Global Health Asia-Pacific Issue 4 | Page 6

Aesthetically Speaking

Doctors in Korea undergo rigorous training at universities and medical institutions equipped with world-class facilities .

Eunheui Suh , President

K-Medical Tourism Association

South Korea ; a brand of entertainment , excellence and expertise

South Korea boasts world-class medical services . Gangnam in Seoul is a mecca of medical tourism , with huge number of medical tourists yearly .

Armed with excellent medical technology , highly skilled manpower , and high-tech facilities , Gangnam provides the best medical services , featuring the even distribution of medical institutions such as general hospitals , medical centers , clinics , and others , all of which are engaged in a wide range of disciplines such as cosmetic surgery and dermatology . And the country by and large , that ’ s a brand that speaks itself .
Is the beauty and wellness industry in Korea heavily regulated ? Yes , the beauty and wellness industry in Korea is strictly regulated to ensure the safety and rights of our foreign patients . Hospitals and clinics aiming to attract foreign patients must first register with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and meet specific criteria to operate legally . Activities that are not registered will face strict penalties .
All medical advertising are also regulated and monitored . Any organisations that promote exaggerated or comparative advertising , especially one that is directed at foreign patients , will face legal consequences . In the event of a medical accident , the clinic is held accountable , and patients are entitled to a compensation . There is a state-operated medical accident mediation agency , and medical institutions are required to hold a Malpractice Liability Insurance to ensure coverage for foreign patients .
Then we have the Patient Rights Protection . Clinics must provide clear information regarding their medical offerings and obtain informed consent from the patients . Interpreter and translation services services are made available , to ensure patient ’ s accessibility and safety .
Where do medical professionals and talent in Korea receive their education , certification ? Doctors in Korea undergo rigorous training at universities and medical institutions equipped with world-class facilities . The curriculum integrates the latest medical knowledge and clinical practice , providing comprehensive healthcare skills .
After their graduation , physicians gain handson experience through internships and residency programs at major hospitals such as Samsung Medical Center and Asan Medical Center , dealing with various cases and utilizing advanced medical equipment . They are required to complete a certain number of training hours to ensure continuous knowledge acquisition , under the evaluation of our Medical Institution Certification Evaluation Institute .
Additionally , physicians must complete extended residency and fellowship programs to become specialists , actively participating in research and contributing to fields like cancer treatment and robotic surgery .
To further enhance any cultural competence and patient-centered care , our medical professionals receive training tailored for foreign patients , which includes language education and cultural awareness to ensure that overseas patients feel at ease and assured .
How has Korea ’ s cultural , social , and commercial environment changed over the past decade ? As widely known , Korea is home to many leading medical digital companies , further enhancing our position as a tech powerhouse through advancements in telemedicine and healthcare tourism platforms , supported by 5G and AI research .
We keep ourselves up-to-date on matters related to social changes and diversity . Awareness of gender equality and consumer rights has increased , particularly among younger generations , fueled by movements such as # MeToo . The growing interest in health and wellness , with trends like veganism , eco-friendly consumption , and minimalism are gaining popularity . All these has helped shift our medical landscape . The globalisation of K-beauty and
4 ISSUE 4 | 2024 aesthetics . globalhealthasiapacific . com