Yonsei Institute
for Global Health

1) Please introduce yourself. My name is VO Doan Minh Nhat, and I am 32 years old. I am married and have a 2-year-old daughter. We live in Hue City, Vietnam, which is famous for its beautiful historical sites and rich cultural heritage. Hue was once the imperial capital of Vietnam, and it still preserves many ancient palaces, temples, and traditions. 2) Where is your working place back in your country and what is your specialty? I work as a lecturer at the Department of Otolaryngology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. At the same time, I am an Otolaryngologist and Head & Neck Surgeon at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. My job involves both teaching and practicing medicine, which allows me to develop my clinical skills while also sharing my knowledge with medical students. 3) How did you get to know Severance? Why did you choose Severance as your training hospital? I have a strong passion for head and neck surgery, and I chose this field as my subspecialty because I want to help patients with complex conditions. To become a better surgeon, I always look for opportunities to improve my skills and gain new experiences. Severance Hospital is one of the best hospitals in South Korea and is well-known for its high-quality medical training, especially in head and neck surgery. After learning about its reputation, I applied for a fellowship program. I was very lucky to receive the International Fellowship Scholarship from the Korean Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. This scholarship gave me the chance to train for six months in the Head & Neck Surgery Unit, Otolaryngology Department at Severance Hospital, where I could learn advanced surgical techniques from experts in the field. 4) How long is your training period in Korea? My training at Severance Hospital lasts six months, from November 1, 2024, to May 1, 2025. 5) Which area did you focus on during your fellowship at Severance? During my fellowship, I focused on head and neck surgery, especially the treatment of benign and malignant tumors in this area. I participated in various surgical procedures, such as surgery for thyroid tumor, parotid gland tumor, oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal tumor, laser microsurgery for laryngeal cancer, and reconstructive surgery. One of the most important parts of my training was learning about minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery. These techniques are becoming more common in modern surgery because they help reduce pain, speed up recovery, and improve patient outcomes. My advisor was Professor Yoon Woo Koh, a leading expert in head and neck surgery and a pioneer in robotic-assisted surgery. I feel very lucky to have learned from him. 6) What is the most impressive feature of Severance Hospital? Severance Hospital left a strong impression on me because of its modern and well-organized environment. The hospital is clean, beautiful, and well-maintained, creating a comfortable space for both patients and medical staff. I was especially amazed by the advanced medical technology, including the Da Vinci robotic surgery system, which helps doctors perform precise and minimally invasive procedures. Working in such a high-tech and professional setting was a great experience for me. However, what impressed me the most was the kindness and professionalism of the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff. They were always supportive and welcoming, which made it easier for me to adapt and feel at home during my training. 7) What are the specific contents of your fellowship program at Severance? At Severance, I am training in head and neck surgery, focusing on the management and treatment of tumors in this area. I have taken part in different types of surgeries, such as thyroid tumor resection, parotid gland tumor removal, oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal tumor excision, laser microsurgery for laryngeal cancer, and reconstructive surgery. My training also includes minimally invasive techniques and robotic-assisted surgery, which are becoming more important in modern surgery. This experience has helped me gain valuable knowledge and hands-on skills, which will be very useful for my future career. 8) If you were to get the chance to come back, which field of clinical study would you like to focus on? If I had the chance to return to Severance Hospital, I would definitely want to continue my studies, especially in robotic surgery. My training with Professor Yoon Woo Koh, a leading expert in robotic head and neck surgery, was an amazing experience. I had the opportunity to work with the Da Vinci Si robotic system, which is a very advanced tool for precision surgery. If I could come back, I would like to further develop my skills in robotic-assisted surgical techniques, as I believe this technology will become even more important in the future. 9) Who are you most thankful for at Severance(who helped you the most) & why? I am most grateful to Professor Yoon Woo Koh, who has been an outstanding mentor. His knowledge, dedication to patient care, and passion for teaching have truly inspired me. He is always willing to share his experience and support young surgeons, no matter where they come from. I would also like to thank other professors and colleagues in the Head & Neck Surgery Unit: Professor Hyun Jun Hong, Professor Da Hee Kim, Professor Nam Suk Sim, and Dr. Young Kyun Hur, who have guided me during my training. Their support has helped me learn and grow as a surgeon, and I really appreciate their kindness. 10) What was your first impression of Korea? My first impression of Korea was amazing. I arrived in Seoul during autumn, which is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. The weather was cool and comfortable, and the streets were full of golden autumn leaves, making the city look like a picture. One of the best experiences was visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, a famous historical place. It reminded me of the Imperial City of Hue, my hometown, which made me feel a special connection between Korean and Vietnamese cultures. I was also really impressed by Korean food. Even though Korean food is popular in Vietnam, tasting the real flavors in Korea gave me a new appreciation for it. 11)What is the best memory so far during your stay here? Looking back at my time at Severance, I feel that this fellowship was one of the best and most valuable experiences of my career. Training at a top-level hospital and working with expert surgeons helped me improve my skills a lot. If I had more time in Korea, I would love to visit more cultural and historical places to understand the country’s traditions and history better. I also wish I had more time to explore Korean food and culture to make my experience even richer.

