Korean Job Discussion Forums

AbbeFaria · Joined: 17 May 2005 Location: Gangnam

Being still new to the ROK, I'm somewhat wary of the medical profession. I've read that Korean medicine is comparable to the US, but it's a common fear I heard that a lot of people have when visiting other countries.

I'll be needing some new contacts in a few weeks, and a dentist visit wouldn't kill me either, so what should I expect? Are eye doctors and dentists, or any medical professional for that matter, on par with what I what I get back in the States? I've read more than one thread about the loose standards that Korean Universities have. Does that extend to medical schools as well? Would a doctor here with a degree issued by a Korean med school not be allowed to scrub up for hamster surgery in the US? Or do I have nothing to worry about?

-S-

cruisemonkey · Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 8:42 am Post subject:

Dental care in Korea is up to par with anywhere in the world.

However, if you don't like needles don't go near a K hospital! They practice medicine by intramuscular injection and IV. I just spent 11 days in the hospital (it was supposed to be 3 weeks, but got myself discharged early) and feel like a friggin' pin cushion. The Dr. told me to come back daily for a 'butt shot' of analgesics and muscle relaxant... I complied the first day and was pulling up my pants when the nurse starts trying to get me to lay down so she can insert yet another IV shunt into my arm. I refused and walked out... haven't been back since.

In my experience, hospitals/doctors just milk the insurance system for absolutely everything they can. Korea is a hypocondriac's paradise! Beds galore and no waiting... if 'you' can pay.

peppermint · Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 1:21 pm Post subject:

Dentists are good and cheap here, though they can be very stingy with the painkillers, I've heard. As for doctors, go to an actual hospital and not a little clinic would be my advice. That, and ask what medicines they give you.

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

My experience with Korean dentists didnt overly impress me.

While the replacement filling I got was okay... I had to go back to get it filed down and he missed two other cavities.

The cleaning was pretty good though.

The doctors here seem okay...but beware of some of their idiosyncrasies. One doc told me I should start smoking Shocked

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Unless you need something truly major, like brain surgery, you are probably safe to have it done here without undue worry.

Dentists are fine. They won't give painkiller (novocaine) unless it is necessary. It's a little un-nerving, but they are right. They know what they are doing.

mole · Joined: 06 Feb 2003 Location: Act III

They're fine, I suppose, but different from back home.
My first year a co-worker took me to a doctor who gave me packets of multi-colored pills. Of course I was expecting names and detailed
explanations, like possible side-effects, etc. When I asked what they were, my co-worker looked horrified and whispered, "You can't ask that!
You have to trust the doctor." As if I were being offensive.

I got pills for a bronchial infection which made me shake, not shiver, more like quake! I went back and Dr. said, "Oh, I forgot to mention the tremors." Rolling Eyes

When I had an ingrown toenail dug out, I expected a sterile blue drop cloth,
but they laid out newspaper under my foot. Confused

peppermint · Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 4:42 am Post subject:

Ask the pharmacist what you're taking, not the doctor. I had a similar experience last week with the shakes and I asked the pharmacist what was causing it. Apparently I didn't need to be on medicine for bronchitis, or ulcers Confused

Homer · Guest

Dentists here are just as good as back home and cheaper!

The use fewer painkillers but as it was said, they are right as I was surprised to see how unnecessary they were!

Docs...it varies. I would say for regular ailements docs here are fine. Go to more modern hospitals.

For surgery, I have had none, so can't tell you.

PEIGUY · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Location: Omokgyo

I have mild pneumonia and i have to go back to the Doctor every 3 days. It's cheap mind you but it's a pain. I can understand the 1 st 3 days. He took a 2nd x-ray to see if the anti-biotics were working but he only prescribes 3 days of them.. and he says i have to keep doing it for 2 weeks.. i'm thinking i might go once a week.. all he will do is listen to me breath anyways..

AbbeFaria · Joined: 17 May 2005 Location: Gangnam