"Transplanting Cells, Not Organs"-- Susan Lim by Saagar Ghai

My TED talk was presented by the legendary Susan Lim, who performed the first liver transplant operation in Asia. Susan’s career started when in 1974 when she earned a scholarship to Monash University in Australia to study medicine. She continued her studies at Cambridge University where she earned her Ph.D. in transplantation immunology. Finally in 1990 she returned to Singapore and took the position of Senior Lecturer and Consultant in Surgery at the National University Hospital. As her experience and interest in transplanting organs grew, Susan stepped out of her comfort zone and began to pursue further research. In 2003, Susan began a biotech company called Stem Cell Technologies, which is currently pioneering the stem cell research race. Susan is considered a leader in her field by not only being the first surgeon to successfully perform a liver transplant but also because she has discovered two new surgical methods known as invasive breast biopsy and Da Vinci robotic general surgery. Moreover, Susan Lim is one of the leading stem cell researchers and is currently trying to find a cost-effective method to using non-embryonic stem cells to increase organ supplies while fighting other contemporary diseases. When I first started watching the video, I was quite sure its central focus was on expanding the field of organ donation and transplants. While I was intrigued to start off with by the medical focus, I was even more pleased to discover that Susan was actually transitioning into a far more promising topic known as stem cell. I’ve always been drawn to the medical field and more importantly, the significance of advancements in the field and its impact on the world.

In 1988, Susan was receiving some training at the University of Minnesota where she began to learn how to conduct organ transplants. While undergoing this training she wondered whether it was possible to conduct such a surgery with just individual cells. Coincidentally, at the same time, the stem cell research movement began to pick up serious momentum and scientists raced to research stem cells. The majority of Susan’s presentation regarding the stem cells focused on non-embryonic cells in order to avoid moral controversy. She figured that since the embryonic stem cells would be indefinitely stalled by ethical debates it would be wiser to continue research on other stem cells such as stem fat cells. These fat cells, as Susan explained, have the same capabilities of the embryonic stem cells, which can develop into any kind of cell, if reprogrammed could essentially obtain the same abilities as the embryonic cells. Susan’s innovative and sensitive approach towards stem cell research is what makes her one of the leading scientists in the field. By acknowledging a significant roadblock in process, she took a genius move by discovering an alternate route (reprogramming fat cells) towards her ultimate goal of implementing stem cell technology. Furthermore, Susan’s actions are indicative of her bold, yet cautious personality that is absolutely necessary in a leader in the science field.

After watching this video, I felt more inclined to pursue the medical profession and contribute to the world in a positive manner. Following high school, assuming I get into a good college, I hope to major in pre-medical and intern in various reputable hospitals near the college in which I will reside. After my undergraduate period is over I will pursue a graduate medical program and continue my studies and eventually work my way to the point where I can begin my residency and then finally become a doctor (preferably a surgeon). I may not necessarily keep this planned path as my interests could be swayed, but if I had to go to college today, this is the plan of action I would undertake.

http://www.ted.com/talks/susan_lim.html