Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cari83]

My co-teacher told me I need to get a PAP smear and give them the results. She gave me a form in Korean to give to a doctor and return. She says it's because I'm over 30 now. I'm almost 30 American but not yet. If they're going by my Korean age, I was over 30 last year. My friend who was here last year was 32, and wasn't given the form. I guess it's possible they request it every few years, as I'm a little over 2 years into my contract.

I would like to know, have any other female public school teachers been asked to do this? I feel like it's a little personal. I'm not against getting a test for my own health and private knowledge but it's really none of their business. What if I did have cancer? What are they going to do? Also - are male public school teachers over 30 getting prostate exams?

[Lucas]

[waynehead]

Can't tell you about female tests, but I'm 31/32 (western age/Korean), male, and no I was not required to have a prostate exam. But to be fair, I believe it's recommended for men over 40 to start getting them, not 30.

[hogwonguy1979]

its part of the 2 year annual physical exam that nhic requires, check with your regular dr (or on a US website) and see if under 30 they'd rec that. If not tell them to bugger off, you don't need it. I'd also be dammed if I were to give my employer my medical results.

Heck every time I go in for a physical they try and push the prostate and an endoscopy exams, I tell them since there is no history of cancer in my family and I don't eat, drink, smoke like a Korean male there is no need for those tests, you just need to be insistent

[schwa]

I always opt for the minimum tests required but I'd guess that if you refused a specific NHIC-mandated age-related test that you'd be compromising your coverage should a related problem arise.

I know my PS would get testy about it too.

I've hit a threshold where I'm obliged to do some kind of gut check & submit a shit sample by the end of the year. I'll play along.

[YTMND]

Free prostrate exam? Where do I sign up? If you are thinking about coming to Korea, it might help to check your liver too.

[Popocatepetl]

[absolutmike]

I had something similar happen (I'm over 40 and male) I was told I must have the prostate exam here in Korea. That's incorrect, they highly recommend the testing. They don't typically encounter Koreans that say NO, so my statement caused a lot of 'panic'. It is your body, you have the right to agree to testing as you see fit. NHIC recommends it, it is not law.

If you are concerned about 'early screening' do it the next time you return to your country, where your Medical Records are more secure and everyone at your school doesn't know your business.

[rollo]

The sheer horror of having a health check.. How dare they try to ensure your health and also keep health care costs down by early detection of problems. I suggest you contact the U.N. your ambassador and a letter to amnesty international at the least. This tyranny will not stand.

[littlelisa]

Wow, people still missing the point. *The point is not that she has to do a health check* the point is that giving them results from a pap smear should be unnecessary. They can recommend she do one herself, but this does seem a little much.

I'm over 30 and I've never been asked to do this in my 2 year health checks, OP. I think you can tell them no.

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