1. Dr. Lee, you are famous for being the first
Korean physician in Brazil. What was your motivation for becoming a physician,
especially in another country, Brazil? Could you share your journey to become a
doctor in Brazil, including any obstacles you may have encountered?
- Around 100 brave Koreans landed on Brazil in
1962 after government of Korea passed a law on overseas immigration. As Korea
was still in recovery phase from postwar period, this law encouraged people of
Korea to explore a new life abroad. After I obtained my MD from Busan Medical
School, I decided to immigrate to Brazil. In 1965, my family got on the ship
heading to the Port of Santos, Brazil. After seemingly endless days of sailing,
we finally landed in Sao Paulo. Among numerous difficulties and challenges I
had to face, first frustration came from the language barrier. In fact, I had
never learned or even heard of Portuguese before I came to Brazil. Of course,
my Korean medical license was useless here, and the language barrier prohibited
me from even trying any other business. It took months of agony to decide
whether to stay in Brazil or go back to Korea. I finally decided to stay and
learn Portuguese, and this was how my immigrant life began.
I
had to go through a revalidation process in order to prove my education. To
achieve medical license in Brazil, I had to take exams that tested the
education level of achievement in a range from middle school to college level
in Brazil. The middle and high school level examination included history,
geography and Portuguese subjects. Without any delays, I went directly to the
middle school nearby and spoke to the school authority about my situation and
got permission to study with the students. As I finished middle school level
exams, again, I went directly to the high school nearby and study with the
students. I studied as hard as I could and passed all the exams after all.
After
achieving the three certificates of each subject, I had to look for a medical
school, which will accept my application. Other than the three certificates, I
had to submit a diploma, transcripts and medical license from Korea. I wrote to
Korea and prepared for all the documentations. There I was well prepared and
visited a medical school in Recife, Brazil. Professors discussed this special
case and thankfully accepted my application.
2. We have heard many stories about your free
clinic and community medical volunteering services for those who needed medical
attention but could not afford to see a doctor. What was your motivation and
driving force to offer these kinds of activities?
- As soon as I got my medical license, I
opened my first clinic named ‘Yung Man Lee Clinic’ in Korea town located in Sao
Paulo. In the early period of immigration, many Korean immigrants could not
have access to local hospitals especially due to the language barrier and cost.
Koreans living near São Paulo poured into my office. The office door was
usually opened until 2-3 AM. I offered free clinics for those who couldn’t
afford it to pay. I often visited shantytowns to treat both local patients and
Korean immigrants. I never neglected those who could not receive proper medical
treatment because of the cost.
At that time, illegal residents and people
from low socioeconomic class were very common. I guess I didn’t have the gut to
ignore those who needed me as a physician. After a while, I got used to seeing
patients until 2-3 AM. Even though it was challenging, my heart was warm with
happiness and satisfaction to help people in need with my talent.
3. In 2006, you’ve received an ‘Honorary Sao
Paulo Citizenship Award’. How did you feel about the award?
- It was such a huge honor to receive
‘Honorary Sao Paulo Citizenship Award’ in 2006. I honestly did not expect it at
all which was a flattering surprise. I always thank the society for
acknowledging and giving me over 15 awards and appreciation plaques for the
works I enjoyed. On the other hand, a heavy responsibility fell on my
shoulders.
4. How have Korean immigrants contributed to
medical development in Brazil and how do you expect its future?
- There are many second-generation Korean
immigrants who are working in medical field currently in Brazil. Three
generations in my own family is now serving medical treatments as doctors. I
have a strong belief that there will be ever more Korean doctors who can
contribute both to Korean and Brazilian societies. Koreans always show high
education fever. I personally believe that people have to learn wherever they
are. Education is the key for future generation. Therefore, learning should be
the first, second and third priority among others.
5. We understand that you have around 30
family members who are also currently practicing physicians including your son
Dr. Dong Won Lee who is WKMO active member. You are probably a great influence
and role model to them. Do you have any special educational viewpoints towards
your descendants?
- I have three children. Both of my sons are
physicians and my daughter is a dentist. Two of my grandchildren are also doing
great at medical school getting prepared to become physicians. I think, though
we live in different nations, it is important to learn our mother language and
be able to at least know how to write a letter (in Korean) to parents and
families in Korea.
6. You are one of the most significant
pioneers of globalization of Korean medicine and WKMO members. Can you give
them any advices?
- Within a global medical organization as
WKMO, I believe we can promote goodwill together and be good strength to each
other through various ways of interaction. Thank you.