Yonsei Institute
for Global Health

1) Please introduce yourself.

“Salam Sejahtera”. A hello-greeting in the very own language of my country Malaysia. My name is Yong DohJeing. Moreover, my friends call me Johnny Yong. I have accomplished my 30s milestone and is now amidst venturing into another exciting phase of lifetime. My spouse is a Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, along with my parents and sibling who are currently residing in home country.

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

After attaining specialisation in Otorhinolaryngology from National University of Malaysia, I have been practising as a general ORL surgeon in Hospital Queen Elizabeth for 8 years with special interest in Endoscopic SkullBase and Sialoendoscopy. With the Grace of God, I am now pursuing Subspeciality in Head & Neck Surgery and heading towards Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery as my prime passion.

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

My first encounter of World-Class Severance Hospital traces back to a name card honored to me by Professor EunChang Choi during our first met 6 years ago. Called it Serendipity, the  contact name card is securely well-kept for years. Through Professor Choi, we learnt of Severance Hospital as the Centre of Excellence in the field of Robotic Head & Neck Oncology where minimally invasive surgery is massively practiced. As with other international fellow, I am drawn by such strong magnetism of aspiring force to be here for world-class training opportunity. 

4)  How long is your training period in Korea?

My granted training span across 4 seasons. I commence my fellowship in early Autumn right at the best times in a calendar year. Witnessing the falls foliage has been an amazing experience. With much gratitude, under the purview of Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare, precious hands-on fellowship opportunity is made possible. 

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

My pursue of Robotic Head and Neck Oncology Fellowship in Severance Hospital has been made possible with the presence of Professor YoonWoo Koh as my supervisor. My prime aim is to attain maximum exposure in the field of Minimally Invasive Head & Neck Surgery. Being the World-leading Robotic Surgeon in Head & Neck, Professor Koh has tremendously engaged in teaching and guiding of all the fellows under his wings. Professor Koh is genuinely a Titan in his territory of expertise.

6) What is the most impressive feature of Severance Hospital?

Both “Anatomically” and “Physiologically”. Anatomically, the Hospital is beautiful inside out. Occasionally, you may find yourself immersing in soothing music while strolling around the hospital. Modern design of façade equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, Severance is structurally built to be the best. Physiologically, the teamwork functions by the staffs who serve relentlessly in bringing the best service to patient become the soul of the body of Severance. “The First and The Best” is indeed impeccable for Severance “Anatomically and Physiologically”.

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

My prime engagement of fellowship is to participate in the daily surgical activities of my team. Robotic surgery has been the core conducts in our team. Nonetheless, conventional surgery is performed too. The volume of cases attended is high. 

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

Robotic Surgery is an ever constantly advancing field. Severance being the world-leading team in the field of Robotic Head and Neck will be among the first in the world to attain such refinement in priority. Therefore, there is a definite desire to be back in time to come to pursue subsequent update in these field. 

9) Who are you most thankful for at Severance(who helped you the most) & why?

I am indebted to Professor EunChang Choi, who is the first person who refer my fellowship to Professor YoonWoo Koh, a World-Renowned Robotic Head and Neck Surgeon. Being my supervisor, Professor Koh has persevered unreservedly in sharing his utmost superb robotic skills. His phenomenal teaching has inspired me the most. I value too my group of fellow-in-training comrades who strive through the fellowship together with many valuable conducts of mutual assistances and discussions.

10) What was your first impression of Korea?

Owing to the fact that my first mission on landing is house-hunting, my first impression of Korea is plenty of Bu-Dong-San (Realty). The first friend I met is a Bu-Dong-San agent who ultimately guided me to secure a place of stay for 1 year. The house-hunting experience is exciting and tiring as looking for vacant house in vicinity of Severance amidst autumn University semester commencement period is indeed challenging.

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

I embrace a neo-family with Severance Head and Neck Cancer Team. This is by far the best memorable occurrence etched in my heart. Under the leadership of Professor Koh, entire team has been working so closely to each other rendering eminence cares to patients. Prof HongHJ, Prof KimDaHee, Prof SimNS and Dr Kyu-In are akin to foster siblings where sharing of knowledge is borderless. Mr Han, from international office too shares credit of appreciations for my fellowship facilitation. The ending of fellowship signifies the commence of life-long friendship that is of what left much to be desired. To all in Korea, “Terima Kasih, Sayangmu” (Kamsahamida, Saranghae).