1) Please introduce yourself. My name is Dr. Nhi Yen Diep from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. I am 31 years old, and I have a twin sister, who is also a dual board-certified plastic surgeon and dermatologist. 2) Where is your working place back in your country and what is your specialty? I am a dual-board-certified plastic surgeon and dermatologist. Together with my twin sister, I run a clinic specializing in dermatology and plastic surgery in Ho Chi Minh City. 3) How did you get to know Severance? Why did you choose Severance as your training hospital? I learned that Prof. Kee Yang Chung is a world-renowned expert in dermatologic surgery. I came to Severance to advance my knowledge, particularly in Mohs surgery and scar management, under the guidance of such esteemed mentors. 4) How long is your training period in Korea? My training period at Severance is approximately one year and 2 months. 5) Which area did you focus on during your fellowship at Severance? My fellowship focuses on dermatologic surgery. I have trained intensively in laser and skin surgeries. My advisors, Prof. Kee Yang Chung and Prof. Byungho Oh, along with Advanced Nurse Young Ae Nam, an expert in wound care, have been instrumental in my learning journey. 6) What is the most impressive feature of Severance Hospital? I was deeply impressed by Severance's integration of cutting-edge medical technology with a patient-centered approach. The unwavering support and expertise of the faculty, staff, and fellow trainees create a truly inspiring and nurturing passion environment for me. 7) What are the specific contents of your fellowship program at Severance? I am training in Mohs reconstruction surgery (skin cancer surgery), benign tumor removal, scar surgery, lasers, wound care, and other skin surgeries. I am also learning cosmetic procedures such as thread lifting, blepharoplasty, liposuction, and fat grafting. 8) If you were to get the chance to come back, which field of clinical study would you like to focus on? I would love to continue developing my expertise in these fields and spend more time learning from the exceptional professionals at Severance. 9) Who are you most thankful for at Severance(who helped you the most) & why? I am immensely grateful to Prof. Kee Yang Chung, Prof. Oh Byungho, and Advanced Nurse Nam Young Ae for their mentorship and guidance. I also deeply appreciate Jinwoong, Clinical professor - Korean fellow, for his kindness, support, and the warm way he shared his expertise. He has been like an older brother to me, providing both professional instruction and personal encouragement. Thank you all for treating me as a family member. 10) What was your first impression of Korea? Korea amazed me with its advanced medical system, rich culture, and warm hospitality despite the very cold weather in winter when I first came (^_^). I felt welcomed both inside and outside the hospital, making my experience even more memorable. 11)What is the best memory so far during your stay here? My best experience has been collaborating with esteemed professors and learning from the best in my field at Severance. The warmth from Korean people, including the hospital staff, my mentors, and others I met, has left an indelible mark on my heart. My only regret is that my time here feels too short.

통일보건의료센터, 2025년 발전전략워크숍 실시 제중원보건개발원 통일보건의료센터가 1일 강화군에서 2025 발전전략 워크숍을 개최했다. 워크숍은 운영위원 및 연구진을 대상으로 센터의 활동 방향을 점검하고, 향후 수행할 보건의료 정책 과제를 논의하기 위해 열렸다. 참석자들은 강화군 교동도 화개산 전망대를 방문해 북한 접경지역의 보건의료 협력 가능성을 모색했다. 이어진 워크숍에서는 2024년도 센터 활동 내역과 2025년도 활동 계획을 공유하고, 각 기획단별 정책 연구 발표와 함께 실질적인 연구 성과 도출 및 협력 방안을 논의했다. 특히, 신설된 재난의료TF를 중심으로, 북한발 재난 대응 보건의료 지원 체계를 구축할 방안에 관해 심도 있는 논의가 이뤄졌다. 자연재해, 감염병, 대규모 인도적 위기 상황에서 효과적인 의료 지원 방안을 마련하기 위한 연구 방향이 제시됐으며, 향후 구체적인 정책 제안을 추진할 예정이다. 이번 워크숍을 통해 통일보건의료센터는 한반도 보건의료 분야에서의 지속적인 연구와 협력 방안을 마련하고, 재난 대응을 포함한 의료 지원 체계를 더욱 발전시킬 예정이다. The Center for Health & Unification of Korea, part of the Yonsei Institute for Global Health, hosted its 2025 Development Strategy Workshop in Ganghwa County, bringing together key researchers and steering committee members to review past initiatives and shape future healthcare policies. As part of the workshop, participants visited the Hwagaesan Observatory on Gyodong Island, near the North Korean border, to explore potential avenues for inter-Korean health and medical cooperation. The session continued with a review of the center’s 2024 activities and the presentation of its 2025 plans. Each planning team shared its policy research, sparking discussions on achieving measurable research outcomes and strengthening collaboration. A key focus was the newly established Disaster Medical Task Force, which held in-depth discussions on developing a healthcare support system for disaster response in North Korea. Experts proposed strategies for delivering medical aid in cases of natural disasters, infectious disease outbreaks, and large-scale humanitarian crises, with concrete policy recommendations set to follow. With this workshop, the Center for Health & Unification of Korea aims to expand research and cooperation in healthcare on the Korean Peninsula, reinforcing medical support systems and disaster response capabilities.