New South Korea Program Begins
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) welcomed its first student from Seoul National University School of Dentistry (SNUSD), Jae Hyeok (Jerry) Lee, marking the beginning of a new international collaboration.
“This program allows for an academic and cultural exchange between our students and visiting students, simultaneously facilitating their professional and personal growth,” said Rosa Chaviano-Moran, associate dean for admissions. RSDM has several other exchange programs around the globe, stretching from Ireland to Spain to Albania to India.
“Exploring RSDM will enable our student to learn about cutting-edge dental technologies and equipment, and to observe a variety of clinical cases on site,” said Stacy Lee from Seoul National University School of Dentistry’s Office of International Affairs via email. “Through this first visit to Rutgers, we expect that our student will experience a different cultural and educational environment, comparing the education systems of SNUSD and RSDM.”
Lee, a seventh-year dental student graduating next year, spent a week immersed in the RSDM clinics. Lee’s interest in dentistry was sparked early on by his father, who is a dentist in Korea. “I heard a lot of things from him since I was a child,” Lee said. “Those things made me consider pursuing a career in the medical field, but I thought dentistry had the advantage of allowing me to enter society sooner as a general dentist rather than going to medical school.”
Although Lee had visited Los Angeles as a teenager, this was his first time in New Jersey. “I was curious about how dental schools in the US operate, and I also wanted to talk in detail with local American dentists,” Lee explained. “I was told that Rutgers allows externship students to observe surgeries. That was the point.”
During his time at RSDM, Lee shadowed a wide range of treatments across multiple departments, including oral and maxillofacial surgery. “I was amazed at how many cases students handle during their clinical years, which is very different from Korea due to financial and structural problems,” Lee noted. “Also, the relationship between professors and residents was far more collaborative and less hierarchical. I know that it’s based on cultural difference, but it was quite impressive for me.”
Lee also got to meet Korean dental students at RSDM. “I was able to talk with them about the difference of dental school system compared to Korea and daily lives of American dentists,” he said. “I really enjoyed these conversations.”
What left a deep impression on him, he said, were all these new connections he built at RSDM and the school’s atmosphere. “Dr. Chaviano, who was in charge of this [observership] program, was extremely kind and supportive. She is one of the kindest people I’ve met, and the Korean dental students welcomed me so warmly,” he said. “Along with the beautiful night view of the city, this has been an unforgettable and joyful experience.”
