Yonsei Institute
for Global Health

1) Please introduce yourself. I am AlGheryafi Yamin, 38 years old, from Saudi Arabia. In addition to me, my family consists of my wife, who is a pharmacist and a two year old son. 2) Where is your working place back in your country and what is your specialty? I am working in Qatif Central Hospital. Qatif Central Hospital is one of the major hospitals in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia, which includes most of the medical and surgical subspecialties. It is also considered as trauma center, as it receives a lot of trauma patients who require surgical interventions. Since the end of 2009, I joined Qatif Central Hospital and worked as orthopaedic resident, then in 2011, I joined the Saudi board program of orthopedic surgery and took training rotations in most hospitals in the eastern region and succeeded in obtaining the certificate of Saudi board at the end of 2016. Since then, I have been working at Qatif Central Hospital as orthopaedic surgeon, in addition to being the local program director of orthopaedic trainees and active lecturer and speaker in local orthopaedic surgery conferences and workshops. 3) How did you get to know Severance? Why did you choose Severance as your training hospital? South Korea is highly recognizable area to conduct clinical fellowship training as it has highly advanced medical services, excellent organized hospitals and highly qualified and excellent skill-full professors known worldwide in addition to their academic passion and research. Severance hospital is one of the best institutions in South Korea and it is well known worldwide. It has very excellent established atmosphere for trainees. A lot of our colleagues with different surgical subspecialties who conducted their fellowship in severance hospital, they are qualified with excellent skills in addition to the academic personal aspect. I have talked with some colleagues who joined knee sport and arthroscopic surgery department in severance hospital, all of them talked a lot about very skills full and highly qualified professors, quality and efficiency of training and they advised me to seek an opportunity to join knee sport and arthroscopic surgery fellowship training in Severance hospital. 4) How long is your training period in Korea? 15 months 5) Which area did you focus on during your fellowship at Severance? My training is mainly on knee sport and arthroscopic surgery. I am proud to train under supervision of Professor Jung, Min. and also it is my pleasure to have the opportunity to train with professor Chong-Hyuk Choi. 6)What is the most impressive feature of Severance Hospital? Severance hospital has excellent developed and established facilities, technology and structures that are critical to prioritize the patient’s comfort and convenience at each stage of their journey. Severance hospital is a prime example of what can be achieved through harmony and dedicated work. With a vast number of facilities, beds, and operation rooms, the staff consistently demonstrate their utmost commitment to excellence. Each member strives to give their best performance and collectively work towards being the best they can be. 7)What are the specific contents of your fellowship program at Severance? My clinical fellowship training is knee sport and arthroscopic surgery, mainly deal with knee different soft tissue pathology, cartilage defect and bony malalignment. 8)If you were to get the chance to come back, which field of clinical study would you like to focus on? If I am lucky and have the chance to comeback, I would like to be involved in the same department of knee sport and arthroscopic surgery. The complexity of knee joint anatomy, the variety of pathology, the different surgical techniques and the high level of surgical skills required, makes it truly a mind stimulating field. Knee Sport and arthroscopic surgery requires a higher level of technical skills. This makes it more challenging and hence more enjoyable. My goal is to achieve technical and clinical excellence in the diagnosis and treatment of sports conditions of the knee. 9)Who are you most thankful for at Severance(who helped you the most) & why? Since my first day at Severance Hospital I have found support from everyone. My professors are always welcoming to scientific discussion at any time and they guide me to any orthopaedic conference or workshop that help me in my training. All Korean colleagues (fellows, residents, nurses and all hospital staff) are very supportive all the time and offer to help me whenever I need. Also I should mention Mr. Jae Hun Han in the International Office. I am always in contact with him and he welcomes any inquiry or assistance at any time. 10)What was your first impression of Korea? South Korea is one of the top developed countries and known as the global head in technological and industrial sectors, but what makes South Korea a much-loved country among all world is its beautiful diverse culture. South Korea has its unique culture, character, cloth, and food that differs from the world countries. Korean People are very organized and raised on respecting everybody. Diligent and hard work, filial piety and humbleness are characteristics respected by Koreans. In addition to the beauty of nature, parks, gardens, lakes and mountains, South Korea has very advance infrastructure, highly organized, advance and modern intra and inter cities transportation networks, in addition to enormous high rise buildings everywhere and any one visit South Korea will notice they take care of every single detail to make the all aspects of public facilities perfect and accessible all time. 11)What is the best memory so far during your stay here? I have many beautiful memories in South Korea. During all weekends, I gather with my friends, we have a tour in Seoul or around where there are a lots of amazing garden, mountains and other nature and then we take dinner together in different restaurants in Seoul which is special experience I will never forget.

