Yonsei Institute
for Global Health

1) Please introduce yourself.

My name is Yeo Shanwen Charleen, and I am 34 years old.

2) Where is your working place back in your country and what is your specialty?

I am a Consultant in the Department of Upper Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Surgery at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.

3) How did you get to know Severance? Why did you choose Severance as your training hospital?

1. I came to Severance Hospital to further advance my training in minimally invasive upper gastrointestinal surgery, focusing on both laparoscopic and robotic techniques. Severance is globally recognized for its high-volume gastrectomy program and expertise in robotic and laparoscopic surgery. The department's leadership in landmark KLASS trials and its numerous high-impact publications in gastric cancer surgery made it the ideal place for my fellowship.
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4)  How long is your training period in Korea?

1. My training period at Severance Hospital is 7 months. 

5)  Which area did you focus on during your fellowship at Severance?

1. I trained in advanced minimally invasive upper gastrointestinal surgery under the mentorship of Professor Kim Yoo Min, with exposure to both laparoscopic and robotic procedures
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6) What is the most impressive feature of Severance Hospital?

1. The scale and sophistication of Severance Hospital were immediately striking—an expansive campus equipped with cutting-edge technologies such as robotic platforms and a heavy ion therapy center. However, what truly left a lasting impression was the people. The warmth, collegiality, and professionalism of my professors, colleagues, nurses, and operating theater staff deeply inspired me. Their dedication to patient care has set a high standard that I hope to emulate.

7) What are the specific contents of your fellowship program at Severance?

My training focuses on advanced minimally invasive upper gastrointestinal surgery, with hands-on experience in both laparoscopic and robotic techniques.

8) If you were to get the chance to come back, which field of clinical study would you like to focus on?

1. If I had the chance, I would gladly extend my fellowship or return for further training. The professors at Severance have achieved an extraordinary level of technical skill, making every operation a masterclass. The high surgical volume and abundant hands-on opportunities have also provided me with a wealth of surgical knowledge and experience that is unparalleled. The vibrant research environment—along with access to international conferences like KSERS and KINGCA—have also been invaluable for both my clinical and academic growth, and provided me with numerous networking opportunities.
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9) Who are you most thankful for at Severance(who helped you the most) & why?

1. I am grateful to all the professors and my colleagues here in the upper gastrointestinal surgery department of Severance Hospital, especially Professor Kim Yoo Min and Professor Hyung Woo Jin, who accepted my application as an international fellow in their department. Professor Kim Yoo Min has been an exceptional mentor, generously sharing her expertise and guiding me through the nuances of surgical technique. I am also grateful to the dedicated nurses and physician assistants from the upper gastrointestinal team, who have supported me throughout my time in the operating theater.
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10) What was your first impression of Korea?

1. Korea has always been one of my favorite destinations. I love the delicious food, rich culture, and warmth of the people. Learning Hangeul with the help of tutors and friends gave me deeper insight into Korean life. From a medical standpoint, the technology here—from robotic systems to 3D navigation and the heavy ion therapy center—highlights Severance as a world-class hospital.

11)What is the best memory so far during your stay here?

I have had many wonderful experiences so far during my stay in Korea. The friendships I have made with fellow international trainees and the mentorship that I have received from Severance’s surgical faculty are experiences I will always treasure. My only regret is not being able to stay longer to continue learning and growing in this incredible environment.