Dawn Parris and Kamana Subba share their experience of travelling from the UK to South Korea to join the 28th Asia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Congress in May 2024 in South Korea.
The Mizuno-Ratnam Young Gynaecologist Award (YGA) from the Asia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AOFOG) was created in 1991. It is awarded biennially to young obstetricians and gynaecologists from 27 countries across the Asia-Pacific region – from Mongolia to Fiji – who are nominated through their national societies. The award includes attendance at the Community Fellowship Programme (CFP) and the AOFOG conference.
Dawn and Kamana were selected for an RCOG bursary after submitting an essay on the theme of ‘Transforming Women’s Health Through Technology’. They joined both the Community Fellowship Programme and the AOFOG conference.
Community Fellowship Programme (CFP) – Korean Healthcare and Culture
After months of anticipation and preparation, the day had finally come! We arrived in Seoul for four days of the CFP. The Korean team had created an informative programme that balanced insights into Korean healthcare with visits to cultural and historical sites, this was all done despite ongoing industrial action by junior doctors in South Korea.
Joining us on the CFP were 15 other doctors from countries across the region, recipients of the Young Gynaecologist Award (referred to as YGAs). We were quickly welcomed into the group and formed strong friendships.
Over four days, we visited numerous hospitals, including Seoul National University Hospital, Asan Medical Centre, Severance Hospital, and the Samsung Medical Centre (yes, as in Samsung!), as well as the Maria Fertility Clinic, the Eunpyeong-gu Community Health Centre and a medical school (though there were no medical students on-site due to the strikes).
We were impressed by the modern facilities and the range of advanced procedures on offer, ranging from robotic surgery and world-class simulation centres to fetal surgery. Korean healthcare has a large emphasis on training and many hospitals welcome international fellows. Holistic care is a top priority with hospitals featuring amenities like a concert hall, complete with grand piano, indoor gardens, museums and art galleries for patients and their families.
We enjoyed exquisite Korean cuisine, and our informative guide led whistle-stop tours of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Museum of Korea, and a traditional folk village, sharing insights into the country’s history and culture.
AOFOG Conference
After the CFP, we travelled with the YGAs to the other side of South Korea, to the beach town of Busan, to attend the AOFOG conference and social events. We enjoyed the fantastic programme including talks from Dr Ranee Thakar, RCOG President; Professor Hassan Shehata, RCOG Vice President; Professor Peter Von Dadelszen, RCOG Council International Representative (America, Australasia, Pacific Rim), Professor Anne-Beatrice Kihara, FIGO President; and Dr Stella Dantas, ACOG President. We joined thought-provoking workshops and learnt about ground-breaking research from across Asia and the Pacific.
A highlight of the social programme was the President’s Night, an evening of celebration for invited guests including the YGAs. Attendees wore their national dress, the YGAs shared their experiences of the CFP video highlights included. We were also asked to participate in the evening’s entertainment programme. Kamana performed an intricate Nepali cultural dance, and Dawn sang a traditional Scottish song.
Unity in Diversity
As our time in Korea drew to a close, we reflected on our experiences with all of the YGAs. Despite coming from different parts of the world and working in many different settings with varying resources, our shared experiences and core values remain the same. We are united in our passion and commitment for women’s health. We have made lasting connections and friendships, with aspirations for exciting collaborations in the future.
Without doubt, this was a career highlight on many levels. We are both extremely grateful to the RCOG for this award and once in a lifetime opportunity.
