The Division of Breast Surgery at Asan Medical Center has provided treatment to over 400 international patients from 20 countries in the last five years. Professor Hee Jeong Kim of the Division of Breast Surgery runs the Breast Cancer in Young Women Clinic, aimed at assisting young breast cancer patients in reclaiming their lives and pursuing their careers, even in the face of cancer treatment. Additionally, Professor Hee Jeong Kim actively engages in ongoing research on breast cancer treatment. In this regard, Professor Hee Jeong Kim shares her experiences and insights regarding the treatment of international patients.

What is your philosophy when treating international patients?

In the past, hospitals fulfilled their role by focusing solely on providing proper patient treatment. However, in today's context, it is essential to pay equal attention to the overall treatment process and the life changes that patients experience. While counseling and treating international patients, I have come to realize that their fears and concerns mirror those of Korean patients. International patients, who receive treatment in a foreign country with a distinct language and culture, often face more ambiguous fears. To accommodate the needs of international patients, Asan Medical Center's International Healthcare Center offers a range of services, including interpretation support. These services enable us to engage in diverse consultations with international patients, covering not only the treatment itself but also pre-treatment discussions, treatment preparation, and post-treatment processes. I strive to provide comprehensive information through our conversations, aiming to alleviate the fears and anxieties of international patients.

▲ Professor Hee Jeong Kim consulting a young breast cancer patient

How did you choose your medical specialty?

After careful deliberation, I made the decision to join the Department of Surgery, primarily due to its extensive array of treatments and services that can significantly benefit patients. When it came to selecting a specialization, I chose breast surgery based on my deep-rooted passion and unwavering confidence in providing exceptional care in this particular field. To this day, I firmly believe that it stands as one of the most impactful choices I have made in my personal and professional life. Recognizing that a breast cancer patient could be anyone's daughter, mother, friend, or even myself, I am steadfast in my commitment to continuous research and advancement in the realm of breast cancer treatment.

Tell us about your medical experience so far.

In 2009, I pursued training at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in the United States. These experiences provided me with invaluable knowledge and expertise garnered from diverse medical environments across the globe. Subsequently, in 2017, I underwent further training at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, affiliated with Harvard Medical School, for a period of one and a half years. At present, I serve as a breast cancer specialist within the Division of Breast Surgery at Asan Medical Center. My responsibilities encompass the treatment of over 4,700 outpatient cases annually, alongside performing more than 300 surgeries each year. With a particular emphasis on young breast cancer patients, a demographic that has experienced a 70% increase in incidence in Korea over the past two decades, my clinical practice and research endeavors are dedicated to addressing their specific needs. To cater to the unique requirements of young women diagnosed with breast cancer, Asan Medical Center operates the Breast Cancer in Young Women Multidisciplinary Clinic in collaboration with the Division of Oncology, Department of Radiology, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with a focus on fertility preservation. Since its establishment in December 2010, the clinic has served more than 2,400 patients as of May of this year. Moreover, the clinic strives for enhanced cosmetic outcomes through the implementation of minimally invasive surgical approaches. As the principal investigator of a multicenter study, I am actively involved in examining the effects of breast cancer treatment on young patients, including the impact on ovarian function and fertility. My commitment to research has led to the publication of 117 studies at the SCI- and SCIE-level since 2004, further contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge in this field.

▲ Professor Hee Jeong Kim performing a breast cancer surgery

Do you have any memorable international patients?

Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increase in visits from international breast cancer patients residing in Korea. Notably, I recently attended to a patient in her 30s, an international breast cancer patient living in Korea. Given her family history of breast cancer, I conducted a comprehensive genetic test, which revealed the absence of any breast cancer-related genetic factors. Although she could have been treated with a partial mastectomy due to the lack of gene mutations, she expressed her preference for a full mastectomy. After thorough consultation with a plastic surgeon, we proceeded with a successful full mastectomy and implant reconstruction surgery. The tumor removal and breast reconstruction procedures were accomplished utilizing a periareolar incision, resulting in minimal scarring. The patient expressed great satisfaction with the outcomes, as the scars were barely discernible. Even the patient's sister was amazed by the subtle visibility of the scars, further affirming the successful outcome of the surgery.

Any words you would like to say to international patients?

The survival rate for breast cancer has been steadily increasing, thanks to advancements in early detection through regular screenings and the continuous development of treatment options. With unwavering dedication, I strive to establish a comprehensive system that minimizes the discomfort experienced by breast cancer patients throughout their treatment journey. My ongoing research focuses on finding ways to support younger breast cancer patients in preserving their fertility and successfully maintaining their family and career aspirations. I firmly believe that life after cancer treatment should not be viewed as a disruption but rather as the dawn of a vibrant new chapter. At Asan Medical Center, it is my earnest desire that you receive safe and effective breast cancer treatment, allowing you to embark upon a renewed and fulfilling life.

※ '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.

Breast Surgery
Professor Hee Jeong Kim

Specialty : Breast Cancer(Young, Cosmetic), Breast Cancer in Young Women Clinic
Position : Administrative Director of the Division of Breast Surgery / Professor for Asan Global Standard (AGS) Assessment
Academic Activities : Korea Breast Cancer Society Breast Cancer Registry Committee / Korea Breast Cancer Society Clinical Practice Guideline Committee / Global Breast Cancer Conference(GBCC) Local Management Committee / Korean Surgical Society Scientific Committee / Korean Surgical Society International Affairs Committee