While staying in Japan, I had experienced diverse medical fields at various kinds of hospitals. I had visited Osaka University Hospital, Miyakojima IGRT clinic, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka Heavy Ion Therapy Center, and Kobe Proton Center. At there, I observed ward rounds, outpatient clinic, conferences, and variety of RT planning. Also, I observed procedures such as TRUS, HDR&LDR interstitial brachytherapy for prostate cancer, and intracavitary brachytherapy for cervical cancer. I chose to visit here because Japan is leading the world in the field of radiation oncology, and especially Osaka university has the highest level of radiation technology and brachytherapy.

I learned knowledge of radiation oncology and the medical environment of radiation oncologists in Japan. Doctors gave me lectures on their specialties, mostly about the principle and method of the treatment. Especially, I got interested in the lecture from a doctor who develops computer software for radiation therapy. It was about the advance of RT techniques and ongoing project of developing new software. Also, doctors gave me tours of the facilities, explaining about the effects of new treatments. In addition, I perceived many differences of medical environment between Korea and Japan, such as working environment of doctors, role of university hospitals, and medical problems in each countries.

Living in Japan for one month, I was deserved so kindly and excessively. I adapted to the environment so quickly that I felt very sad when leaving Japan. I communicated with many people, from Osaka university students to residents and professors. I appreciate them so much for explaining me many things in English. I enjoyed not only learning in hospital, but also having dinner and talking together after leaving the hospital. Thanks to them, I could open my mind, try to get close to new people, and make new friends. Besides, talking with a junior resident doctor who gave me a tour of pathology department, I felt truly passionate attitude toward academic training. At that time, I promised myself to try very hard to study like her. In order to repay what I had got deserved in Japan, I will do my best to become a great doctor and help many people.

It was my first time to be trained in hospital and feel doctors’ sincere heart toward patients. I remember doctors discussing and deliberating over the difference between a few mm when contouring RT plan. And I remember doctors operating brachytherapy exquisitely with high concentration for very long time. Furthermore, It was very good time for me to consider radiation oncologist as my career. I had met many radiation oncologists of diverse sub-specialties working in various hospitals. Besides, I had developed confidence in learning in a new environment.

I wish I had more opportunities to make new friends at there. If any foreign student come to Yonsei university, I would like to help them with pleasure.