“A Time of Growth Through the Common Language of Radiology”

▲ Figen Palabiyikm, Clinical Fellow from the Department of Radiology at Asan Medical Center

I am currently a professor at Hamidiye University of Health Sciences in Türkiye. For 10 years I worked as a pediatric surgery specialist, and for 11 years as a pediatric radiology specialist. I am now undertaking fellowship training in Pediatric Radiology at Asan Medical Center. Every morning, I review imaging results with my supervisor, Professor Ah Young Jung, on cases such as pediatric brain tumors, neurofibromatosis, and moyamoya disease which are the conditions rarely encountered in Türkiye. It has been a joyful experience to grow through the common language of radiology.

#MorningReview #SuccessfulDay👍🏻

Coming to Asan Medical Center felt like destiny.

One day I suddenly felt the urge to broaden my experience with more diverse diseases. Although I had never directly interacted with Asian medical professionals, I had heard of Korea’s advanced medical standards. Out of curiosity, I searched online for “pediatric radiology in Korea.” Since I often watched Korean dramas and variety shows, Korea already felt familiar. That’s how I found Asan Medical Center, along with its outstanding achievements in pediatric oncology and pediatric organ transplantation. Without hesitation, I looked up the pediatric radiology faculty and sent an email to Professor Ah Young Jung. She kindly provided me with information about the fellowship program, and as if by fate, everything aligned for me to come to Asan Medical Center.

Radiology here is as advanced as its world-class clinical outcomes.

Clinical outcomes are inevitably linked to radiology, since accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. Asan Medical Center not only achieves world-class clinical outcomes but also possesses state-of-the-art imaging facilities. The quality of imaging is exceptionally high, and a broad range of advanced MRI techniques is applied. For example, in pediatric neurology, patients with genetic disorders undergo whole-body MRI scans in addition to head and neck imaging. This was something I had never seen done in Türkiye. It struck me as a more precise and preventive approach for the benefit of patients.

(Left) #AttendingKoreanSocietyOfUltrasoundInMedicine #MazeLikeCOEX😲
(Right) #LotusLanternFestival #BuddhistEvent #NewExperiences

I will finally begin my long-postponed Ph.D. in genetics.

I was especially impressed by the collaboration between the Pediatric Radiology and the Medical Genetics Center in diagnosing genetic disorders by integrating genetic factors into the evaluation process. In Türkiye, pediatric radiologists typically focus solely on imaging findings without this genetic perspective. This gave me a new outlook. When I return, I want to introduce a cooperative system for diagnosing genetic diseases. I also made up my mind to pursue my long-postponed Ph.D. in genetics, a goal I had set aside for years. I hope to carry out my doctoral research in collaboration with Korean medical professionals.

#WithPediatricRadiologyProfessors

I would love to live in Korea again if the opportunity arises.

Since coming to Korea, known as the “brother nation” of Türkiye, I have tried to immerse myself in Korean life. Almost like becoming half-Korean. I have found that while Koreans may be shy at first, once you approach them, they open their hearts warmly. I have made many friends, experienced Korean culture firsthand, and enjoyed various foods. I will never forget the jeon (a Korean savory pancake) and makgeolli I enjoyed at Gwangjang Market. Though, to be honest, I still haven’t developed a taste for iced Americano (laughs).

My Turkish friends living in Korea told me, “Anyone who lives in Korea once will always want to come back.” They said this country is that charming—and I couldn’t agree more. I, too, would love to return to Korea whenever I get the chance.