Yonsei Institute
for Global Health

1) Please introduce yourself. 

My name is Jen-Christina Lourdes Quiray Segovia. My nickname is Jenna. I am 36 years old. My husband’s name is Kevin, he is a businessman. We have a 3-year-old son, Jorge Arceo, whom we lovingly call Oyo for short. 

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

I am a Dermatologist practicing in Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines. 

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

I got to know Severance back when I was still a resident, when one of our professors in the Philippines shared that he did a short rotation here before and had a wonderful experience. My professor then introduced me to my current mentor, Professor Kee-Yang Chung. I chose Severance because it is known to be one of the best and biggest hospitals not only in South Korea but in all of Asia. I knew I was going to be trained by one of the greatest in the field of dermatologic surgery. 

4)  How long is your training period in Korea?

My training period is 1 year.

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

My fellowship focuses on Mohs Micrographic Surgery. My supervising professor is Professor Kee-Yang Chung. 

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

There are honestly so many to mention. The enormousness of the hospital itself is very impressive. The equipment are state-of-the-art, and the staff are all very professional and knowledgeable in their respective fields. In the Dermatology Department, we are provided will all the necessary tools to perform our procedures, making it easier for us to achieve ideal results. Patient satisfaction is also very much a priority of the hospital and you can see this through the appreciation they show our professor and the staff during their follow-ups. 

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

My training focuses on Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Reconstruction, which is a technique used specifically for the removal of skin cancers and the repair of the defects left behind. We are also exposed to wound care with negative pressure wound therapy as well as the use of different lasers for the treatment of scars and wounds. With our professor being one of the most skilled and highly-respected dermatologic surgeons in Korea, we are also exposed to a number of cases involving the removal of benign tumors. 

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

Given the opportunity to come back, I would love to be exposed more on the aesthetic aspect of dermatology. South Korea is known for beauty and cosmetic procedures and I would love to be able to experience these first-hand. I would also like to learn a bit on hospital management as the hospital is very efficient despite it being very large. I would love to bring this knowledge back home to help improve our healthcare systems. 

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

I am most thankful for everyone at the Dermatology Department – the residents, nurses, and my co-fellows – as they have all been nothing but kind and helpful since my first day. I am also learning so much from my mentor Professor Kee-Yang Chung – he is very gracious with his knowledge and is very patient in teaching us. Special mention goes to my co-fellow from the Philippines, Dr. Gayle Opada-Villarmea, who started training here a few months earlier. Being in a different country and not being versed in the language is really daunting and she was able to help me ease into life here by guiding me inside and outside the hospital. 

10)What was your first impression of Korea?

Prior to coming here, my exposure to Korea was only through K-dramas. I saw Korea as very organized and advanced. I also imagined the food to be very delicious as it is a focal point in many shows. These were all proven to be true – the transportation system is very efficient, and all the restaurants and cafes we have gone to are all very good. Also, one of the most impressive things about Korea is how quality of life is given much importance. Social services such as proper education and healthcare are made available to majority of its citizens, with foreigners such us myself included. 

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

One of my best memories so far is being able to share this experience with my family. Our son is currently in daycare (어린이집) and he is having a wonderful time meeting new friends. He is also learning the Korean language through his daily interactions with peers, and it is a joy to see him grow and adapt despite being in a different country. The Prime Course we had prior to starting formal clinical training is also very memorable as I was able to meet other international fellows and forge friendships with them. We spend most of our free time exploring Korea together – going to various parks and museums, hiking on different mountains, and of course eating a lot of Korean food and enjoying a few drinks. My family and I have only been here for a few months, and we are looking forward to discovering more wonderful things this place has to offer.