Professor Sunyoung Min, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery

The Korean Society of Polar Medicine, which was officially established last year, presented its research on the ‘Standardization of Polar Medicines and Medical Supplies.’ Professor Sunyoung Min of the Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery at Asan Medical Center joined as the lead researcher, contributing to the management of medicines at South Korean research stations in Antarctica. An interview was arranged to hear about her decade-long involvement, which began with her experience aboard the Araon, an icebreaking research vessel(RV).

▲ Professor Sunyoung Min of the Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery at Asan Medical Center is holding a photo taken on the Araon

Q. What was your role aboard the Araon?

A. Each year, South Korea sends doctors to King Sejong and Jang Bogo Stations in Antarctica. I boarded the Araon, an icebreaking research vessel, and spent four months, starting in December 2014, taking care of 25 crew members and 60 researchers’ health. Medical care in Antarctica, including aboard Araon, mainly deals with indigestion, dry eyes and skin, musculoskeletal disorders, and depression. Despite the cold temperature, colds and bronchitis are surprisingly rare because of the clear air. We should always be prepared for unavoidable accidents like burns from explosions.

Q. What was your continued interest in Antarctic healthcare?

A. Antarctica is not governed by medical laws, which puts much pressure on medical personnel. When I went there in person, there was no standardized healthcare system. Each doctor kept different medications, many of the stock medications had expired, and there were a lot of medical equipment that only met the minimum requirements. Thus, doctors who have visited the Antarctic base have consistently gathered and worked to improve the situation. They have supported doctors going to the poles and helped remodel the operating rooms at the stations and the Araon infirmary to ensure more practical use.

Q.What does the Korean Society of Polar Medicine do?

A. Starting off as a group of doctors who had been to the poles, it was officially established last year as a non-profit corporation under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and began working on the standardization of medications upon the request of the Korea Polar Research Institute. We compiled a list of 165 medicines by symptom, including those for generic use and 300 medical supplies. The list suggested a minimum stock of essential supplies that could last several months, even during a supply cutoff. I have always been interested in medicines and enjoy problem-solving processes, so this research was both interesting and rewarding. I hope to contribute to legal protection, the creation of a medical information system, and the availability of telehealth for polar medicine in the future.

Q. What lessons did you learn from these experiences?

A. It has been over 10 years since I visited Antarctica, and all I can think of are cold images (laugh). But it was definitely a significant turning point in my life. I boarded the Araon when I felt lost as a doctor, and it was aboard the Araon that I realized there are many different paths in life. A small door had opened in front of me when I was stuck at a dead end. Encountering the world outside the hospital and energetic people, I became a more positive person. That was why I desired to continue challenging myself.

My desire to encounter an early medical advancement and to meet as many patients as possible led me to join Asan Medical Center. I have learned a lot from professors in various departments by asking many questions. As I could see things I had not noticed before, treating patients is becoming more enjoyable, and I feel as if I am growing. I also visited Laos and Kyrgyzstan for medical volunteering abroad. Although it may be difficult to revisit Antarctica for a while due to treating patients in Ward 85, I plan to continue my involvement in overseas medical volunteering and with the Korean Society of Polar Medicine.