01  Motivation and Decision-Making

What inspired you to pursue a medical career in the U.S., and how did you decide to leave Korea?

I’ve been traveling to the United States frequently with my family since I was 12. My father’s side immigrated to the U.S. in the 1970s, and we’ve been in the process of obtaining a visa through a family invitation. This gave me an explorer’s mindset from an early age.

By the time I graduated from medical school, I found myself uncertain about the future within the Korean medical system. Neither opening my own practice in Korea nor pursuing a career as an academic professor in a tertiary hospital felt personally fulfilling, and both paths seemed to offer limited opportunities.

Were there specific challenges or motivations that fueled your decision to practice medicine in the U.S. instead of staying in Korea?

It was the USMLE that really caught my attention. I liked the exam format because it required a deep understanding of the underlying principles of disease and treatment plans. The exam was challenging, but it sparked a genuine desire in me to learn the material it covered. I felt that I performed relatively well compared to the exams I had during medical school in Korea, which mainly required rote memorization. That style of exam never suited me, and as a result, I didn’t have a strong GPA in medical school.

02  Preparation and Transition

How did you prepare yourself academically and emotionally for the transition from medical school in Korea to the U.S. medical system?

It took me about 3-4 years to obtain ECFMG certification and secure a residency position. Academically, there weren’t many resources available beyond question banks and the book First Aid. I was fortunate to meet friends going through the same process at Kaplan in Manhattan. Despite the challenges, the experience was tough but also fun and, in a way, romantic—filled with the uncertainty of the future. I stayed around New York and connected with many Korean professionals in the medical community.

What steps did you take to ensure success in navigating the internship and residency process in the U.S.?

Honestly, I’ve never really felt like anything was guaranteed. But I’ve heard stories from others about trying multiple times and eventually securing a residency. I always had a backup plan in place for what to do each year if I didn’t match into a program.

03  Overcoming Challenges

What were the most significant challenges you faced during your transition to the U.S., both professionally and personally?

Personally, everything was different—finances, language, culture—everything. Professionally, the biggest challenge was language. Even though my English wasn’t bad, it wasn’t enough to keep up in the fast-paced medical environment wh

ere everyone speaks quickly and efficiently.

Can you share specific instances of hardships you encountered and how you managed to overcome them?

I want to share two key experiences. First, I failed the USMLE Clinical Skills (CS) exam while applying for residency, which traditionally lowers your chances of matching. However, I strengthened my resume by passing Step 3 and securing a better letter of recommendation, which led to three interviews and ultimately matching with one of the programs.

The second challenge came during my residency in Missouri, where cultural differences and language barriers made it tough. Despite improving over time, I decided to swap programs and was lucky to find a spot in New York at Lincoln Medical Center. I’m grateful for that experience, as they later recruited me as a hospitalist after graduation, which was a great honor, along with board certification. I also had the privilege of meeting my mentor, Dr. Kasubhai.

Were there moments of doubt, and how did you cope with those feelings?

First, I was fortunate to have supportive people around me. Hearing their stories of overcoming challenges reassured me that everyone faces obstacles, and they can be overcome. These friends also made the process more enjoyable and helped keep me going.

Second, I always had a backup plan in case things didn’t go as expected. For instance, after applying for residency in 2016, I secured a better letter of recommendation for my 2017 application.

Third, I have a special spot for “walking through my thoughts”—a couple of walkable places in Manhattan where I’d go when overwhelmed. Walking and observing the scenery helped clear my mind and organize my thoughts. I still do this today.

04  The Residency Experience and Adaptation

How did you navigate the residency application process in the U.S., and what advice would you give to those in Korea who are just starting this journey?

You’ll need to figure out this process on your own—there won’t be a set curriculum to follow. If you can enjoy and endure this journey, things will improve over time. I strongly recommend finding good companions to go through it with. In my case, I still keep in touch with the friends I met 11 years ago when I first started this journey.

What were the biggest cultural and systemic differences you encountered during your residency, and how did you adapt to them?

Honestly, I’m not very familiar with the residency system in South Korea, as I didn’t go through it. But if I imagine how it would have been, I likely would have followed the instructions of my seniors and overworked to complete tasks. In the U.S., however, I was expected to interpret data and develop treatment plans for my patients from the PGY1 level. There was also an annual test to ensure academic progression. As for how I adapted, I just showed up every day and did my best.

05  Support Systems and Resources

What role did mentorship, peer support, or other resources play in your success in the U.S.?

Meeting senior doctors practicing in the U.S. gave me a clearer picture of my future. They were encouraging—many shared stories of their own setbacks and how they overcame them, which was truly motivating. Some even treated me to meals when I had no income, which was a huge help. However, I learned that to earn their support, you need to consistently show your passion and commitment. As for friends, just like in life, having them along the way makes the journey more joyful.

Were there specific people or networks that were instrumental in your journey, and how did you connect with them

Initially, I searched Facebook to find Korean doctors working in Manhattan and connected with Dr. Yong Jung Kim, who frequently posts about visiting students from Korea. I introduced myself, and he invited me to dinner with Korean medical students. He also connected me to the KNI group, led by Dr. Sung Bae Kim, a fellow graduate of my university. My involvement with the Korean community grew, including the Yonsei Alumni group. I made sure to leave a strong impression, even singing in front of an audience despite my fear of public speaking.

06  Balancing Professional and Personal Life

How did you manage the balance between your professional responsibilities and personal life, especially being far from home?

Initially, I struggled with maintaining a work-life balance. In Korea, it was uncommon to see people separating work from personal life—even my parents would talk about their business after coming home. It wasn’t until after the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted deep reflection, that I began to understand its importance. Now, I limit how much my job intrudes on my personal life, make an effort to travel often, and have developed a strong passion outside of work.

What strategies did you use to maintain your mental and emotional well-being during this challenging period?

Distraction and physical activity help me think outside the box. When I get too focused on one subject, I find it hard to generate fresh ideas. Physical activity provides a way to vent, refresh, and spark new thoughts. Having another passion is also beneficial, as each serves as a break from the other.

07  Reflections and Advice

What are the key pieces of advice you would give to young medical students and residents in Korea who are considering coming to the U.S. to study and work?

What truly matters is whether this aligns with your personal values. Everyone I’ve met in the U.S. from Korea has a unique story, and the process of coming here is often complex. It may not be worth it if it’s just a casual attempt to explore your options.

If you could go back, is there anything you would have done differently?

No. Even though there are things that I could do better, I do not see how I could have learned how to do better. I think every choice I made throughout the way was the best I could do each time in given circumstances. I took the time to think about it, but I did not find it.

08  Success and Encouragement

Looking back, what are the most rewarding aspects of your journey from Korea to becoming a board-certified internist in the U.S.?

I could finally prove to myself that I could be a good physician. I always doubted myself because of my bad GPA in medical school and poor evaluation in part of my residency.

How has this experience shaped your views on perseverance and success in the medical field?

I would use a quote from social media, and I believe it. And actually, it is interesting and fun to witness this in almost everything.

It gets easier every day. Every day, it gets a little easier. But you have to do it every day. That’s the hard part. But it does get easier.”

What words of encouragement would you offer to those facing similar challenges, and do you have a personal mantra that kept you going?

In addition to that quote above, I want to add that if perseverance is not working, you might just be in the wrong place. Moving and changing your environment can also be the answer to achieving your goal. I felt this deeply during two major moves: from Korea to the U.S., and later from Missouri to New York.