Overseas Training at the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Clinic of Mayo Clinic

Ah Reum Kim, Associate Manager from Outpatient Nursing Team of Asan Medical Center

According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Korea has increased by nearly 30% over the past five years from about 53,000 in 2015 to 70,000 in 2020 and approximately 92,000 in 2023. Asan Medical Center treats nearly 15% of all IBD patients in the country, making it the largest treatment center in Korea and a benchmark institution for others seeking to learn from its clinical system.

I work in the Outpatient Nursing Team at the Division of Gastroenterology of Asan Medical Center, where I support the care of patients with various gastrointestinal disorders. Because most IBD patients receive outpatient-based treatment, consistent management in the outpatient setting is particularly important. To observe firsthand and learn about the outpatient care process, the roels of nurses, and patient education system for IBD management, I participated in a hospital-supported overseas training program at the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Clinic of Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota, for about two weeks starting June 9, 2025.

During the training, I followed the entire process of care for patients with inflammatory bowel disease, from their initial hospital visit to the completion of treatment, by personally visiting various departments such as the outpatient clinic, nutrition counseling room, endoscopy unit, infusion room, and emergency department. Through this hands-on experience, I was able to observe both the clinical system and the roles of nurses, and to see how patient-centered, integrated care is realized in practice, with each stage of treatment seamlessly connected to the patient’s symptoms and condition.

What impressed me most was how proactive the nurses’ roles were. They screened patients in advance, led pre- and post-consultation education, and actively communicated with related departments. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic, as phone and online consultations became routine, nurses continued to play a central role in coordinating the overall patient experience rather than simply providing guidance. It was inspiring to see how their professional expertise was expanded and effectively applied in this non-face-to-face care environment.

Through this training, I realized that nurses can go beyond the role of clinical assistants to become true partners and coordinators in the patient’s treatment journey. Especially in outpatient care, early nursing involvement and continuous education can greatly enhance patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Although I did not begin with a specific goal or plan, I have always valued the opportunities given to me at the hospital, taking each one as part of my life’s journey and approaching every challenge with sincerity and dedication. I believe that these accumulated efforts led to this valuable training opportunity. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the AMC Academy Administration Team for their warm encouragement and support.

I believe I was able to gain even greater learning opportunities thanks to the encouragement of my colleagues who urged me to apply for the overseas training program. This training reminded me once again that small opportunities in everyday life can lead to great growth. I hope my colleagues also take advantage of the various educational programs offered by the hospital. When you take on challenges, you naturally find yourself on the path to growth.