“I Want to Share AMC’s Breast Cancer Treatment Expertise with Israel”

 

▲ Professor Ronen Berkovitz from the Division of Breast Surgery at Asan Medical Center

 

I am a surgeon at Clalit Medical Organisation, Israel’s national healthcare organization. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. Similar to Korea, Israel has also seen an increasing number of young breast cancer patients.

Since November last year, I have been training at the Division of Breast Surgery at Asan Medical Center, learning robotic and laparoscopic breast cancer surgery techniques. I have been strengthening my clinical expertise by reviewing various surgical videos and pathology results and participating in multidisciplinary conferences.

I am truly delighted to be working with excellent colleagues at Asan Medical Center, a leading institution renowned for its outstanding medical expertise.

 

# I Had the Opportunity to Hear About AMC’s Outstanding Surgical Achievements Together with Experts from Around the World!

 

Asan Medical Center’s Surgical Expertise Is World Class

There are many hospitals around the world that are highly skilled in breast cancer surgery. Among many medically advanced countries, my reason for choosing Korea, and particularly Asan Medical Center, is clear: its world leading surgical expertise and outstanding surgical volume.

Surgical robots developed in the United States are now widely used in medical settings worldwide. However, Asan Medical Center’s expertise in robotic and laparoscopic breast cancer surgery is far ahead of hospitals in the United States and other advanced healthcare systems.

I have been observing more than 10 breast cancer surgeries performed every day, and by experiencing a wide range of patient cases within a short period of time, I am gaining one of the most valuable learning experiences possible as a surgeon.

 

# A photo with Professor Byung Ho Son after completing a surgery (left)

# Thank you, Professor Hee Jeong Kim, my supervising professor! (right)

 

I Will Not Miss a Single Piece of Expertise from the Professors!

My day begins in the Operating Room and ends in the Operating Room. I am doing my best not to miss a single surgery.

In addition to my supervising professor, Professor Hee Jeong Kim, I have the opportunity to learn from Professor Byung Ho Son, who achieves excellent outcomes in challenging surgeries such as recurrent breast cancer cases; Professors Sae Byul Lee and Tae-Kyung Yoo, who demonstrate highly refined techniques in robotic and laparoscopic surgery; and Professor Il Yong Chung, who has contributed to significantly reducing patient discomfort through ultrasound guided excision without wire localization. I run around the Operating Rooms every day, making sure not to miss any of the valuable expertise and surgical knowledge from all the professors. 

 

# I also joined the AKMU's “Paradise of Rumors” challenge with my breast surgery colleagues!

(Professor Ronen Berkovits is in the center of the back row)

 

Spending Time with Colleagues Is Truly Precious

Even with a busy schedule, I always try to make time to connect with my colleagues. I sometimes share lunch with my Operating Room colleagues over sandwiches, and after work, I have also enjoyed attending concerts with the breast surgery team. 

In particular, I created some very special memories in April. At the Vitamin D Day event, I had cotton candy for the first time in my life and took many photos with my colleagues under the warm sunshine. It also happened to be during Pesach, one of Israel’s most important holidays. I shared traditional matzah, unleavened bread prepared in the traditional way, with my colleagues while introducing them to Israeli culture.

It has been truly enjoyable to build connections with my colleagues beyond the medical field and discover new ways to share experiences together.

 

# With Professor Byung Ho Son at the AMC Vitamin D Day event in April 2026

 

I Will Bring Asan Medical Center’s Outstanding Medical Expertise Back to Israel!

As I move between the dormitory, Operating Rooms, and outpatient clinics, I often meet many international medical scholars like myself. They have all come to Asan Medical Center to learn its exceptional expertise in complex and advanced treatments.

I sincerely appreciate Asan Medical Center for creating opportunities for us to learn, exchange knowledge, and build connections with one another while respecting different nationalities and cultures.

 

After completing my training by the end of this year, I plan to return to Israel. Based on the advanced healthcare system and surgical techniques I have learned at Asan Medical Center, I will do my best to bring hope to breast cancer patients in Israel by providing them with better treatment opportunities.