Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Gamecock]

So I've had this nasty cold and cough for over a month, and I finally got miserable enough that I decided to make my first visit to a Korean health professional. My Korean co-workers all highly recommended an ear, nose, and throat guy next door to our hogwan. I was a little suspicious when all the chairs in the waiting room were facing the two examination rooms, and the exam rooms had frosted glass walls with huge gaps so that any curious person (are Koreans curious???) could enjoy an eyeful of what was taking place within. I was suddenly having visions of getting the shot in my butt, and becoming even more of the neighborhood spectacle than I normally am.

If this wasn't enough, my internal warning system should have been alerted when I entered the exam room and the doc was wearing one of those bands around his forehead with the reflective metal disc. I don't even know what this is called, because no doctor in the West has worn one of these things in the last 50 years. The doc spoke very good English, and I felt like we would be able to communicate well...

I told him I'd had a cold for over a month and was concerned I might be developing pnuemonia or some other infection, because I had also started running a fever. The doc looked at my throat, sprayed something in my throat, and looked up my nostrils. He then declared, "You fat. And you have acid reflux!"

He then proceeded to prescribe 6 pills (take them 3 times a day), to take care of my acid reflux, sore throat (even though I told him repeatedly I did not have a sore throat), and other related symptoms. Then he said, "Come back in 5 days."

I was a bit mystified and queried, "What about my fever, congestion, and the fluid in my lungs?"

He gave me a wave of dismissal, "We take care of that later...Don't worry. Trust me. I'm a doctor. Don't eat fatty or spicy foods. That cause you indigestion."

"Yes, but can I get something for my cold?"

"No, you already taking alot of medication (18 pills a day he had just prescribed), I don't want to give you too much."

Needless to say, I threw away his prescription (I'll take my chances with the Tums I brought with me) and am going for a second opinion. When I told the story to my American co-worker, he offered to dance around me and do a little incantation.

[crazylemongirl]

well at least the first question that he asked you wasn't the last time you had sex! that's the first question that doctors always ask me here.

[jazblanc77]

Best advice is for you to go to an international clinic at one of the bigger hospitals or one of the specialised clinics somewhere in the bigger rural cities. In seoul there is a really good one in Hannam (right next to Itaewon - 5 minutes from Itaewon subway stop). It's more expensive but great service and western style advice. AND you can actually question the doctor. Korean doctors have high status and don't like questions but youwill be okay in an international clinic. Trust me, this is the best way... I have been here three years and got lots of bad advice in normal Korean doctors offices... I was told last year that my chronic sinusitis was from an ear piercing that was 3 years old and that I had syphilis when I was in a monogamus relationship and really only had a urinary infection. You will also not have to deal with the "fifty pills daily" policy most doctors have for any patient that comes through their door.

The main thing is t go somewhere that has a doctor that you trust!

Good luck!

[kelly]

In all honesty they don't have a clue, they give you a mis match of drugs and not a long enough dose that will clear you of your illness or symptoms. My advice is go to one of the international clinic,I'd avoid the one in Itaewon the guy there is a crook, he has a tendency to tell everyone they've got inflammed gaul(pardon the spelling) stones, even if you go in with the symptoms of a sore throat!! Why I dunno! If you have any idea what you would be prescribed at home for a chest infection or anything similar tell them. My mom's a pharmacist so I usually ask her what I need and then tell them exactly what I want. Honestly in the two years I've been here whenever I've had to visit a Korean doctor I've usually came out worse, samsung hospital has a pretty good clinic, the doctors know what they're talking about. Good luck!!!