Kwak Yeon-soo is a digital editor at The Korea Times creating, editing and curating digital content for the newspaper’s website, mobile app and social media. She previously covered a diverse array of cultural, political and business topics.
'Korea's dermatology devices well-received abroad'
By Kwak Yeon-soo
In Sung-il, the dermatologist at Charm Skin Clinic / Courtesy of Charm Skin Clinic
By Kwak Yeon-soo
Dermatologist In Sung-il not only treats patients but also develops medical devices by partnering with technology companies.
Recently, In has been testing prototype of newly developed augmented reality (AR) glasses at his clinic. The dermatologist believes there are many benefits of AR when he sees patients.
“The AR glasses allow more accuracy because I no longer have to stare back and forth between the screen and the patient. It's more efficient,” he said.
In said that as a dermatologist, he has found the need to develop new technological devices that can be used to increase efficiency and improve patient care.
“Of course, there are many advanced medical devices, including domestically developed ones, already available on the market,” In said. “However, I also want to contribute to developing more precise and accurate devices for dermatological treatments.”
According to In, he first asks medical device companies if they have the device he is thinking of, and if they don't, he suggests developing one together.
“I usually buy shares of the company that is willing to work with me, and then make suggestions as a shareholder. That's basically how it works,” he said.
The dermatologist said his interest in developing medical devices came from his desire to provide high-quality medical services and his general interest in technology.
“Before attending medical school, I majored in electrical engineering. Since then, I've always had an interest in developing new technological devices,” he said.
It takes approximately one to five years to go through all the processes, going from the idea to commercialization, according to In.
“Another recent experiment I did was automatizing laser pigmentation treatments that can reduce the recovery period.”
According to In, the recovery time can be reduced from nine months to three weeks if treated with the newly developed device.
“I'm still testing its effectiveness, but I'm confident it will become a success,” he said.
In also shared his thoughts on advanced aesthetics techniques and treatments in Korea, lauding its rapid development in recent years.
“About 70 percent to 80 percent of Korea's laser treatment devices are for export. Skin care treatment devices are well-received in overseas markets, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the U.S.,” he said.