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.

1) Please introduce yourself. Hello, my name is Ernest, and I recently turned 40 years old. I grew up in Singapore, a small but vibrant city in Southeast Asia, in a family of 5 with 2 younger siblings. My mother is currently a nursing director in the operating theatre at the Singapore General Hospital with a career spanning more than 4 decades. Her commitment to her work and compassionate care for her patients have played a big role in inspiring me to pursue a career in medicine. 2) Where is your working place back in your country and what is your specialty? After finishing my ENT residency in June 2016, I joined Tan Tock Seng Hospital, a highly-regarded tertiary hospital located in the central region of Singapore, as a Consultant Otorhinolaryngologist. Since then, I have honed my skills and developed a special interest in Head & Neck surgery. In addition to my clinical work, I am heavily involved in undergraduate medical education as the lead ENT tutor for the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine at the Nanyang Technological University. 3) How did you get to know Severance? Why did you choose Severance as your training hospital? Severance Hospital, a prominent institution within the Yonsei University Health System, has long been regarded as a leading global center for robotic surgery. It was the first hospital in South Korea to introduce the da Vinci surgical system for robotic surgery in July 2005. In fact, many of my ENT colleagues from Singapore have attended the short-term training programs offered by the Severance Robot and MIS Center and have reported significant benefits from their experiences. Personally, I had the honor of meeting Professor Koh Yoon Woo, the current fellowship director at Severance, during the Asian Summit on Robotic Surgery (ASRS) held in Singapore in October 2018. Professor Koh is a world-renowned robotic head and neck surgeon who is the pioneer for the Robotic Retroauricular Neck Dissection for Thyroid and Head & Neck Cancer. After attending the summit, his vast experience and expertise left a profound impact on me, and I was eager to further develop my interest in robotic surgery. I am immensely grateful to Professor Koh and his department for granting me the opportunity to undergo training in the field of robotic head and neck surgery in this world-class institution. 4) How long is your training period in Korea? My training period in Korea is 1 year, from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023. It has been wonderful to experience the changing seasons and climates over the past 1 year. 5) Which area did you focus on during your fellowship at Severance? My fellowship at Severance Hospital has a primary focus on robotic head and neck surgery, which is due to the significant number of cases being performed at the hospital, totaling more than 450 cases every year. In addition, I have had the opportunity to gain exposure to conventional open head and neck surgeries and free flap reconstruction cases during my time here. My supervising professor is Professor Koh Yoon Woo. Under his guidance, I have been fortunate to learn from one of the world’s foremost experts in robotic head and neck surgery. Professor Koh has performed over 2500 robotic surgeries to date and has an exceptional wealth of experience and knowledge in this field. It has been an incredible privilege to work alongside him and learn from his expertise. 6)What is the most impressive feature of Severance Hospital? Severance Hospital is truly deserving of its motto “The First and the Best”, both in terms of its “hardware” and “software”. The “hardware” refers to Severance’s state-of-the art medical facilities, world-class infrastructure, and advanced medical technology and systems such as robotic surgery and the first Heavy Ion Cancer Therapy Center in the country. Every morning as I make my way down Yonsei-ro towards the hospital campus, I am struck by the impressive sight of the Yonsei Cancer Centre and the Severance Hospital Main Building towering over the Sinchon skyline, with the majestic Ansan mountain in the background. However, what impresses me even more is the “software” which refers to the excellent quality of medical care and heartfelt dedication displayed by every member of the medical staff towards their patients. The teamwork and camaraderie among the staff are exceptional, with a strong focus on attention to detail and efficient work processes. This is a great testament to the excellent training and workplace culture being fostered at the hospital. 7)What are the specific contents of your fellowship program at Severance? As a fellow at Severance Hospital, my daily schedule includes surgical training in the operating rooms, with regular opportunities to participate in outpatient clinics, ward rounds, and weekly head and neck tumor board meetings. Moreover, I had the privilege of completing the prestigious Severance International Fellowship-Prime Course (SIF-PC) in September 2022, which led to the acquisition of hands-on operating privileges being granted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Korea. To further enhance my academic and professional growth, I have actively participated in various ENT head and neck conferences, such as the International Conference of the Korean Society for Head and Neck Oncology (ICHNO) and the 2023 Spring Combined Workshop for Head and Neck Surgery. As a representative of my department, I delivered an oral presentation on the "Feasibility of Robotic Surgery for various Head & Neck Tumors in Pediatric Patients" at the International Congress of ORL-HNS held in April 2023. The comprehensive fellowship program at Severance Hospital has provided me with invaluable experience and exposure to a wide range of head and neck surgeries, enabling me to hone my skills and knowledge in this highly specialized field. 