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.