Severance Hospital’s Echocardiographic Technology Impresses High-Profile Norwegian Doctors

On January 9, Norwegian cardiologist Dr. Eyuvin Sanstaard Anderson began a week-long visit to Severance in order to learn about the hospital’s echocardiographic technologies with Professor Ha Jong-won. Echocardiography is a noninvasive imaging technique used to diagnose and manage patients with suspected or known heart conditions. Dr. Anderson was particularly interested in knowing more about Severance’s methods for diagnosing patients who experience respiratory problems with even minimal amounts of physical activity. 

Dr. Anderson’s visit to Severance came about as a result of a meeting between Professor Ha and Dr. Otto Smisses from the University of Oslo at a November 2014 international symposium hosted by Severance commemorating the 2000^th heart evaluation performed using its own Lee Wan Ghi Echocardiography. Following the symposium, Dr. Smisses, who also serves as chief medical advisor to Norwegian King Harold V, approached Professor Ha to discuss the possibility of using the Lee Wan Ghi echocardiographic technology at the University of Oslo. Professor Ha soon extended an invitation to Dr. Smisses to learn about the technology firsthand; however, due to his professional obligations in Norway, Dr. Smisses was unable to make an extended visit to Seoul. Instead, he sent his high-profile associate Dr. Anderson.

Dr. Anderson was impressed by the quality of Severance’s echocardiography, saying: “It is very specialized, and the medical technicians have a deep understanding of the assessment process, as Dr. Smisses had indicated to me.” He added: “This opportunity to learn at Severance Hospital has been a valuable experience, and I hope to be able to visit again in the future.” 

Thanks to the Lee Wan Ghi Echocardiography, which was introduced twelve years ago, Severance is a world leader in the field. According to Professor Ha, one of the chief architects of this technology: “Having a world-famous scholar visit to learn about the technology means that Severance Hospital’s echo cardiology assessment technology is among the best in the world. I am confident that there will be many more opportunities to share our technology and know-how with other scholars and medical professionals from across the globe.”