Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jcan]

I just had a phone interview for a public school position. I had stated on the medical evaluation form that I had mild anxiety a few years ago, and the interviewer said that I must provide a letter from my doctor here stating that I'm fully recovered.

I was confused and said that I had been in Korea for a year after being off any kind of medication, and that I've been fine for a long time. Plus - I don't even have a family doctor here (Canada); the doctor at my old university who "diagnosed" me with anxiety a few years ago just tossed some paxil my way, I got through some stressful exams while juggling a part time job and I've been fine ever since...

I'm pretty frustrated that I have to quickly seek out a new doctor who doesn't know me at all, and have him or her write a letter (!!) stating that I'm fully recovered...is this even possible? Has anyone else been in a similar situation?

[DongtanTony]

I really don't mean to flame you jcan...

But why in the world would you disclose that?? If you're cool now...you should have let it slide.

If they're demanding documentation...you might just have to come up with something or be denied future visas.

I sympathize with your situation...I truly do...and I admittedly have nothing constructive to offer here...but I hope that this is a lesson for some other folks with mild ailments...or previous medical/mental health history that no longer poses an issue for the individual.

If you give Korean Immigration an excuse to deny you...chances are they will.

I hope this works out for you jcan.

[jcan]

Thanks...I didn't even think to put it on the form until I read the fine print (you know, the "If you have given us inaccurate information" deal"), I included it...figured since it was such a minor thing it would just be glanced over....I am kicking myself right now...I'm imagining going into a walk-in clinic being like, "could I get someone to prove to Korean officials that my stress from university exams 3 years ago is now gone"?

[Draz]

There are lots of doctors in Korea. If the first one says no, try the one next door.

[Zaria32]

I too realize the horse has already exited the barn, but you have to realize that medical conditions that are not a threat to public safety, and are not discoverable, are simply none of their business.

[Nexus11]

I understand the logic. Korean Immigration doesn't want people with serious mental illnesses teaching their children. They recognize that they are not qualified to determine what a major mental illness is and what a minor mental illness is. Therefore, they leave that up to doctors.

Your post leads me to believe that you are currently in Canada. If so, go to a walk-in clinic. You'll definitely get the letter you need. Depending on how cheap the doctor is, he'll either do it for free or else charge you around $20 for the cost of getting his office staff to type it up.

If you live in a small town that has no clinic, go to the emergency room. They'll deal with non-emergencies for people who have no family doctor in a small town.

Either way, you might have a few hours of waiting followed by answering a few questions to get it, but you'll get it without too much hassle.