Comforting Care

Hus’hu (Who’s Who) Health Clinic

Located on a busy intersection in Apgujeong-dong, Hus’hu(or Who’s Who) Health Clinic is perfectly situated to meet the demands of its increasingly international clientele. They established their office in July of this year on the third floor of a purpose-built office building, one minute from the nearest subway station. Hus’hu offers a wide range of services in dentistry ophthalmology, dermatology. The clinic also currently boasts four medical specialists and a truly friendly staff.

Dr.Kim Seong Woo, DND specialist, recognizes the importance of having a cultural broker for potential medical patients:”Manu of our patients, often Americans living in Seoul, come fromdifferent areas in the city because they feel comfortable when they can speak with a doctor who speaks fluent English.”

Sinc their opening in July, hus’hu clinicians have seen a steady stream of foreign patients, including many ex-patriates and international patients; clientele often travel from other East Asian countries.

The clinic is part of growing trend in Korea of catering to medical tourists and international patients. Hus’hu is ahead of the curve as they already offer access to each doctor in the clinic; specialists speak English of have access to personal interpreter during client contact. Kin envisions a positive future in the international health market for Korea as medical practitioners become increasingly aware of the importance of offering services in English

Attention to International Patients

Although the clinic is located in the heart of Seoul, hus’hu offers a relaxing, calming atmosphere for foreign patients. Receptionists with good English skills encourage clients to come early to enjoy complimentary seasonal beverages. Upon entering the clinic, hus’hu continually offers warm, competent service. A helpful English-speaking staff welcomes guests to the clinic waiting room, which is both spacious and decorated with astute attention to comfortable detail and design. Examination rooms are large and pleasantly furnished.

Hus’hu clinic balances quality service and accessibility for English speaker with attention to the intricacies of international travel. Dr. Kim’s experience addresses an important challenge in the international health market: long-term treatment concerns. One of his Japanese patients came to the clinic for dental caps, a procedure that often requires many visits to the dental office. Kim’s patient had to travel from Japan to Korea only twice: For the consultation and initial work, and again for the final fitting and follow-up. Often, patients can arrange for extended stay and finish procedures within one visit to Seoul – one of the advantages of a smaller clinic.

Services: Depth and Breadth

Another distinct advantage of pursuing treatment in a smaller clinic such as hus’hu is access to personalized attention from specialized professionals. The clinic’s there divisions (dental eye, skin) offer a wide variety of services under the attention of four expert doctors.  With something as intricate and personal as dentistry, it is important to be able to explain – and for your doctor to understand – specific expectations regarding various medical or cosmetic interventions. It is equally important for your doctor to explain procedures, expectations, tests, etc. fluently and clearly during consultation. The two dental specialists with the clinic are highly qualified – with graduate degrees from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine- and fluent in English. The dentistry practitioners, Kim and Dr. Im Hyung Gu, offer a wide breadth of service: general dentistry for children and adults, tooth whitening, laminate veneers, all ceramic and dental implants. Dental services are available six days a week (Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00~21:00; Tue, Thu: 100:00~18:00, Sat 10:00~16:00)

Prohibitive expense is the most common push-factor for patients pursuing treatment as medical tourists. Hus’hu offers a number of procedures in their eye clinic at rates well below those in American Clinic. Common services include: Lasik, Lasek and ICL surgery and cataracts therapies. Dr. Do song-Jun, M.D., Ph.D. of the Eye Clinic, speaks some English and a translator will be provided during all patient contact. The eye Clinic is open into the evening on working days (Mon-Fri 10:00~19:00, Sat 10:00~16:00) hus’hu Clinic also offers a wide range of treatments through their skin Clinic including: anti-aging, acne cosmetic dermatology, Thermage, botox, filler injections, Lumenis one and aesthetic (medical skin care) treatments. Dr. Han Kwang-Ho, M.D., Ph.D in the Skin Clinic, capitalizes on South Koreas expert knowledge of skincare technology. The Skin Clinic operates Monday through Friday 10:00~20:00, Sat 10:00~17:00.

The Future for hus’hu and Medical Tourism

Classic business wisdom stresses the importance of “getting in on the ground floor.” The implementation of a good ethical infrastructure can function similarly. As an international leader and a new player in the medical tourism market, Korea has the opportunity to contribute to good practices in medical care. The struggles of many countries to break through big-pharma and other corporate interests serve as warnings for how difficult it is to reformulate infra structure once a system has already become entrenched. As new clinic, hus’hu is a part of building a good foundation for the Korean medical tourism industry.

The hus’hu standard of Korean medical treatment programs also act as a forum for presenting appositive image of the country to immigrants, tourists, and the international community. “ At the present time.” Says Kim, “Many Americans think they will receive better treatment in the United States; they travel to Korea clinics in Seoul, and have good experiences with Korean doctors, they will be able to return to America with a good impression of the Korean medical system and Korea.”

Getting There

The clinic is on the third floor of the Gujeong Building, near Exit 3 of Apgujeong Station, Line #. To make an appointment, call 1588-7464

Written by Christine White

Photographed by Ryu Seunghoo