“I Want to Contribute to Medical Collaboration Between Malaysia and Korea”

▲ Sylves Bin Patrick, Specialist from the Department of Ophthalmology at Asan Medical Center

I previously worked at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Universiti Malaysia Sabah in Kota Kinabalu, and began my training at Asan Medical Center this April. I first learned about Asan Medical Center at the 2023 Asia-Pacific Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (APSOPRS) meeting. I was deeply impressed not only by the outstanding clinical expertise and research achievements of my current mentor, Professor Ho-Seok Sa from the Department of Ophthalmology at Asan Medical Center, but also by the Asan Medical Center’s advanced medical equipment, the high volume of surgical cases, and its excellent surgical outcomes.

Believing that I could further develop my expertise in ophthalmic plastic surgery under exceptional mentorship, I chose Asan Medical Center for my training without hesitation.

# A photo in front of the hospital’s stone monument, beautifully adorned with blooming flowers

My First Overseas Training Experience—at Asan Medical Center!

Thanks to the warm support of everyone at the Asan Medical Center, including Asan Medical International (AMI), which supports visiting international scholars, I was able to settle into life in Korea without difficulty. What amazed me most was that the Asan Medical Center truly has everything one could need—on-site dormitories, a wide variety of dining options, a bank, and even a barber shop (laughs)! I genuinely felt that the Asan Medical Center had created an environment where I could fully focus on my training.

# Learning surgical techniques from Professor Ho-Seok Sa # Deep focus, complete concentration!

Experiencing High-Complexity Surgeries Not Encountered in Malaysia

Among the various subspecialties in the Department of Ophthalmology, I am receiving training in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. I have had the opportunity to observe and learn advanced techniques in eyelid reconstruction, lacrimal drainage surgery, and orbital reconstruction from Professors Ho-Seok Sa and Min Kyu Yang from the Department of Ophthalmology at Asan Medical Center. The most technically demanding procedures involve orbital tumor removal and orbital reconstruction. Being exposed to a wide range of cases I had never encountered before has greatly expanded my clinical knowledge.

# A walk along Haeundae Beach with colleagues ✌

Enjoying Life in Korea Outside the Asan Medical Center

On weekends, I explore different parts of Seoul with fellow international medical trainees. Some of the places that left a lasting impression include Lotte World Mall in Jamsil, Bangi-dong’s food alley, Ttukseom Hangang Park, Olympic Park, and, a bit farther out, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and N Seoul Tower. I also visited Haeundae and Gwangalli Beach in Busan.

Thanks to Korea’s well-developed public transportation system, getting around has been incredibly convenient. Everywhere I go, I’m met with kind and welcoming people—and Korean food is simply irresistible—making every weekend a joyful and memorable experience.

# Thank you, Professor Ho-Seok Sa and Professor Min Kyu Yang!

Bridging Malaysia and Korea Through Medical Collaboration

I am deeply grateful to Professors Ho-Seok Sa and Min Kyu Yang from the Department of Ophthalmology at Asan Medical Center for their thoughtful and meticulous guidance. Watching them remain calm and composed even during the most complex surgeries has been an invaluable learning experience. The strong teamwork among fellow physicians, operating room staff, and nurses has also left a strong impression on me.

I hope to share the new techniques and expertise I have gained here with young doctors in Malaysia and apply them to patient care back home. More broadly, I aspire to contribute to closer collaboration and mutual growth between ophthalmology specialists in Korea and Malaysia. Even after my training concludes, I plan to maintain a lasting connection with Asan Medical Center and continue striving for professional development.