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 return, I would be eager to continue focusing on robotic head and neck surgery. The field is constantly evolving, and I believe that staying up-to-date with the latest techniques and technology is essential for providing the best possible care for our patients. The learning curve for robotic surgery can be steep, but I am excited by the challenge and remain committed to continued growth and development in this area. Ultimately, my goal is to use the latest technology and techniques to provide the best care to my patients, and I believe that honing my skills in robotic surgery is an important part of achieving that goal. 9)Who are you most thankful for at Severance(who helped you the most) & why? I am most grateful to Professor Koh for his invaluable mentorship and the exceptional training opportunities that he has provided me with during my fellowship. He is always forthcoming in sharing his vast experience in head and neck surgery and committed in ensuring the best outcome for all his patients. His unwavering commitment to the well-being of his patients, his immense contribution to the advancement in the field of robotic head and neck surgery over the years as well as his vision for the future of robotic surgery, have been a great source of inspiration for me. I would also like to express my deepest appreciation to all the esteemed professors in the department, each of whom has generously imparted their knowledge and expertise in various aspects of head and neck surgery. From Professor Hong Hyun Jun’s enthusiastic and insightful teachings on free flap reconstruction to Professor Kim Da Hee’s valuable tips on head and neck surgery, from Professor Sim Nam Suk’s guidance on research projects to Professor Eun Chang Choi’s inspiring career journey, I have gained immeasurable insights and skills from them. A special mention also goes to Dr Lee Kyu In for his warm hospitality and assistance in helping me settle into the department, as well as to all the residents, nurses and operating assistants who have been instrumental in making my time here a fulfilling and enjoyable one. Finally, I would also like to thank Mr. Han and his colleagues from the International Office for their administrative support. 10)What was your first impression of Korea? I am very impressed with the high level of fitness among the elderly population in Korea. When I first arrived in Korea during summer, I started going on cycling trips along the Han River and hikes along the Seoul fortress wall trails during the weekends. It is a common sight to see large groups of elderly men and women engaging in such activities and using the public gym facilities in the parks. This is an indicator of the importance placed on health by the elderly in Korea and is likely to alleviate the burden on limited healthcare resources in the long run. 11)What is the best memory so far during your stay here? In addition to the exceptional fellowship training that I have received, one of the most treasured memories I have of my time at Severance Hospital was the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of individuals, including local head and neck surgeons from other institutions, as well as visiting international fellows and doctors from various countries. This cross-cultural exposure has allowed me to gain valuable insight into the unique challenges that exist both within and outside the field of medicine. It has been a true privilege to be part of such a vibrant and dynamic community where ideas are regularly exchanged, and lifelong friendships are being forged. Looking back, I am grateful for this enlightening journey that has broadened my horizons and left an indelible mark on my heart.

1) Please introduce yourself. mendsaikhan purevjav, 41 years old, I am married and I am a mother of two children. 2) Where is your working place back in your country and what is your specialty? Cardiologist in arrhythmia unit in State Third Hospital of Mongolia. 3) How did you get to know Severance? Why did you choose Severance as your training hospital? Severance is world renowned hospital for its excellence and educational programs. I was lucky to be referred by my cardiovascular center director to the severance cardiovascular hospital. 4) How long is your training period in Korea? From July 6, 2022 Until December 31, 2023. 5) Which area did you focus on during your fellowship at Severance? My supervising professor is Dr. Pak Hui Nam. I am focusing on clinical electrophysiology especially on atrial fibrillation. 6)What is the most impressive feature of Severance Hospital? There are many aspects of this hospital is impressive to me: - the size, organization, educational courses, advanced technology used for treatments and research, commitment of staff and of course professionalism of everyone. Almost everyone seems to be researchers besides being a doctors, which I think is essential for the development. 7)What are the specific contents of your fellowship program at Severance? Cardiac electrophysiology. This is a relatively new field in Mongolia, we are still not performing many of complicated procedures, as in Severance I have a chance to learn each and every of them from giants of electrophysiology, in Center of Excellence. To name few of the skills a would like to acquire during my stay in Severance:Ventricular Arrhythmia management, atrial fibrillation management, device implantations such as conduction system pacing, leadless pacing, CRTs etc. 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 a chance to come back to Severance, I would like to focus more and left atrial appendage closure and trans catheter aortic valve implantation. 9)Who are you most thankful for at Severance(who helped you the most) & why? I am very thankful to whole EP lab team for being not only supportive and helpful collègues, but also for being good friends. Life is easier when you have friends, especially when you are abroad. Of course, I am most thankful to Professor Pak Hui Nam, for giving me the chance to learn from him and his excellent team of professors! He is a legend in EP world! He is hard working and dedicated doctor, researcher, as well as excellent teacher. I can’t not to mention nursing and technical team of EP lab, as they make my life easier every day. 10)What was your first impression of Korea? well organized, hard working and very quick people! But because everything is so well organized, it was easy to get around even when you don’t speak the language! People, especially younger generation people speak very good English, so it’s easy. 11)What is the best memory so far during your stay here? There are many nice memories and I hope I am still building the best one. Just to name some: Hiking in Seoraksan was very impressive and I will not forget that sensation. We went skiing with my family in Gangneung, was also very nice memory. In general, discovering new places together with my kids is building up nice memories from Korea, that I hope we will keep with us. before going back home I wish I could travel around Korea a bit more.

