Yonsei Institute
for Global Health

Completion Ceremony Held for Pre-Education Program for International Medical Trainees The Yonsei Institute for Global Health recently held a completion ceremony for the Severance International Fellowship – Prime Course (SIF-PC), a pre-education program designed for international medical trainees, at the faculty meeting room. This session of the program welcomed 15 participants—nearly a fourfold increase compared to the four trainees who joined in the latter half of last year. Launched in March 2020, SIF-PC provides incoming international medical fellows at Severance Hospital with essential knowledge on Korean culture, the healthcare system, an introduction to the Yonsei University Health System, and clinical research and statistics. The program also qualifies participants to apply for permission to engage in "hands-on medical practice" in Korea. Typically, international physicians who train in Korea do not possess a Korean medical license and therefore participate only in observational fellowships. However, those who complete SIF-PC and go on to undertake a two-month clinical fellowship are eligible to apply for hands-on medical practice status with the Ministry of Health and Welfare. SIF-PC is the first and only pre-education program in Korea independently developed and implemented by a private medical institution for international physicians. Until now, the opportunity to apply for limited medical practice was available only to physicians from certain Middle Eastern countries under agreements with the Ministry of Health and Welfare. With the launch of SIF-PC, international physicians from a wider range of countries now have the opportunity to pursue hands-on training in Korea. “As Korean medicine continues to gain global recognition, we aim to develop SIF-PC into a flagship program that introduces the excellence of Korean healthcare to the world,” said Dr. Yong-Beom Park, Director of the Yonsei Institute for Global Health. The growing success of SIF-PC reflects both the international appeal of Korean medical expertise and the efforts of Yonsei University Health System to foster global medical collaboration and training.

1) Please introduce yourself. Nurjanar Galimkhan, 34years old. From westernmost of Mongolia,land of high mountains and heartland of eagle hunting. 2) Where is your working place back in your country and what is your specialty? Cardiologist in Mongolian 3rd central hospital, cardiovascular department 3) How did you get to know Severance? Why did you choose Severance as your training hospital? Severance hospital is the one of the famous training centre for cardiologist from Mongolian cardiovascular centre.My colleague, one of the best cardiologists in Mongolia, completed her PhD in Korea and suggested that I study here as well.It was a great opportunity. 4) How long is your training period in Korea? Training period is 2 years. 5) Which area did you focus on during your fellowship at Severance? My training program include Trans thoracic echocardiography (TTE) and Trans oesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for cardiac valve diseases and adult congenital heart defects ,TEE guidance during interventional surgeries. My mentor, best adviser is Professor Hong Gu Ru. 6) What is the most impressive feature of Severance Hospital? Severance Hospital is known for its advanced technology, high quality patient care and research excellence. I was very impressed with latest echocardiography technologies, clean environment, patient friendly services and excellent trained doctors.I deeply admire the humanity, professionalism, and dedication of doctors. Their ability to combine medical expertise with compassion and ethical care is truly inspiring 7) What are the specific contents of your fellowship program at Severance? My training program include Trans thoracic echocardiography (TTE) and Trans oesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for cardiac valve diseases and adult congenital heart defects ,TEE guidance during interventional surgeries. 8) If you were to get the chance to come back, which field of clinical study would you like to focus on? If I have chance to stay longer or come back to Severance again for training, it would be a wish fulfilled. 9) Who are you most thankful for at Severance(who helped you the most) & why? My gratitude extends to long list of people. Echocardiography departments all the doctors, nurses and fellows made nurturing and caring space for me; they are always welcoming and supportive. It is the place that feels like Family. Words cannot fully express my gratitude to my professor Hong Gu Ru, his exceptional talent, outstanding communication skills, unwavering professionalism in his field are truly admirable.Having an understanding academic advisor and flexible professors has also been invaluable for studying mom like me. Being a mom studying in foreign country is challenging. However, I’ve learned to manage these challenges thanks to my professor and fellow doctors! 10) What was your first impression of Korea? The country has an impressive infrastructure, smart transport system and rich in cultural heritage. The Koreans are very polite and kind. I came with my family,with my 2years old son..Finding affordable childcare and adjusting to a new culture, language, and education system can be tough. Financial pressure is another challenge, as tuition, housing, and childcare costs add up.But living in Korea is worth of facing challenges, it is safe and child friendly country. 11)What is the best memory so far during your stay here? The highlight of my time in Korea, I have experienced to work and learn from best professionals. Had experienced to be part of research work and participated conferences, keeping up with the latest advancements and learning from esteemed cardiology professors.For my family,the biggest hurdle was adjusting to a new language and new environment ,but over time, they’ve become more adaptable and open-minded. They’ve gained exposure to new cultures and experiences, which I believe will benefit them in the long run. I have no regrets, but I do feel that learning Korean would have enriched my experience.

The entire team at Yonsei Institute for Global Health came together to take a group photo, capturing a moment of connection and teamwork. In addition to the main group photo, each center also took individual team photos. These images highlight the unique roles and identities within our organization. Scroll down to view the photos from each center. Medical Mission Center Center for Global Development Center for Health & Unification of Korea Global Medical Education Development Working Group International Medical Training & Affairs Thank you to everyone who took part in making this moment meaningful.