Resuming Compassionate Care: Busan University Hospital's Return to Global Medical Missions

According to reports, Busan University Hospital's Plastic Surgery team led by Professor Bae Yong-chan resumed their overseas medical volunteer work with the Cognitive Club, visiting Vietnam and Laos for a week from the 4th to the 10th of the month to provide medical assistance.

The Cognitive Club is a volunteer group primarily composed of domestic plastic surgeons dedicated to providing free surgeries to children suffering from congenital facial deformities such as cleft lip and palate in underserved areas of Southeast Asia. They began offering free surgeries in Vietnam in 1997 and have expanded their activities to Laos and Myanmar, extending their benevolent efforts.

This medical mission, which resumed after a 4-year hiatus due to COVID-19, saw the participation of around 30 individuals, including Professor Bae Yong-chan and nurse Park So-yeon from Busan University Hospital. The medical team performed surgeries on 65 individuals, primarily focusing on children with cleft lip and palate, both in Vietnam and in rural areas of Laos.

Notably, this year saw an enhanced focus on educational and academic exchange with local doctors, medical staff, and medical students in Vietnam. Professor Bae Yong-chan and the local medical community organized joint academic symposiums, further enriching the educational and scholarly exchanges.

Reflecting on the past four years disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor Bae Yong-chan expressed regret over the inability to conduct overseas surgical missions. He stated, 'During this period, there were significant changes in the Cognitive Club's operations, and the hiatus posed considerable challenges in preparation. However, we successfully completed surgeries in both locations safely.' He added, 'It was fulfilling to witness the satisfaction and gratitude patients and their families expressed following the surgeries. We share their joy and happiness.'

On March 8th, International Women's Day, the local medical staff in Vietnam expressed their gratitude to the volunteer team by presenting them with a cake.

In Vietnam, March 8th is celebrated as International Women's Day, where women receive flowers and gifts. On this day, the local medical staff prepared and presented a cake to the volunteer nurses as a gesture of appreciation.

Additionally, the medical volunteering mission received support as a new sponsor from 'Eunsan Shipping & Airline,' based in Busan.