For the past 10 years, approximately 4,900 international patients visited the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Asan Medical Center (AMC) from about 80 countries. Professor Yong Ju Jang, the Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and a global expert in nose surgery, shares his story of putting forth ceaseless efforts to offer the best possible surgery and care to patients with nasal diseases around the world.
Treatment philosophy behind treating patients from abroad
As it is upsetting when a family member is sick and wishes for their quick recovery, I treat all patients as if they were my own family. Also, I have continuously carried out research activities in search of better treatment options which led to the development of world’s first therapy for deviated nasal septum, a condition of crooked nasal septum, and surgical method for empty nose syndrome, a condition of extreme pain caused by excessive removal of nasal tissues during rhinitis surgery. I also presented a new surgical method for the treatment of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), frequent nose bleeding due to abnormal blood vessels.
Specialized area of treatment and accumulated experience
Nose is an important respiratory organ and determines one’s overall appearance as it is the most protruding part of the face. I was attracted to the field of rhinology as I had witnessed patients with nasal disorder gain self-esteem and improve their quality of life after surgery. As rhinology was an unexplored field in Korea at the time, I chose training at the University of California, Davis in the United States which is a leading institution in rhinoplasty. Afterwards, I joined the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at AMC and have performed more than 6,000 surgeries for the past 20 years. The surgeries included around 3,000 cases of rhinoplasty, 2,000 cases of septoplasty, 120 cases of empty nose syndrome surgery, and 30 cases of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) surgery. I have published 2 textbooks on rhinoplasty in 2006 and 2013 to share my knowledge and experience to worldwide medical experts for the sake of patients. Also, since 2003, I have been annually organizing Asan Rhinoplasty Symposium which offers participants an opportunity to share the latest insights on rhinoplasty, attended by 1,100 participants from 74 countries this year.
Considerations when treating international patients
As is the case with all other patients, international patients hope to have in-depth medical consultation sessions. For this reason, I try to spend more time listening carefully to what the patient’s current condition is and checking for any inquiries. I was able to learn different languages and cultures by training around 130 physicians from 20 countries through AMC international physician training program. This experience has helped me to understand international patients and have a deeper conversation with them. My efforts for sincere communication with international patients have led me to befriend patients of diverse nationalities and interact with them even till this day.
Memorable patient from abroad
A Cambodian patient was suffering from rhinoplasty side effects failed to receive treatment from a number of countries in Europe and Asia. That was when the patient had contacted AMC and underwent rhinoplasty re-surgery and adhesiolysis accompanied with continued treatment. The patient was able to overcome psychological pain such as depression occurred by the physical pain caused by the side effects. It was such a great pleasure to see the patient recovery day by day through successful treatment and happily return to daily routines.
Feeling rewarded by treating international patients
In many cases, international patients are not able to receive appropriate treatment on time due to inadequate quality healthcare standards of their countries. I have often seen patients whose quality of life have improved through successful treatment at AMC after having been in despair as they had not been able to receive treatment locally. It is extremely rewarding that I can be of a positive influence through timely and appropriate treatment to international patients.
Message to patients from abroad
I understand that it takes great courage to visit a distant country with different culture and language for treatment. I have seen many international patients who, after deep consideration, had decided to receive treatment at AMC and was satisfied with the results. The message I would like to deliver is for the patients to trust the medical staffs of AMC in that we also wish successful treatment of international patients and their safe return, and we are doing our best to expand the post-care system for the better treatment options of international patients.
※ 'Meet AMC Experts' features dedicated doctors at Asan Medical Center(AMC) who shed light on international patients coming a long way from home for treatment.
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Professor Yong Ju Jang
Specialty : Rhinoplasty, Nasal Septum
Position : Chair, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Academic Activities : President of Pan-Asian Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery / Founder of Asan Rhinoplasty Symposium / Participated in over 150 lectures in 25 countries for 17 years / Published 2 rhinoplasty textbooks / Contributed book chapter for 9 textbooks / Published over 130 scientific papers for 20 years