Fascinating Moments in my Medical Electives at the Orthopedic Pediatric Department Seoul National University

During my elective program at Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) in South Korea, I engaged in various activities within the hospital. The program started with an introduction and orientation from the pediatric orthopedics department, where I met the professors and fellows. Following that, I observed surgeries and clinical activities every week. Finally, we discussed and presented cases related to upcoming surgeries and patients currently receiving treatment. Here's a brief overview of the activities I participated in during my time there.
Orientation for the Pediatric Orthopedics Department
Following the general orientation, participants met with their respective department supervisors. I had the opportunity to meet with my supervisor, the head of the pediatric orthopedics department. The meeting, which took place at 8:00 a.m. in his office on the third floor of the Annex Building, was highly informative. It covered my schedule for the next four weeks and various cases handled by my supervisor. A fellow from that department also gave me a tour of essential facilities such as operating rooms and outpatient clinics.
Surgical Observations and Clinic Activities
During this program, observing surgeries became my primary activity. There are three active professors at SNUCH. On Mondays and Wednesdays/Thursdays, I observed various surgical procedures performed by my supervisor. I also had opportunities to observe surgeries by other professors when their schedules permitted.
Outpatient clinic activities occurred every Tuesday and Friday in rooms 12-13 at SNUCH. Here, I witnessed the management of rare cases such as Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP), which has a prevalence of 1 in 2 million births. Through direct observation of patient history taking and physical examinations conducted by my supervisor, I learned to analyze radiographic results to identify patient deformities.
Inpatient Rounding and Case Presentations
After observing surgeries, we conducted rounds on inpatient cases, typically focusing on patients who had just undergone surgery or were scheduled for upcoming operations. My supervisor assessed patient conditions and paid special attention to postoperative pain management.
Before surgical procedures, case presentations were routine activities to discuss action plans with other medical team members. Additionally, special case presentations occurred weekly to discuss interesting cases from both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Academic Conference
On November 8, 2024, I attended the "Fall Academy Conference of the Korean Society of Bone Extension Deformation Correction-ASAMI Korea." This conference was divided into five key sessions covering various topics related to bone deformities. My supervisor and fellow presented a case concerning fibular nonunion due to pseudoarthrosis.
Conclusion
Through this elective experience at SNUH, I gained medical knowledge related to congenital abnormalities and deformities, developed communication skills with patients, and learned about ethics in medical practice. I am incredibly grateful to My supervisor and his team for their outstanding guidance throughout this program, which has significantly enriched my knowledge and experience in pediatric orthopedics.