Radiology Faculty / Medical Staff >

In the Department of Radiology at the Samsung Medical Center, outstanding medical personnel with broad clinical experience provide accurate diagnoses and treatments based on radiologic images. We provide early diagnosis of various diseases using up-to-date imaging modalities such as CT and MRI, and provide the confirmative diagnostic information necessary for optimal treatment to various individual departments through collaboration. Expert professors in each field do their utmost in practice, research, and education, and take charge of radiologic diagnoses (simple X-rays, fluoroscopy, ultrasonography, CT, MRI), intervention procedures such as ultrasonography guided biopsy and drainage, education for students and residents, and research in related fields.

Major areas of treatment / Clinics

We are subdivided into the Thoracic Radiology Section, Neuroimaging and Head and Neck Imaging Section, Abdominal Radiology Section, Pediatric Radiology Section, Urogenital Radiology Section, Breast and Thyroid Radiology Section, Cardiovascular Radiology Section, Musculoskeletal Radiology Section, Intervention Radiology Section, and Emergency Radiology Section.

Strong points

1. Thoracic Radiology Section

Seven professors are on duty in the Thoracic Radiology Section, and we provide readings for diagnostic images on lung cancer and various diseases of the lung and mediastinum. Also, we are in charge of performing image-guided percutaneous lung biopsies for accurate pathologic diagnosis of lung lesions. In addition, we participate in research activities using our various and abundant clinical data, have presented more than 10 abstracts at the international conference of the Radiological Society of North America, which is the world’s largest such conference, and have published around 15 articles in SCI journals every year.

2. Neuroimaging and Head and Neck Imaging Section

We actively perform embolism procedures and cervical artery stent insertions, and operate on over 200 cases of cerebral aneurysm embolisms annually.

3. Abdominal Radiology Section

The Abdominal Radiology Section is leading the field internationally through the image reading of various abdominal diseases and active research. We have also performed over 7,000 cases of radiofrequency thermal ablation for liver cancer and have published more than 80 articles, receiving acknowledgment by the world for our excellence. Recently, we introduced cryotherapy for liver cancer and are leading in this field as well. We are focusing our capacities on performing research on 3D imaging modalities, developing contrast materials using molecular imaging, and non-invasive therapies using MR-HIFU

(http://www.samsunghospital.com/dept/main/index.do?DP_CODE=HIFU)

4. Pediatric Radiology Section

The Pediatric Section is composed of board-certified radiologists who are familiar with treating infants, children, and adolescents and who have obtained specialized training in the field of pediatric imaging, and understand the ever-changing characteristics of pediatric patients due to growth. We choose safe tests for pediatric patients vulnerable to irradiation, and do our utmost to obtain good images while using minimal radiation.

5. Urogenital Radiology Section

We perform radiologic tests according to international guidelines on diagnosing diseases of the kidney, adrenal gland, ureter, bladder, prostate, urethra, penis, scrotum, epididymis, and the retroperitoneal cavity, so the images can be used in any hospital in the world without the need for testing again. Radiofrequency ablation therapy for renal cancer shows excellent treatment results without the need for an abdominal incision. We recently performed MRI-guided targeted prostate biopsy for the first time in Asia, and are involved as the only European Society of Urogenital Radiology MRI research hospital in Asia.

5. Urogenital Radiology Section

6. Breast and Thyroid Radiology Section

In the Breast Section, we introduced digital mammography for the first time in Korea in 2003, and have provided high-quality images for the advancement of diagnosis and treatment. We are also contributing to the early detection of breast cancer and individually customized treatment for patients through accurate diagnosis using the latest technologies such as breast ultrasonography, breast MRI, gun biopsy, and mammotome biopsy. We introduced three-dimensional digital breast tomosynthesis in 2014, and are using it to reduce false positive results and detect breast cancer at an even earlier stage. We have the most cases of stereotactic biopsies and MRI-guided biopsies for breast calcifications in Korea. We provide radiologic and histologic evidence to appropriately manage thyroid nodules based on our broad experience in high-resolution ultrasonography for thyroid lesions, and boast high accuracy in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer. We have presented many articles in international journals on fine needle aspiration biopsies, tissue biopsies, and genetic testing to propose guidelines on correct treatment methods, and are leading the field in non-surgical therapy for thyroid cancer using radiofrequency ablation and ethanol injection.

7. Cardiovascular Radiology Section

We examine for arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, and cardiomyopathy, and perform evaluations of chest pain and conduct health screening. We are performing clinical studies on various diseases through active networking with leading physicians in the world. Many physicians from various countries including Vietnam, Hong Kong, India, Cambodia, and Kazakhstan have visited our hospital to receive training.

8. Musculoskeletal Radiology Section

We diagnose and treat various bone and joint diseases and sports injuries, and run a pain clinic.

9. Intervention Radiology Section

We perform minimally invasive treatment for various vascular diseases and tumors. In particular, about the treatment of congenital vascular malformation, we have a leading role in the world in image-guided therapy, and are achieving excellent results from combination therapy for liver cancer.

10. Emergency Radiology Section

As a specialized section of imaging with expertise in reading the images of patients with severe trauma and other emergencies, we contribute to providing medical care to patients 365 days a year.

Departments List

Patients' Rights and Responsibilities

Patients' Rights

1. Right to receive medical care

Patients have the right to receive proper care in a safe setting without discrimination nor should their right to care be violated regardless of their gender, age, religion, social status, nationality, language, race, or physical/mental/financial status. Medical teams shall not refuse to provide care without justifiable reason.

2. Right to be informed and to make an autonomous decision

Patients have the right to obtain full and complete information from their medical team, to ask questions, and to determine their agreement or refusal concerning: diagnosis, treatment (purpose, plans and methods), outcomes of care (including unanticipated outcomes), discharge plan, participation in medical research studies, organ transplantation/donation, etc. Within ethical boundaries, patients may discontinue or refuse treatment, request that the medical team explain and suggest alternative treatments, and reserve the right to make their own decisions.

3. Right to confidentiality

Patients' rights to confidentiality regarding their physical/health status and privacy will not be violated. Patients can expect that all medical records/reports and their personal privacy will be kept confidential unless the patient has given consent or disclosure is permitted by law. To ensure their privacy, patients may be informed that Individuals not directly involved in their care may not be present and that the number of guardians accompanying patients to consultation rooms may be limited.

4. Right to request consultation and mediation

In the event of a medical dispute, patients may request consultation and mediation from an internal or external agency (Korea Consumer Agency, Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency).

5. Right to have values and beliefs respected

Patients will not be discriminated against because of their culture, religious values, or beliefs, and their rights will not be violated.

6. Right to receive care in a safe setting

Patients have the right to receive hospital-provided care where the patient’s medical information is protected and patient safety can be assured. In addition, patients have the right to be protected from possible dangers that can occur in a hospital and to have stability of mind and body.

Patients' Responsibilities

1. Responsibility to trust and respect the medical team

Patients must accurately inform the medical team of their health condition and must trust and respect the medical team's treatment plan. Patients may be responsible for consequences that result from not following instructions.

2. Responsibility to not use dishonest methods for medical treatment

Patients must reveal their identity before receiving any medical care and must not use false or dishonest methods, such as seeking medical care under disguised ownership.

3. Responsibility to abide by all hospital regulations

Patients are expected to treat all hospital staff and other patients with courtesy and respect; to abide by all hospital rules; and to earnestly fulfill their financial obligation to the hospital. Also, patients and their family members are expected to participate in all safety regulations.