Dr Tran Huyen Trang

Vietnam National Eye Hospital

Vietnam

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Selection Committee of the Asia Cornea Society - Santen Asia Educational Observership Grant for awarding me this scholarship and providing me with such a valuable learning opportunity.

Despite his busy clinical schedule, Professor Yong-Soo Byun was very generous with his time and efforts to ensure I had a meaningful experience. In addition to his own surgical cases, he kindly coordinated with two other anterior segment specialists in the department so that I could observe surgeries performed by all three professors.

During the observership, I had the opportunity to observe a wide range of procedures, including penetrating keratoplasty, DSEK, DMEK, suture removal post-PK, amniotic membrane transplantation, limbal stem cell transplantation (LSCT), and phacoemulsification. These are precisely the types of surgeries I had hoped to learn about.

I was highly impressed with the hospital’s facilities and equipment, which are modern, well-maintained, and efficient. The operating rooms are equipped with five large monitors, which allowed for clear and detailed observation of each surgery. I arranged accommodation at the hospital’s guesthouse, the Omnibus Park Building, which was safe, spacious, clean, and conveniently located for commuting. While this accommodation was offered at a discounted rate for international trainees, it was not complimentary and still quite expensive.

One of the greatest strengths of Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital is its clean, modern infrastructure and advanced technology. The staff were professional, courteous, friendly, and always willing to help, making my experience both enriching and enjoyable.

However, one limitation of the program was the lack of simulation-based or hands-on training opportunities. I initially chose Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital based on the information available on the ACS - Santen website (https://www.asiacorneasociety.org/index.php/country-data/seoul-st-mary-s-hospital-catholic-university-of-korea), which stated that hands-on surgical training would be available. This was a major factor that motivated me to apply. Unfortunately, after acceptance, I was informed that international observers are only permitted to observe and must sign an agreement to that effect. By then, it was too late to revise my choice.

While I was somewhat disappointed that hands-on training - even with models or animal eyes - was not possible, I still greatly appreciate the knowledge and skills I was able to acquire through observation and in-depth discussions with the faculty members. I plan to notify ACS Santen about this so the website can be updated to more accurately reflect the current observership conditions for future applicants.

That aside, every other aspect of this program exceeded my expectations. Professor Byun is an outstanding mentor with exceptional surgical skills, precision, and dedication to teaching. The facilities were excellent, the staff and fellow doctors were supportive and welcoming, and I had the chance to enjoy Korean culture, scenery, and cuisine during weekends and after clinic hours.

Please find attached some photos from my 4-week observership, capturing memorable moments of my learning experience at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital.

Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity.