Professor Ik Jun Moon, Department of Dermatology

The Department of Dermatology at Asan Medical Center has treated more than 5,300 international patients from over 80 countries over the past decade. Professor Ik Jun Moon, who provides medical care for various skin conditions such as scars, skin beauty treatments, eczema, and benign tumor resections, shares his story about treating international patients.

What are your guiding principles when treating international patients?

When treating patients, I try to provide the best treatment possible, considering them as if they were my family, and strive to ensure that they are satisfied with the treatment even after long waiting times. International patients invest significant time and resources to seek treatment in an unfamiliar country. Failing to deliver satisfactory care despite these efforts can leave them with a negative perception of both the country and the hospital. To provide the best possible care to international patients, I carefully choose words and pay attention to even the smallest gestures. This approach makes me feel like a civilian diplomat, understanding that international patients’ perceptions of South Korea might change based on their experience with my medical care.

Tell us how you came to choose your medical specialty and about your medical experience so far

The treatment of dermatological conditions demands meticulous attention and precision. Specifically, scar revision and skin beauty treatments require understanding the patient's desires accurately and providing treatments that are neither excessive nor inadequate. I felt that these attributes align well with my meticulous nature, leading me to choose dermatology as my specialty. Currently, at Asan Medical Center, I am responsible for treating in areas such as scar revision, skin aesthetics, nevus and benign tumor excision, and hair disease of domestic patients and international patient treatment. I handle approximately 9,800 patients annually, performing around 120 scar revision and skin tumor excisions and over 2,000 laser and cosmetic procedures. In 2022, I provided care to 130 international patients.

Throughout my career, I have been actively involved in research related to the application of artificial intelligence in the fields of skin tumor and dermatology, resulting in the publication of 15 SCI papers and participation as a co-researcher in over 10 clinical trials. Since 2022, I have been leading research as the principal investigator in a government-funded project focusing on novel treatment approaches for keloid scars using cutting-edge medical technologies, conducting both preclinical and clinical research.

▲ Professor Ik Jun Moon is consulting a patient with benign tumor

What are the points you consider when treating international patients?

When a dermatologist, accustomed to treating skin conditions prevalent in Asian patients, encounters patients from different ethnical backgrounds, it can be somewhat disconcerting. This is because even for similar skin conditions, the visual appearance and treatment methods can vary according to ethnicity. I believe that studying the skin characteristics specific to each ethnic group is essential when providing treatment for skin conditions in international patients. I have previously engaged in medical services for foreign workers, an experience that highlighted the necessity of studying the skin characteristics of diverse ethnicities. The knowledge gained from that experience has proven immensely valuable when treating international patients. Additionally, my language proficiency and ability to communicate with individuals from different cultural backgrounds, acquired through experiences attending elementary and high school abroad, have been significant assets in providing care to international patients.

Do you have any memorable international patients?

A teenage patient from the United Arab Emirates sought treatment at Asan Medical Center in 2021 after unsuccessful attempts at various prestigious hospitals in the United States and Singapore. The patient suffered from nevus of ota, a hyperpigmentation that often occurs around the eyes, which significantly impacted the patient’s self-esteem and caused emotional distress. The entire family was actively engaged and supportive in treating the patient's condition.

During the review of the patient's medical history from other hospitals, I identified a significant issue. Nevus of ota is a condition that requires patience and multiple treatments over an extended period. Although other hospitals had chosen appropriate treatment methods, they were unable to establish a trust relationship with the patient and family, resulting in inconsistent treatment courses.

When I first met the patient, I took the time to provide a detailed explanation of the proposed treatment plan and the expected progression of the condition. I also discussed potential challenges that might arise during the course of treatment. My efforts to build trust paid off, as the patient underwent over 10 sessions of treatment over the course of a year, resulting in a satisfying outcome. Seeing the patient regain confidence after the successful treatment filled me with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

▲ Professor Ik Jun Moon is performing a benign skin tumor excision

What sense of fulfillment did you experience while treating international patients?

While providing medical services for foreign workers without the assistance of an interpreter, I had very basic conversations in either Korean or English. One day, a foreign worker from Congo, who did not speak Korean or English, came seeking treatment for a prolonged case of athlete’s foot, caused by wearing shoes for an extended period. At that time, without the availability of applications such as Google Translate, I felt quite overwhelmed as effective communication seemed impossible. However, upon hearing from another foreign worker that Congo predominantly used French, my anxiety eased a bit because I had some recollection of the language from my time living in France during elementary school.

With my limited French skills, I managed to provide guidance on the cause and treatment methods for athlete’s foot, as well as measures to prevent recurrence. The patient, who had only been in Korea for about three months, became emotional, revealing that language barriers had prevented him from engaging in any meaningful conversations with anyone during his time in Korea. Witnessing the impact of my assistance as a small comfort to the weary and lonely neighbor from Congo, I felt a deep sense of gratitude and fulfillment. Despite the challenges of my demanding workload, knowing that I could make a difference in someone's life brought immense satisfaction.

Any words you would like to say to international patients?

International patients, when seeking medical care, desire to have sufficient time to engage in meaningful conversations with their physicians. While we may not always be able to provide as much time as the patient would like, we strive to allocate the maximum possible time for consultations. From the moment the patient steps into the hospital until the completion of the treatment journey, we are committed to standing by the patient’s side and ensuring the best possible care. With a wealth of clinical and research experience, Asan Medical Center is equipped to treat a wide range of dermatological conditions. I earnestly hope that patients place their trust in Asan Medical Center and come to receive treatment with confidence.

※ '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.

Dermatology
Professor Ik Jun Moon

Specialty : Scar Revision, Skin Aesthetics, Nevus and Benign Tumor Excision, Hair Disease, International Patient Treatment
Position : Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology
Academic Activities : Publication of 15 SCI papers / Co-researcher in over 10 clinical trials