Korean Job Discussion Forums

[John_ESL_White]

I've been here three years.

I've been misdiagnosed, under medicated, over medicated, and "mis" medicated in my "home town" of Incheon.

I live a bit from the English speaking doctors in Seoul. So, for general maladies, I try my best here, and 99% of the time, it ends badly, for me, the patient.

I have doctors that I teach PT here and they seem mediocre, at best, in their knowledge of new medicines and medical techniques. (I have some experience with the pharmaceutical industry).

I could go into detail, but most of you would not understand, so I won't.

Anyway, it's p* me off.

I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Going to Seoul to speak to someone with a proper western medical education is tiring. It's my only option, though.

What do the rest of you do?


**Mod edit. Please refrain from posting profanity

[oftenadrift]

I share your general disdain for the mediocre Korean doctors that seem to staff most clinics. I have been treated by some truly incompetent individuals. Besides going to an international hospital with decent staff, which of course is time-consuming and often inconvenient, I solved my K-doctor problem by bringing my own meds after my first year in Korea.

I find that unless I am near death (and off to an international hospital) I am better off self-diagnosing in K-land. I just get my doctor at home to give me prescriptions for conditions I know I'm probably going to get (ex. certain antibiotics for bronchitis). I fill those prescriptions before I leave my home country and I am taken care of.

Good thing I found about those mediocre doctors though, they will give a note letting you off school, after determining your issue by just looking at you and nodding

[digsydinner]

i know some may disagree...but i try to do as much research on my symptoms on the internet prior to each doctors visit. half the time, i'm wrong...but at least pointing out potential ailments to the doctor gives him more to work with in regards to further investigation and discussion.

but for the most part, i think most doctors are good with the "common" sicknesses...if you feel you have something a bit more of a concern, i'd suggest you go to a university doctor...

[cdninkorea]

I stick to the International clinics and the University hospitals, so no bad experiences yet (crosses fingers).

[brento1138]

I've heard of horror stories about doctors wanting to remove limbs of my friends. I think there is a wide gap here in care... as I go to SNU Hospital (International Clinic) and have to say it's the best experience I've ever had ... totally professional, well educated people. World class without a doubt.

Be careful of where you go here! There is the best, and the worst.

[D.D.]

[Joe666]

Had my second taste of the Korean medical realm - Dentistry in Busan. It's not like the U.S. Much more barbaric and violent. The cleanliness was also very poor. Going back on Wednesday, can't wait!!

What about the thread regarding the American who had surgery, now has gangrene and can't pay for an amputation? Lovely! He's squirming in some hospital and the Koreans want to boot him out because of money.

[bassexpander]

Clinics are good for colds and basic stuff. Past that, I'd go to one of the larger hospitals for more expert care or pressing issues.

[kiwiduncan]

The medical treatment I've had in Korea has always been thorough and professional. The only two I was not impressed with were the guy in the International Clinic in Itaewon, who seemed more interested in selling diet supplements than anything, and that American doctor in Severance Hospital who, when I met him, seemed a bit arrogant and disinterested (having said that, I've heard good reports about him from other people he has dealt with).

[Mr. Pink]

[Joe666]

Mr. Pink: As for doctors, I only had one really god awful one. I was really sick and the guy thought my stomach sickness was from my ear being "too clean" wtf?

Interesting story. Similar to fan death, Yes. I agree the price is much better than in the west, and I have only been to one dentist in Korea. My stats would be non-existant with n=1. I have a good Korean contact in Busan. This is my go to guy. It's really good to have a go to guy when in country. He told me this guy was very good. I believe him because he usually never lets me down and what other choice do I really have. It was not what I expected. Primal at best.

[espoir]

I've been to the hospital twice since I've been in korea and both times were a disaster. The first time I had a terrible stomach flu that lasted over a week and so i went to the closest hospital around dongincheon station. Well they showed my a blood test and determined I had something and gave me meds accordingly. The only problem being that I NEVER gave blood at that hospital, so they just diagnosed me according to what someone else had lol!!!

[Xuanzang]

Always go to the most famous or international hospital you can find. Whether you're in Seoul or anywhere else. Those famous hospitals are more likely to have foreign educated and possibly English speaking doctors. International clinics help as they enable us to jump the queues.

I agree with Mr. Pink on dentistry. Korea has some world class dentists. The ones near Hannam dong or Seoraemaul are US dentistry school grads. Very nice, sterile clean places. Sometimes they even have refreshments and a giant magazine reading section. And it's cheap!

[Zulethe]

Back in Taejon expo I got crabs from staying in a minsook. The doctor asked me if I showered everyday. I told him yes, and his answer was that I showered too much and that's why my skin was itching.

I couldn't see the buggers but when I took a bath I certainly could see the air bubbles everywhere.

Anyway, the national insurance covers dental? The teachers at my school told me that nothing is covered.

[Snowflake]