- The Bearer of Little People’s Hearts January 04, 2021
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Oh Eun-Young (Medicine, Entering Class of ‘85), a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, the "National Mentor of Parenting"
The Doctor Who Changed the Perception of Family Counselling
If there is one individual in South Korea to whom anyone would be willing to reveal their most private issues of their family, it would be none other than Dr. Oh Eun-Young (Medicine, entering class of ‘85). She is called as the 'national mentor of parenting,' who has been a representative figure in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry for more than ten years. Even among a handful of experts who had the honor of receiving the "national" title in front of their profession, Dr. Oh might even be the only professional who has sustained the title for such an extensive time while unchallenged. From the mid-2000s to the present, she has expanded her sphere of influence, encompassing various media and lectures as she grasps the attention of millions with her lucid style of speech with a positive and optimistic attitude, but her message remains unchanged-strict yet positive, flexible yet consistent. Her approach that translates professional knowledge as a doctor into everyday language easily comprehensible for the general public, has alleviated the parents' reluctance towards child psychiatry while lowering the threshold for mental counseling in the South Korean society.
The year 2020 was indeed a busy year for Dr. Oh. In addition to her usual work as a child and adolescent psychiatrist, she wrote columns in the daily newspaper, starred in media, managed her personal online channel, and for the needs of the parents and children facing disruptions amidst the COVID-19, she also provided free lectures as well. There were many days when she had to work overtime after seeing the concerned looks of many parents who traveled long distances and waited long hours to consult Dr. Oh.
"There were some people who would grab me in a bus terminal restroom to consult me about their children's issues. I couldn't help but listen to them after seeing the looks of desperation written on their faces."
What is the secret to maintaining a healthy mind despite such a hectic schedule and overwhelming expectations?
"I'm always happy and grateful to be able to take the initiative in doing what I like."
Determined to Be a ‘Good’ Doctor
It was her father's cancer surgery when she was a seventh grader that served as a turning point through which Dr. Oh made the vow to become a doctor. An individual who loved new challenges with many talents and interests in various fields such as singing, calligraphy, and painting, she admitted that it was a decision that came with occasional regret.
"I actually love playing, and whenever I seemed to get distracted I would think about the worries and fears that the family would have when a loved one is sick to concentrate on my tasks."
The 14-year-old girl, who desperately prayed to God for her father's life, recalled the vow throughout her middle and high school.
"I would do my utmost best consistently for a long time when I have a strong motivation for myself. The same applied to studying. Even now when there are times of hardships, there are moments where I would think about stopping, but whenever I see my father who is, fortunately, maintaining a healthy life until now, I would refresh my determination while recollecting the promise I made back then. I think it's God's will."
As Dr. Oh advanced to high school, she had experiences that left huge impacts on her life. Studying in school that emphasized holistic education, she has spent her adolescent years in an environment when she was fully respected as an individual, thus influencing her to establish the lifelong value of "being a good person". It was since then when her dream of simply being a doctor has evolved into being a "good" doctor who could contribute to society while helping the weak and the marginalized.
"I realized that positive energy is delivered for sure. Even at the stage of growth when my personality as an individual has not been fully established, after seeing teachers who would treat us humanely I grew the desire to be a good person just like them. Since then, this desire has been the source of my perseverance."
Choosing Yonsei, the University That Does Not Distinguish Students by Gender
The women's issues were the area of interest for Dr. Oh since young. Doctor was one of the occupational groups in which there was relatively little distinction between men and women as they display their expertise in the profession. After contemplating the best environment to be trained as a good doctor without the restrictions of gender, Yonsei University was the destination she chose to pursue her dream.
"When my parents asked me why it has to be Yonsei, I gave them three reasons. First, Yonsei University's education philosophy seemed to fit with me. Second, I wanted to be trained as a good doctor, and the Severance Hospital seems to be optimal for my growth. Third, Yonsei University seemed to have an open environment, unrestricted by gender. After hearing my reasons, my parents smiled and gladly supported my decision. In fact, how can I know if the school could nurture me? Nonetheless, I wanted to study in an environment where women can be supported wholeheartedly."
And her conviction was not wrong.
"'THE Oh Eun-Young' was my nickname back in the days. I took the initiative to lead every activity I engaged in and studied conscientiously. I do not want to go back to those days though, studying was really stressful (laugher)."
During the Democracy Movement in 1987, reading the hand-written posters posted at the entrance of the Central Library, Dr. Oh has faced an internal conflict between the burden of participating in the protest and the commitment to studying where sustained training is important. After careful consideration, she eventually determined to be more diligent in her studies, making an oath to contribute to democratization and social justice by helping the underprivileged and needy by being properly trained as a doctor. Dr. Oh's understanding of people deepened as she continues to contemplate social participation and self. The decision to choose psychiatry was also because she felt the sublime of God in the face of human suffering.
"I believe every human being has a nature to resemble God. I feel this quality of nobility when I see people suffering in the field. As you know, I face this everyday; seeing individual's pain of being human and fear and anxiety of being human."
Whenever the parents tear up as they talk about their children during the consultation, the positive energy within humans ignites with passion.
"When I share my life with others during the consultations, I gain strength. I think it was a great decision to be a doctor."
Sharing the Positivity With "Oh Eun-Young's Bucket List"
Dr. Oh has launched her YouTube channel, "Oh Eun-Young's Bucket List" last summer. The desire to do things she had wanted to do one at a time has started after her cancer surgery in 2008, and she took the courage to start the channel this year.
“Though I am a very active person, due to my occupation that restricts my life indoors, I have never done anything physical. After writing the bucket list, I realized that all the things I wanted to do were physical activities."
Falling after taking a dog for a jog, learning ballet for seven hours just to showcase a minute-long performance, Dr. Oh thoroughly enjoyed all the processes with a pleasant smile throughout.
"We are the sum of parts. Some are mature, while some are immature. As I age I feel more comfortable with the immature and clumsy parts within me."
Dr. Oh feels joy and gratefulness as she sees the reactions of the audience as they express joy or empathy while watching her 'imperfections'.
"If others see me not giving up in the fifties, the audience might have the confidence that they can do it too, how nice it is to think about it."
Dr. Oh's wish to convey a healthy and positive message to the public has been gradually becoming a reality through "Oh Eun-Young's Bucket List."
It is time for those who are suffering and frustrated by the prolonged COVID Blue to desperately need the resilience of their bodies and minds. Dr. Oh stresses that we are all justified beings worthy of living, with that legitimacy already embedded in us from the beginning.
"Things can turn out disappointing even though we try our best, and we can be misunderstood even when we are honest at heart. Yet, we must firmly hold onto the fact that frustration and suffering cannot undermine our existence. Even if we look like pieces of cloth with holes, we should put our shoulders together and sew the holes together. Why? Because every life has its worth."
"Endure, wait, and greet the next day, you will grow by a span," says Dr. Oh Eun-Young. She is indeed the "good doctor" for all of us.
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