Global Perspectives: The Significance of Visiting Scholars in Research and Teaching at the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences - Part 4 of 4: Dr. Joohee Seo, KMD, PhD
BACKGROUND
Joohee Seo, a specialist in Neuropsychiatry within the field of Korean Medicine, has devoted over fifteen years to her work at the National Medical Center in South Korea. Her research focuses on the integration of Korean medicine with contemporary therapeutic methods to address a range of mental health challenges. Joohee has conducted extensive studies on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment, contributing to the development and validation of Korean medicine-based psychotherapy techniques. Her work in public healthcare, particularly with postpartum women, has yielded significant insights into effective postpartum care through the application of Korean medicine. Furthermore, she has investigated the collaboration between Korean and Western medical practices, with the aim of optimizing patient treatment. Joohee has also played a pivotal role in the creation of a disaster trauma manual, offering a comprehensive protocol for employing Korean medicine in disaster mental health support. “These diverse research endeavors underscore my dedication to advancing therapeutic approaches and enhancing patient outcomes through integrative medicine,” Joohee said.
OPPORTUNITIES
Joohee was attracted to the University of Minnesota due to its esteemed reputation, particularly within the field of psychiatry. A close friend and alumna of the institution highly recommended it to her. "I have a profound interest in mindfulness and am eager to explore its clinical applications for patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Lidia Zylowska, MD, a leading expert in this domain, is particularly compelling," said Joohee.
RESEARCH AND CONNECTIONS
Joohee, in her role at a public hospital in South Korea, encounters a diverse patient demographic, including marginalized groups such as North Korean refugees, individuals with alcohol dependency, survivors of domestic violence, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. “This exposure has directed my research focus towards PTSD and trauma,” Joohee noted. Notably, there is significant symptom overlap between trauma and ADHD, which has further led her to investigate the differentiation between trauma-related symptoms and those indicative of pure ADHD. Her doctoral research concentrated on mindfulness, and as a practitioner of Hakomi therapy—a form of mindfulness-based somatic psychotherapy—she possesses extensive experience in applying mindfulness within these clinical contexts. Joohee has expressed that this expertise aligns seamlessly with her research and clinical aspirations at the University of Minnesota. Given the limited research on adult ADHD in Korea, she plans to leverage her experience in Minnesota to publish her findings in international journals. Additionally, Joohee is looking to secure funding to introduce and implement Dr. Lidia Zylowska's Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs) for ADHD Program in Korea. Through her extensive connections in Korea, she is also exploring opportunities to establish collaborative partnerships between the University of Minnesota, her institution (National Medical Center), the National Institute for Korean Medicine Development, and The Society of Korean Medicine Neuropsychiatry to facilitate ongoing research and knowledge exchange.
TIME WITH OUR DEPARTMENT
Joohee seeks to enhance her understanding of adult ADHD and develop advanced clinical competencies in mindfulness-based interventions and integrative methodologies. She is presently engaged in translating Dr. Zylowska's second book, a clinician's guide to mindfulness programs for ADHD, into Korean. Joohee remarked, "Working closely with the author has offered invaluable insights. My goal is to accurately translate and adapt her Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs) for ADHD Program to the Korean context, improving its accessibility and effectiveness for Korean patients." Her time in Minnesota will focus on gaining expertise in the clinical management of adult ADHD, which she plans to apply to her future work in Korea. Joohee is dedicated to using this experience to contribute to the development of integrative approaches to ADHD management, both in her home country and through ongoing collaboration. She expressed her gratitude by saying, "It is an invaluable experience to learn from a team-based clinic. The leadership, inclusivity, openness, support, and sense of solidarity within such a clinic undoubtedly benefit the patients as well. It is truly an honor and a rare opportunity for me to be part of such a wonderful department, and I am deeply grateful for the chance to grow and develop in this environment."
LIVING IN THE USA
Joohee initially had reservations about Minnesota's cold weather, but upon arriving in late February, she found it to be more tolerable than anticipated, with her children in particular enjoying the snow. She was pleasantly surprised by the diverse wildlife in the neighborhoods, including rabbits, squirrels, and fireflies, which delighted her son who has a passion for insects. Joohee also noted that watermelons were unexpectedly affordable, and her husband, affectionately known as ‘Watermelon Man’, consumes them almost daily. A novel experience for her family was swimming in the lake, which she described as “unforgettable.” Additionally, Joohee enjoys exploring the bike paths in West Riverside and Summit Avenue, sampling the local cheeses and American wines, and savoring the variety of berries, which she found to be a “delightful addition to our diet.”
ON A FINAL NOTE
Joohee expressed that her experience here "could not be better," noting that she has been profoundly impressed by the leadership, team-based patient care, acceptance, diversity, and warm hospitality of the people of Minnesota, both academically, culturally, and emotionally.
