Yonsei Institute
for Global Health

1) Please introduce yourself. My name is HENG Chhayroud, I am 30 years old. I am the youngest child in a family with 4 members. I have one older sister and one older brother. 2) Where is your working place back in your country and what is your specialty? Currently, I work as a general cardiologist at Calmette Hospital in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. 3) How did you get to know Severance? Why did you choose Severance as your training hospital? Well, it's a long story. First, I got to know Severance from a senior of mine who was also a fellow in electrophysiology at severance. Then I got the chance to meet Professor Chun HWANG in Cambodia who introduced me to Professor Hui-Nam PAK, my responsible professor at Severance Hospital. I choose Severance Hospital for my fellowship because this hospital is well-known as one of the biggest hospitals in Korea and also in Asia. With the advanced technique here I believe I could become a well-trained doctor to serve back my country when I finish. 4) How long is your training period in Korea? My training period is for 1 year which started from 1st March 2023 until the end of February 2024. 5) Which area did you focus on during your fellowship at Severance? I am currently a fellow in Electrophysiology, a subspecialty of cardiology that enrolls in the treatment of patients with heart rhythm disorders. And my supervising professor is Professor Hui-Nam PAK. 6) What is the most impressive feature of Severance Hospital? Severance Hospital has a long history and is renowned for its high-quality medical services, advanced technologies, and skilled medical professionals. The hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies create an environment that fosters learning and innovation. Having an opportunity to train at Severance Hospital is a transformative journey that shapes me into a competent, compassionate, and globally-minded healthcare professional. The combination of outstanding medical resources, expert guidance, diverse patient cases, and exposure to a unique cultural setting creates an unforgettable and enriching experience that will leave a lasting impression on my medical career. 7) What are the specific contents of your fellowship program at Severance? The specific contents of my fellowship here is electrophysiology which focus on the both medical treatment and intervention like radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation of arrhythmia those include supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), Atrial fibrillation (AF), ventricular arrhythmia (VA). Furthermore, also I am training in managing the Cardiac Implantable Electronic devices include Pacemaker (PM), intracardiac implant defibrillator (ICD) and Cardiac resynchronize therapy (CRT). At last, of course I also enroll in some of research activities too. 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 the chance to comeback, ventricular arrhythmia is one of the things I would like to focus on. It’s a life-threatening condition, but yet by understanding the mechanism of the disease we can help to treat those patients that need help. Also, it is also interesting as when we talk about ablation procedure it’s a kind of brainstorming, many things that we need to keep in mind included understanding well about cardiac anatomy, localization of the focus using ECG, imaging, mapping technique and signal interpretation. Additionally, I am interested in Left atrial appendage device occlude and I would like to dig deep into the conduction system pacing as well, as these are the new developing technique in electrophysiology. 9) Who are you most thankful for at Severance(who helped you the most) & why? First of all, I am extremely grateful to my responsible professor Hui-Nam PAK, he made significant contributions to the field of electrophysiology and has a reputable profile in the medical community. He keeps inspiring me, teaching me and also give me very good advice everyday so I can keep on a good progress in my training. Also, I would like to thank to Professor Chun HWANG, visiting professor of Severance, for his sponsorship toward my training here, without him I might not be possible to train here. He is a pioneer and world known Electrophysiologist. I learned so much things from him especially in complicated ECG analysis and EGM signal interpretation. Additionally, I also thank to all the professor at the EP lab including Professor Bo-young JOUNG, Professor Jae-son UHM, Professor Tae-Hoon KIM, Professor Dae-Hoon KIM. They are very professional and kind toward all the fellows. I deeply appreciate their kind assistance. Lastly, many thank for the kindness and generous of all the EP fellows, EP lab team including EP nurses and EP technicians. 10) What was your first impression of Korea? Certainly, Rapid technology innovation and advancement is the first thing that impress me but also there are many more things like rich in cultural heritage, traditional villages with a unique architecture. I also like Warm hospitality of the people here and I feel amaze that Korea is a very safe country to live, even in late night I can walk alone without worrying about the robbery or something. There are also many and many more thing to impress including delicious cuisine, Beautiful landscape and also the strong work ethic and commitment of Korean peoples. 11) What is the best memory so far during your stay here? There have many best memories here starting from the first month here in Korea, I have the chance to meet friends from the others countries during the Prime course training of the international fellowship and we still hangout sometime. Then I still remember the first time I am successful in positioning the catheter in the coronary sinus and also my first time in successful did the transseptal puncture. I also feel amaze about the view and architecture of the many palaces and museum I have been too. Bukchon Hanok village is also an interest place to visit for me. And I am looking forward to explore more amazing places of this wonderful country.

