A Treatment Philosophy That Puts Patients First

Hello, this is Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic, where good hearts reside.

This post is based on content published in 『Monthly Sunyujae』, sharing Dr. Hyocheong Chae’s thoughts on the essence of treatment and the medical direction pursued by Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic. Rather than distinguishing between ‘Western medicine or Korean medicine,’ we convey Dr. Chae’s own words on the mindset of first considering what treatment truly helps the patient, the principle of seeing the person before the illness, and a treatment perspective that embraces both evidence-based medicine and integrated medicine.

It also includes the reason for consistently publishing 『Monthly Sunyujae』 and the desire to convey Korean medicine more accessibly and accurately to patients. We hope this will be helpful to those who have been curious about Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic’s treatments. What is the director’s treatment philosophy?

Suji-gu Korean Medicine Clinic: What I consider most important in treatment is to provide practical help to patients as a ‘doctor who heals well.’ I believe that what is more essential than distinguishing between Western medicine or Korean medicine is to consider what treatment can actually alleviate a patient’s suffering from an integrated medical perspective. The fundamental principle I always remind myself of during treatment is to see the person first, not the illness.

It is paramount to accurately understand the discomfort and concerns a patient experiences and to approach their suffering with empathy. Medicine is not merely a technique for treating diseases; it is a collaborative process where medical staff and patients together find the path to recovery. Therefore, in the consultation room, we spend a lot of time providing thorough explanations, fostering empathy, and building trust so that patients can understand their body’s condition and actively participate in their own recovery process.

As a Korean medicine doctor, I aim to present beneficial management directions to patients by balancing the strengths of traditional medicine with the evidence of modern medicine. Evidence-based careful judgment and an approach that considers the patient’s lifestyle and environment – these two are my unwavering principles in any situation. Ultimately, the treatment philosophy I wish to uphold is very simple.

“The treatment that patients need most, and for this, I, as a clinician, continuously conduct research.” Just like the name Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic, focusing entirely on each and every patient with a good (善) heart – not losing that heart is the treatment I pursue. What is considered most important in the treatment at Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic in Suji-gu, which pursues evidence-based medicine and integrated medicine?

At Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic in Suji-gu, Dongcheon-dong, what I prioritize most in treatment is understanding the patient from an evidence-based and integrated medical perspective. First, when assessing a patient’s condition, I strive to accurately identify what changes are occurring in the body based on objective evidence such as anatomy and physiology. On top of that, I consider the perspectives of traditional Korean medicine, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors together, taking a multi-dimensional approach rather than a single viewpoint to determine the course of treatment.

I believe that when these two approaches are balanced, we can propose realistic and safe management directions for patients that are neither excessive nor insufficient. Monthly Sunyujae, which delivers Korean medicine information and clinic news & communication and promises with patients according to our treatment philosophy. Monthly Sunyujae: “I want to convey Korean medicine more accessibly and accurately.” Dr. Hyocheong Chae, Director of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic in Suji-gu. Why do we continue to create Monthly Sunyujae?

In the consultation room of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic in Suji-gu, Dongcheon-dong patients often

ask in surprise, “Did Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic make this magazine themselves?”

I sometimes hear them say they thought we were a franchise clinic, which is probably because it’s rare for a Korean medicine clinic to publish its own monthly magazine. My reason for consistently publishing Monthly Sunyujae is simple: I want to convey Korean medicine to patients in a more familiar and accessible way.

Korean medicine holds profound value, yet in daily life, there’s often a lack of accurate information or many misconceptions. To correct these and to foster deeper communication with patients by providing helpful content, I started creating the monthly magazine. Furthermore, the treatment process is not solely the doctor’s actions; it’s crucial for patients to accurately understand their illness and actively participate in the treatment for complete recovery.

Now, patients enjoy Monthly Sunyujae and we have patients who happily read it.

“I enjoyed this issue.”

“I was curious about this content, and now I understand it.”

Every time I hear such comments, my sense of responsibility grows, and the time I spend creating the magazine naturally becomes more dedicated. There are times during consultations when I discuss the magazine’s content with patients. As we continue our conversation based on the Korean medicine explanations in the magazine, I see patients gaining a better understanding of their own bodies, and these moments are truly meaningful and enjoyable for me.

For me, Monthly Sunyujae is a warm bridge connecting patients and Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic. I want to continue publishing it consistently with accurate information and our treatment philosophy, making it a valuable channel for communication. Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic will continue to explain Korean medicine not in a difficult way, but in language everyone can understand, and pursue treatments that foster deeper communication with patients.

『Monthly Sunyujae』 is also a record that embodies this spirit, something we want to keep close to our patients. Moving forward, we will continue to be a Korean medicine clinic that communicates more diligently both inside and outside the consultation room, treats with greater care, and helps make patients’ daily lives a little more comfortable.

We hope you will join Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic, which shares valuable information for a healthy life. Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic in Suji-gu pursues evidence-based medicine and integrated medicine.

This post was written directly by the medical staff of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic to provide medical information, in compliance with Article 56(2) and Article 57(3) of the Medical Service Act. The duration and outcome of treatment may vary from person to person, so please consult a qualified practitioner before beginning treatment.