Dr. Rithraingsey Seng from Calmette Hospital, Cambodia

▲ Dr. Rithraingsey Seng from Calmette Hospital, Cambodia

I am a trainee at the Upper GI Endoscopy Unit of the Digestive Endoscopy Center on the 4F, West Building, learning various advanced techniques, such as peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). My goal is to become a leading expert in endoscopy, leveraging my training experience at Asan Medical Center.

▲ Asan Medical Center! First day at work

The hospital’s eco-friendly infrastructure impressed me the most.

I liked the outdoor gardens located on the 6^th and 7^th floors of the New Building and the 7^th floor of the East Building, as well as the large central outdoor park. I think they provide a place to relax for patients during a challenging treatment process and also for medical staff after a physically demanding day. I have never seen medical facilities so friendly as here, either in France, where I trained for 4 years, or in my home country.

▲ Working hard to become a future endoscopy expert

I found the hospital’s digitized medical information incredible.

In Cambodia, we still keep patient records on paper. During my training at Asan Medical Center, I realized and experienced once again the convenience, accessibility, and security of digital healthcare information systems, which ensure the safe recording and storage of patient data. The security system was also greatly impressive. Among the many latest technologies applied to ensure the safety of patients and their families, it was particularly surprising that you had to scan a barcode with your smartphone to enter the hospital. ‘The infection control measures within the hospital are rigorous,’ I thought.

▲ Enjoying delicious samgyeopsal(Korean grilled pork belly) with fellow international trainees

Experiencing ‘chineunim (a fusion of ‘chicken’ and ‘Haneunim,’ the Korean word for God)’ and kimchi in South Korea was delightful.

I often visited Korean fried chicken restaurants in Cambodia and even bought kimchi from the supermarket myself. Personally speaking, I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to taste authentic Korean food (laugh). I sometimes went to the restaurants inside Asan Medical Center with my colleagues during my training, too. While staying here, I have experienced little difficulty arising from the cultural differences between Cambodia and Korea. I was even mistaken for a Korean sometimes.

▲ Thank you Professor Hwoon-Yong Jung!

I plan to find ways to contribute to active exchange between Calmette Hospital and Asan Medical Center.

When I return home after training, I would like to recommend the training at Asan Medical Center to young colleagues around me and further become a doctor who can build a bridge of medical collaboration between Cambodia and South Korea. This training has been an invaluable experience because I could work with a world-class team of gastroenterologists. I also found it meaningful to see and learn firsthand how to perform POEM or ESD involving general anesthesia. I would especially like to express my deepest gratitude to Professor Hwoon-Yong Jung of the Division of Gastroenterology, my academic advisor.