1) Please introduce yourself. My name is Lim Shu Yu, I am 38 years old. I came from a family of teachers and am the eldest in my family, I have a younger sister and also a younger brother, and of course not to forget our precious family dog, Mishka! 2) Where is your working place back in your country and what is your specialty? I work in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. I am an Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgeon. 3) How did you get to know Severance? Why did you choose Severance as your training hospital? Well, it started with my mentor back in Malaysia. He had trained in robotic surgery at Severance, and I could see the profound impact the training had on his surgical skills. When the time came for me to choose a place for fellowship training, he was the one who suggested Severance. He described it as "the best robotic surgical center" in the world, and coming from someone I respect, this recommendation carried a lot of weight. Furthermore, Severance is renowned for its pioneering work in the field of robotic surgery. Knowing that I wanted to specialize in this area, it just seemed like the perfect fit. The opportunity to learn from Professor Hyung Woo Jin, who is a world-class expert in robotic gastric surgery, was something I couldn't pass up. 4) How long is your training period in Korea? My training period is 6 months, from March 2023- August 2023. 5) Which area did you focus on during your fellowship at Severance? My training has been primarily centred on robotic upper gastrointestinal surgeries. In particular, we've been focusing on gastric cancers, which is a prevalent issue in this region. Severance also handles a high number of laparoscopic cases, It's a valuable opportunity to refine my skills in both types of minimally invasive surgeries and understand their distinct advantages in different clinical situations. My supervising professor is Prof Hyung Woo Jin, who has performed over 6000 cases of both robotic and laparoscopic gastric surgeries to date. 6) What is the most impressive feature of Severance Hospital? The most impressive feature of Severance Hospital is the hospital's commitment to integrating the latest technologies into medical practice. The state-of-the-art infrastructure coupled with a dedicated focus on innovation is truly amazing. Besides having an exceptional robotic surgery system, they are also developing an AI navigation system that will improve precision in surgeries and reduces complications, 7) What are the specific contents of your fellowship program at Severance? My fellowship program at Severance is centred on Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery in the Upper Gastrointestinal Field. This involves training and practice in performing and managing surgeries using robotic assistance, especially in gastric cancer. The fellowship also provides opportunities for research, allowing me to be involve in clinical studies and trials. Furthermore, the program encourages us to participate in various conferences and workshops. I have had the opportunity to participate in the Korean Society of Endo-laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery 2023 (KSERS 2023) conference and International Gastric Cancer Congress 2023 (IGCC 2023) which have further increased my knowledge and understanding of this field. 8) If you were to get the chance to come back, which field of clinical study would you like to focus on? If given the chance to come back, I would love to focus on clinical research revolving around advancing the scope of minimally invasive surgical techniques in upper gastrointestinal surgeries. More specifically, I'd be interested in how artificial intelligence can further improve surgical outcomes in the field of upper gastrointestinal surgery. 9) Who are you most thankful for at Severance(who helped you the most) & why? I've been incredibly fortunate to work with a group of supportive and talented individuals at Severance, and it's hard to single out just one person. Of course, I'm immensely thankful to Prof Hyung Woo Jin. His guidance and expertise have been invaluable in shaping my professional growth, and his unwavering dedication to the field of surgery is a constant source of inspiration. Equally, I must thank the other professors, fellows, and residents in the department. Their patience and willingness to answer my questions have made my training here smooth and enlightening. The hospital's nurses and physician assistants also deserve a shout out, they've provided invaluable help along the way, their dedication and efficiency still amaze me up to this day. I'd be remiss not to mention my wonderful international friends. We've had a blast exploring Seoul together, and their companionship has made my time here feel more like home. And finally, a huge thanks to Mr. Hans from the international office. His assistance and support have made navigating life in a new country a whole lot easier. 10) What was your first impression of Korea? From the moment I arrived, I was amazed by how modern and safe it felt, especially as a woman traveling alone. The transport system was one of the first things that stood out to me – it's simply one of the best I've ever seen. Oh, and let's not forget the coffee. As a self-confessed coffee addict, I can honestly say I found my personal heaven here. The cafes are not only incredibly aesthetically pleasing, but they also serve some of the best coffee I've ever tasted. So yeah, my first impression of Korea? It’s modern, safe, beautiful, and delicious – all at once! 11)What is the best memory so far during your stay here? My time in Korea has been filled with so many memorable moments, of course, gaining knowledge and experience in robotic gastric surgeries has been an incredible journey, but I think the friendships I've developed here have been equally meaningful. I've been fortunate to connect with both Koreans and other international fellows, and we've had such a blast together. Exploring the local attractions, hiking in the beautiful outdoors, and indulging in Korea's delicious food and drink – these shared experiences have made my stay here unforgettable. Honestly, they've become like a second family to me here in Korea. The camaraderie, the mutual support, and the sheer fun we've had together – these are things I'll always cherish.

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.