One of the coolest opportunities I had during my internship was being invited to observe a live surgery at Seoul National University Hospital. Since our lab develops technology for healthcare, getting to see the environment where these tools are actually used was something I didn’t want to miss.

Before going into the operating room, I had to change into hospital scrubs, put on a hairnet, shoe covers, and a face mask. There were a lot of steps just to enter the room.

The procedure was a laparoscopic gastrectomy, where surgeons remove part of the stomach using several very small incisions and specialized instruments. I was standing only a few feet away from the operating table, so I had a much closer view than I ever expected. It was definitely graphic at times, but I was surprised by how calm and organized everything felt. Everyone in the room knew exactly what they were responsible for, and the surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists worked together almost without saying much.

What stood out to me the most was how much technology was involved. Large monitors displayed the laparoscopic camera feed, patient information was visible throughout the room, and every piece of equipment had a specific purpose. Seeing all of that in person helped me understand why good interface design matters in healthcare. The information on those screens needs to be clear, easy to read, and available immediately because medical professionals rely on it while caring for patients.

Even though I don’t think I’ll ever become a surgeon (I’ll happily leave that to the experts), the experience made me even more interested in healthcare technology. Being able to see the clinical environment firsthand gave me a better understanding of the people who will eventually use the kinds of applications I’ve been designing this summer. It was easily one of the most memorable experiences of my internship.

Trip to Gyeongju: