Hana Monta, Elective Medical Student 

Q1. Why did you choose SNU?

Japan and Korea share many similarities, including high standards of medical care, similar healthcare systems, and rapidly aging societies with low birth rates. Because of these similarities, I thought that doing my elective in Korea would give me more practical insights into medicine and healthcare.

That is why I chose Korea, and among Korean hospitals, SNUH especially attracted me. While my own university hospital has a more local and community-based role, SNUH is known for its cutting-edge medicine and research. I was particularly interested in its transplantation medicine and really wanted to see it firsthand.

And honestly, SNU is just cool! I was curious about what kind of students gather at one of the world’s top universities, and I really wanted to meet them.

Q2. How was your elective experience?  

My elective experience at SNU College of Medicine was academically intense and highly rewarding. I rotated for two weeks each in Transplantation and Vascular Surgery and Breast Surgery, where I observed surgeries, attended conferences and journal clubs, and participated in lectures and hands-on sessions for residents. I was particularly impressed by the English-based case conferences and appreciated the opportunity to present a case myself, receiving thorough and thoughtful feedback.

In Breast Surgery, I mainly observed operations and was surprised by the efficiency of the outpatient clinic, where one professor saw a large number of patients before surgeries in the afternoon. I was often allowed to scrub in, and I also had the chance to observe robotic surgery, which I had never seen in Japan. In addition, I was able to attend GBCC during my stay. Throughout the elective, the professors and residents were extremely welcoming and took time to answer my questions patiently, making this a truly inspiring experience.

Q3. Three memorable things during your stay

Many of my favorite memories were made after hours with SNU students, but I will answer seriously!

1.    Observing a pediatric deceased donor kidney transplantation: One day during surgery, I was chatting with a professor when he mentioned that there might be a deceased donor kidney transplantation later that night or the next day. I asked if I could observe it, and thankfully he allowed me to join. Unfortunately, I could not accompany the team to retrieve the organ because the donor hospital was very far away, but I still remember the surgery I watched that night very vividly. The moment the blood flow was restored, the kidney suddenly became beautifully red and alive. My heart was pounding, and I was deeply moved. When I told the professor how emotional that moment felt, he smiled and said, “That’s why I chose this specialty.”

2.    Challenging myself to give a case presentation in English: I told the doctors that I wanted to try presenting a case in English, but honestly, I was struggling. I could barely read the EMR, and I had never given a medical presentation in English before. A very kind resident sat down with me, reviewed the charts together with me, and explained the case carefully. She also shared many of the presentation slides she had created over the years — from her student days to residency. Despite being so busy, she even helped revise my presentation. She also sent me papers and study materials that she had used herself in the past. I was truly touched by her kindness and generosity.

3.    Becoming close with SNU students and international students in the operating room: Because we spent long hours together during surgeries, we naturally started talking about many things — strict professors, funny professors, kind professors, career worries, future dreams, and everyday life. New students joined the rotation almost every week, so there were always new encounters and conversations. Somehow, simply sharing the same space and experiences in the operating room brought us closer, and those friendships became one of the most unforgettable parts of my stay.

Q4. Would you recommend SNU to other international students?

The professors and doctors at SNU treated me just like an SNU student and kindly answered all of my questions. They were also very flexible and supportive whenever I had requests or wanted to experience something new.

One of the most attractive parts of SNU is that you can meet not only outstanding professors and brilliant SNU students, but also international fellows and students from many different backgrounds. I learned so much from simply talking with the people around me every day.

I was also impressed by how kind and patient the patients were. They were very understanding toward medical students, and I felt that the hospital atmosphere was warm and welcoming overall.

Q5. Anything else you would like to share!

The most impressive part of my stay was meeting so many SNU students. Every single student I met was kind, warm, and shining in their own way. At one point, I even asked one student jokingly, “Is there really not a single mean person at SNU?” The student replied, “There are strange kids sometimes, but no mean ones.” I still remember that conversation because it perfectly reflected the atmosphere I felt at SNU.

I felt that the students genuinely respected and encouraged one another to grow. I think that kind of culture is something truly special. I was also very impressed by how confident and lively the female students were. They were intelligent, independent, and full of energy, which I found very inspiring.

I feel incredibly grateful that I was able to have such valuable experiences at SNU, meet wonderful people, and receive so much kindness and support during my stay. I spent every day talking with SNU students, almost like classmates, and the professors gave me advice not only as doctors, but also as seniors in life. I am sure that everything I experienced during this one month will continue to motivate me in the future.