1) Please introduce yourself. I’m Lloyd Nario Bordeos, 39 years old. My wife’s name is Antoniette, she is an anesthesiologist. We have 2 children, a son named Santino and a daughter named Aryana. They are both in High School. 2) Where is your working place back in your country and what is your specialty? I am working as Medical Officer at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Cebu City, Philippines for 12 years now in the Department of General Surgery. 3) How did you get to know Severance? Why did you choose Severance as your training hospital? I got to know Severance Hospital because of my batchmate during residency training, who had his fellowship training in Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery here at Severance Hospital. He told me so many great and positive things about Severance Hospital that made me become interested in applying also for fellowship training in the same institution. 4) How long is your training period in Korea? 1 year and 3 months 5) Which area did you focus on during your fellowship at Severance? My fellowship training in Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery is focused on Minimally Invasive Gastric Cancer Surgery under the mentorship of Prof. Woo Jin Hyung. 6) What is the most impressive feature of Severance Hospital? Before coming here, I already knew that Severance Hospital is one of the largest and most advanced healthcare facilities not only in the country but perhaps in Asia. During my time in training, I am in awe of its State-of-the-art equipment, world-class facilities, and experienced doctors and staff. It has all the features of a topnotch hospital, from the design and architecture of its buildings, its wise leaders and administrators, its cutting-edge technology, its patient-centered policies and approach, and the coordinated care between various departments. But what impresses me most is how it integrates modern technology in every aspect of healthcare, from patient data management to surgical procedures. 7) What are the specific contents of your fellowship program at Severance? My fellowship training program covers the management of benign and malignant diseases of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract. It focuses on Minimally Invasive Surgery for Gastric and Esophageal Cancer, with exposures also in benign Upper GI and Gastric sleeve surgery. 8) If you were to get the chance to come back, which field of clinical study would you like to focus on? If I were given a chance to come back and choose a field of clinical study to focus on, I would choose Esophageal Cancer Surgery. The reason is that Esophageal cancer surgeries are fewer in comparison to the sheer volume of Gastric cancer surgeries at Severance Hospital, and for me the more esophageal cases I get to see the more clinical knowledge I will acquire. 9) Who are you most thankful for at Severance(who helped you the most) & why? I am very thankful to all the Professors in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery for sharing their precious time, knowledge, and experience to us foreign fellows. I am most thankful to my mentor Prof. Woo Jin Hyung for accepting me and giving me the opportunity to train under him. I learned a lot from him not only about surgery but also about discipline, patience, hard work, dedication, and commitment to one’s craft. 10) What was your first impression of Korea? I initially knew Korea because of my wife. She loves everything about Korea, from the history and culture, language, people, food, fashion, to beauty products and K-pop and dramas. When I got to live here during the duration of my training, I noticed that there was more to it than what I already knew. I am amazed by how everything is well planned and organized. How clean and modern are the cities. How disciplined, honest, and polite the Korean people are. And how cold it is in Seoul during the winter! 11)What is the best memory so far during your stay here? When me and my wife went on a trip to Busan, Nami and Jeju Islands are so far my best memories here in Korea. I hope to bring my son and daughter here soon so they may experience how beautiful this country is.