2025.09.10 13:37
In South Korea, a growing number of pyelonephritis cases are being misdiagnosed as common colds or influenza, leading to delayed treatment and serious health risks. Pyelonephritis, a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by bacteria invading the kidneys, often presents with initial symptoms like fever, chills, and fatigue—symptoms easily mistaken for a cold. This misconception often leads patients to dismiss the condition, causing them to miss critical opportunities for timely treatment.”Unlike a common cold, pyelonephritis involves bacteria attacking kidney tissue, triggering inflamm2025.09.10 13:35
SEOUL, South Korea — AA new study from South Korea has identified a significant association between heavy alcohol consumption and increased risk of soft tissue sarcoma in women, underscoring a previously underrecognized health concern. The research, led by Dr. Min Wook Joo, an orthopedic surgeon at The Catholic University of Korea’s St. Vincent’s Hospital, was published in the September 2025 issue of Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, accompanied by an editorial interview.The research team analyzed data from South Korea’s National Health Insurance Service, tracking approximately 32025.09.10 13:28
[Physician's Column] By Ara Bong, Director of Reset ClinicThe cornerstone of treating pigmentation disorders lies in a precise understanding of melanocytes. Melanin, concentrated at the epidermal-dermal junction, is stored in melanosomes—tiny organelles about 0.5 μm in size with a thermal relaxation time (TRT) of roughly 250 nanoseconds. To effectively target these minute structures without damaging surrounding tissue, laser pulse durations must be shorter than the TRT, meaning below 250 nanoseconds.A leading tool in this domain is the Q-switched laser, which delivers high-energy pulses in n2025.09.10 13:26
SEOUL, South Korea — A groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) model developed by a team of South Korean researchers offers a new way to screen for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using a smartphone, potentially revolutionizing early detection. The project, led by Professors keun-Ah Cheon and Hwiyoung Kim of Severance Hospital along with Professor Bung-Nyun Kim of Seoul National University Hospital, produced an AI tool that analyzes a child’s voice and parental questionnaire responses to assess the likelihood of autism.Early diagnosis of ASD is critical but often challenging due to subtle2025.09.09 13:32
SEOUL, South Korea — On August 27, Professor Seok Ho Kang of the Department of Urology at Korea University Anam Hospital made history by remotely training Professor Kenji Zennami of Nagoya University School of Medicine in Japan in advanced robotic surgery techniques for bladder cancer. Utilizing the cutting-edge Da Vinci 5 platform, the event marked the world’s first remote training session in robotic bladder cancer surgery, a milestone in global surgical education.From Korea University Anam Hospital, Dr. Kang performed a robotic radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion on a2025.09.09 13:24
[Physician's Column] By Jae-ho Byun, MD, Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of KoreaAs cooler breezes signal the arrival of fall, the season brings more than just pleasant air. The sharp temperature swings typical of this time of year can strain the cardiovascular system, causing blood vessels to constrict and placing significant stress on the heart. Among the most serious risks is myocardial infarction (heart attack), a life-threatening condition that tends to spike during seasonal transitions and peak in winter.According to South Korea’s Health Insurance Review and Assess2025.09.09 13:23
[Physician's Column] By Seungseob Lee, Rodam Korean Medicine ClinicAcne is a common skin condition that most people encounter at some point, particularly during puberty or periods of high stress. Redness and uneven skin texture caused by acne can significantly undermine self-confidence. However, the real challenge often lies not in the acne itself but in the scars it leaves behind. Deep, pitted scars such as boxcar or rolling types are notoriously resistant to natural healing, and even repeated laser treatments often deliver limited results, leaving patients frustrated. When repeated procedure2025.09.09 13:20
[Physician's Column] By Eunjung Lee, MD, Thank You Seoul ClinicThyroid surgery is a critical intervention for thyroid cancer or large benign nodules. The procedure falls into three main categories: total thyroidectomy, which removes both thyroid lobes; hemithyroidectomy, excising one lobe; and isthmusectomy, removing only the central connecting tissue. Each type requires meticulous precision due to the proximity of critical structures, including the airway, recurrent laryngeal nerve, and carotid artery.Thyroid removal can impair the production of thyroid hormones, which are vital for regulatin2025.09.09 13:17
SEOUL, South Korea — Researchers from Sungkyunkwan University, led by Professor Oh Seok Kwon, and the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, led by Dr. Moo-Seung Lee, have developed an ultrasensitive biosensor capable of early detection of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a potentially fatal condition marked by low platelet counts and kidney dysfunction.HUS is notoriously difficult to diagnose early because its initial symptoms mimic those of gastroenteritis. Conventional diagnostic methods, such as blood tests or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), are time-consumi2025.09.09 13:15
[Physician's Column] By Sung-Hae Kim, Konkuk University HospitalOn a crisp autumn morning, a 50-year-old office worker, Mr. Lee, felt a sudden tightness in his chest and numbness in his left arm while exercising. Initially dismissing it as fatigue or shortness of breath, he later sought medical attention and was diagnosed with angina pectoris.Angina occurs when the coronary arteries narrow, reducing blood flow to the heart. Cold weather exacerbates this condition by causing blood vessels to constrict, placing additional strain on the heart. This can lead to decreased oxygen supply to the heart2025.09.09 13:01
[Physician's Column] By Dr. Min-soo Kim, Seoul National University HospitalSEOUL, South Korea — Neck and back pain are no longer confined to middle-aged or older adults. More young adults in their 20s, and even elementary school children, are now seeking medical care for spinal problems linked to prolonged smartphone use and sedentary lifestyles. The rise in cases of forward head posture and loss of natural cervical curvature highlights a growing public health concern in South Korea and worldwide.The problem lies in the oversimplification of these conditions. Terms such as 'forward head postu2025.09.08 14:38
Coffee has long been a morning staple for many, prized for its stimulating effects and ability to enhance focus. However, excessive coffee consumption can lead to side effects such as insomnia, increased heart rate, and gastrointestinal discomfort.As a result, more people are turning to tea as a healthier alternative. Tea not only offers unique flavors and aromas but also provides a range of health benefits. With varying caffeine levels, teas can be tailored to individual preferences and health needs, making them a versatile substitute for coffee.This article explores various teas that can ser2025.09.08 14:26
In Korea, an apple eaten in the morning is often called a “golden apple” due to its well-documented health benefits. Numerous studies confirm the health benefits of apple consumption, though timing and method of intake can influence their effectiveness. In contrast, nighttime consumption is sometimes considered less beneficial. Here’s a guide to the best times and ways to enjoy apples for maximum health advantages, based on their nutritional profile and physiological effects.Morning Apples: A Boost for Focus and Gut HealthApples are rich in dietary fiber, particularly pectin, which promotes