Topic.9 Medical tourism

[partrita]

Medical tourism

Mark and Sabrina discuss the pros and cons of medical toursm.

Mark : My father is a plastic surgeon and he's somehow gotten it into
his head that now is the time for his practice to make its foray into
the lucrative business of medical tourism. He has me doing all sorts
of research for him: accreditation regulations and procedures,
marketing know-how, etc. While I applaud his endeavors to keep up with
the times and get in on the act, it's such a manifold issue which is
causing me a lot of grief.

Sabrina : I've heard that the medical tourism industry is booming in
many countries. There are many factors leading to the increasing
popularity, such as affordability, no wait times, more options, plus
many choose to do a bit of touring on the side. It sounds like a win-
win situation to me!

Mark : While that could be true, there are also possible risks to be
contemplated. Like with any surgery, you have to thoroughly explore
your options and research the facility and mediccal staff before
making any decisions. If you come across a deal that seems too good to
be true, you have to make sure they aren't cutting corners that could
potentially yield disastrous results.

Sabrina : I heard that Korea is one of the "hot destinations" for
medical tourism, particulary cosmetic procedures.

Mark : That's right. Korea had 27,480 foreign-based patients in 2008
and the Korean Ministry of Health expects that number to increase to
140,000 by 2015. However, there have also been negative reports of
some hospitals practicing discriminatory pricing poilcies and charging
foreign patients exorbitant fees that are many times the regular
domestic cost.

Sabrina : I expect that with the continued increase in this profitable
industry, the government will establish a more comprehensive
regulatory body to practive greater supercision over the
establishments wishing to provide this service.



Language Note

foray : a verture or an initial attempt, especially outside one's
usual area, 침략, 급습, 진출
ex) The singer occasionally made her foray into Hollywood films.
accreditation : the act of accrediting or the state of being
accredited, 인정, 인가
ex) Making sure that your college has accreditation is important
because it ensures high academic standards and quality.
get in on the act : to go along with, 한몫하다
ex) My father was finally getting in on the act by purchsing his first
web browsing phone.
manifold : of several different kinds; multiple, 많은, 여러 가지의, 다방면의
ex) The collapse of their marriage had manifold reasons and the couple
couldn't pinpoint one particular reason for their split.
contemplate : to consider carefully and at length; meditate on or
ponder, 고려하다, 생각하다
ex) Harry was contemplating whether or not to call Sally for a second
date.
cut corners : to take shortcuts; save money or effort by finding
cheaper or easier ways to do something
지름길로 가다, 돈[시간,노력]을 절약하다
ex) The accountant who tried to cut corners was caught by auditors.
exorbitant : in excess of what is reasonable; excessive; extravagant;
immoderate, 과도한, 지나친
ex) When he looked at his credit card statement for the month, he was
shoked to find that his wife had spent an exorbitant sum of money
shopping.
regulatory : restricting according to rules or principles, 단속하는, 규정하는
ex) To be told that he could no longer pursue his dream of becoming an
athlete was like receiving a fegulatory death sentence.
establishment : any large organization, institution, or system, 기관, 시설
ex) This establishment has been around this city for over two decades
and it has seen many changes throughout.



Q1) Have u tried a plastic or cosmetic surgery in ur life? tell me
about it if possible.

Q2) Do u have any plan to get a cosmetic surgery in the near future?
Which part that will be?

Q3) Are there any countries which are famous for plastic or cosmetic
surgery?

Q4) Why do you think they are famous?

Q5) What do we need to promote medical tourism in Korea?

Q6) Any are there theme tourisms we can boost in Korea?

Q7) What is ur most impressive place u have ever visited in Korea &
Overseas?

Q8) Tell us why it is that good?

Q9) Where would u like to visit in the future?