Seoul, a bustling metropolis renowned for its exceptional medical infrastructure, is taking proactive measures to strengthen its position as a global medical tourism hub. In collaboration with the Seoul Tourism Foundation, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has introduced a specialized training course in medical tourism interpretation to develop professionals capable of delivering comprehensive services to foreign patients.
The primary role of a “Medical Tourism Interpreter” or “Medical Tourism Coordinator” is to bridge the language and cultural gaps between medical institutions and foreign patients. These specialized professionals facilitate effective communication during medical treatments, provide guidance and support throughout the medical tourism journey, and engage in marketing activities to attract international patients to Seoul.
To meet the increasing demand for qualified interpreters in the field, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Tourism Foundation are seeking approximately 90 trainees for this unique program. The recruitment process includes document screening and face-to-face interviews to select candidates with the necessary language skills, cultural sensitivity, and aptitude for the medical tourism industry.
The training course spans approximately three months and covers various relevant topics in medical tourism interpretation. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the medical tourism industry, familiarize themselves with medical and hospital terminologies in different languages, learn about managing medical service processes, and acquire marketing strategies to promote Seoul as a preferred medical tourism destination.
An important feature of this program is its emphasis on practical field experience. Trainees will have the opportunity to engage in on-site internships at various medical institutions, enabling them to apply their knowledge and skills in real-life scenarios. This hands-on experience will further enhance their ability to provide high-quality services and navigate the complexities of medical tourism.
The program welcomes applications from both domestic and international candidates, including multicultural families and international students. Proficiency in languages such as English, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Arabic, Mongolian, or Vietnamese is desirable as it enables effective communication with patients from diverse backgrounds. Applicants with prior experience in medical interpretation, possession of the International Medical Tourism Coordinator certification, or proficiency in minority languages will receive special consideration during the selection process.
Upon successful completion of the training course, participants will receive a certificate of completion and be registered in the “Seoul Medical Tourism Interpreter Pool.” This registration will provide them with priority access to interpretation requests from foreign patient-attracting organizations, increasing their employability and professional opportunities in the medical tourism sector.
Seoul is actively promoting its medical tourism initiatives, and this specialized training course plays a crucial role in cultivating a skilled workforce to support the city’s aspirations. By training competent medical tourism interpreters, Seoul aims to enhance the overall patient experience, attract a greater number of international patients, and further elevate its reputation as a premier destination for high-quality medical care.
Interested individuals can find detailed information and application forms on the official websites of the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Foundation. The application period runs until June 4th, providing a valuable opportunity for those passionate about contributing to the field of medical tourism interpretation and playing a vital role in facilitating the healthcare journeys of foreign patients in Seoul.
By Jungchan Lee/Korea Travel News
