a member of the APFCB Working Group on Patient-Based Real-Time Quality Control. Additionally, she serves as the Director of the Standardization Division of the Laboratory Medicine Foundation and the Korean Society of Clinical Chemistry.
Her primary research areas include risk estimation using laboratory results based on machine learning, detection and management of laboratory errors throughout the total testing process, and the standardization and harmonization of laboratory measurements, terminology, and information systems.
Figure 1 Prof. Sollip Kim
Interview
JLPM: Could you tell us what motivated you to specialize in laboratory medicine?
Prof. Kim: During my internship, as I trained in various clinical departments, I realized how heavily all specialties rely on laboratory test results and the importance of managing them effectively. I was also interested in improving not just individual patient care but the overall quality of the healthcare system. Although I did not fully understand the role of a laboratory physician at the time, I felt that I could make a meaningful contribution to the field of laboratory medicine.
JLPM: Your research focuses on laboratory error detection and management during the total testing process. Can you share some of the most critical issues you have identified in this area, and how can these errors be minimized to improve patient outcomes?
Prof. Kim: When considering the total testing process, errors in the preanalytical and postanalytical phases are overwhelmingly high. Addressing these issues requires collaboration with clinical departments and, when necessary, support from hospital management, as laboratory efforts alone are not enough. However, communicating with other departments to solve these problems is challenging and can vary greatly depending on the hospital environment. In the post-analytical phase, improving result verification and reporting is also important. The biggest challenge is the lack of consensus on what the best approach should be. There is still much to be done, but continuous efforts will be essential for meaningful progress.
JLPM: You are also involved in risk estimation using laboratory results based on artificial intelligence. How do you see AI influencing the future of laboratory medicine, and what are some of the most promising applications in this area?
Prof. Kim: AI will greatly streamline labor-intensive tasks in laboratory medicine, such as colony reading, peripheral blood smear (PB) and bone marrow (BM) smear interpretation, text and data mining (TDM) consultation, and genetic/genomic studies. It can also integrate the patient’s various electronic medical records (EMR) data with test results to provide personalized diagnostic insights.
In addition, it enhances laboratory quality by detecting errors and suggesting solutions. Moreover, smart systems will optimize test ordering and utilization. As AI advances, laboratory diagnostics will continue to evolve, further expanding the role of laboratory medicine specialists.
JLPM: What has been the most rewarding or groundbreaking project you have worked on in your career, and why do you consider it such a milestone in your research?
Prof. Kim: One of the most meaningful projects in my career is an AI-driven results autoverification project in collaboration with a professor in Convergence Medicine. It leverages large-scale real-world laboratory data to improve workflow efficiency. If successful, it will enhance daily operations and create opportunities for future advancements. I am committed to making meaningful progress in this work.
JLPM: As a leading expert in laboratory medicine, what do you hope to achieve in the upcoming years of research and leadership? What legacy do you hope to leave in the field?
Prof. Kim: Anyone who has worked on a multi-center study knows the challenges—each institution manages data differently, and without standardized criteria, the vast amount of medical data often lacks quality. This remains a major obstacle in big data research.
Like many other countries, the Korean government is making significant efforts to standardize medical terminology and information. As a representative of laboratory medicine, I am contributing to the foundational work of standardizing laboratory data. I hope these efforts will enable future researchers to access higher-quality data more easily, leading to more meaningful and impactful studies.
JLPM: What advice would you give to young researchers or clinicians looking to specialize in laboratory medicine, especially in areas like standardization and error management?
Prof. Kim: Like any other field, working on error management and standardization requires a deep understanding of laboratory practices. In addition, since test results are ultimately used by clinicians, actively gathering their feedback and collaborating on key decisions is essential.
Standardization cannot be achieved by a single institution alone. It requires awareness of government policies, perspectives from other institutions, and international trends. Staying informed on these aspects is key to driving meaningful progress in the field.
JLPM: As an Editorial Board Member, what are your expectations for JLPM?
Prof. Kim: I look forward to JLPM attracting high-quality articles and growing into a well-recognized journal, eventually achieving PubMed and SCIE indexing. I also hope it serves as a valuable platform for practical studies that enhance laboratory quality, benefiting both researchers and practitioners in the field.