Comment

Comment by Cherie Bright on November 22, 2009 at 12:32pm

Our company focuses on medical tourism to Thailand. I had some interest in South Korea due to its proximity to Thailand. I didn't expect to have business from the US to South Korea but had some interest as many Thai travel to South Korea for plastic surgery, especially eye lid surgery.

I became extremely interested in South Korea after speaking to some of the participants from South Korea. I attended the conference on South Korea following the MTA conference. We are now planning on sending medical tourist to Soth Korea from the US as well.

I love the fact that South Korea is taking a very different approach to medical tourism, one that I firmly believe in, specialization. I believe that too many destinations try to promote all of the general services and compete with each other for market share.

I'm excited that South Korea is specializing in spinal and cancer treatments. These are two greatly needed areas. I am not surprised that South Korea is taking this unique approach. I wish more destinations would take a similar approach and become the most advanced in specialized medical treatments. rather than just competing for business.

By specializing, there are greater advancements in what can be done for the patient rather than just competing for market share. I had planned on just traveling to Thailand this March to visit with the doctors, clinics and hospitals there. I now plan on stopping in South Korea enroute to visit the hospitals and treatment centers there. There is a tremendous need for what is being offered and I have no doubt that the services being offered our the best in the world in these specialties.

Cherie Bright
Thailand Medical Travel and Tourism