Samsung Medical Center

Samsung Medical Center (SMC), located in Seoul, South Korea, stands as a pillar of medical excellence in Asia. Since its establishment in 1994, SMC has been dedicated to a patient-centered approach, a mission that permeates every aspect of its operations, including its world-class Sleep Medicine Center. The center is an integral part of the Department of Neurology and has earned a reputation for its comprehensive and advanced care for a wide spectrum of sleep disorders.

The Sleep Medicine Center at SMC is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its patients by providing accurate diagnoses and effective treatments for conditions such as sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and circadian rhythm disorders. The center's philosophy is rooted in a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together experts from neurology, pulmonology, otolaryngology (ENT), and psychiatry to create individualized treatment plans. This collaborative spirit ensures that each patient receives holistic care that addresses all facets of their sleep-related issues.

At the heart of the center's diagnostic capabilities are its six state-of-the-art polysomnography labs. These labs are equipped with the latest technology to conduct over 1,400 sleep studies annually. Polysomnography, an overnight sleep study, meticulously records brain waves, breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rhythm, and body movements. This detailed data allows the specialists at SMC to pinpoint the underlying causes of sleep disturbances with remarkable precision. The center's commitment to technology is also evident in its use of advanced neuroimaging and electrodiagnostic tests, which further aid in providing precise diagnoses.

When it comes to treatment, the Sleep Medicine Center at SMC offers a wide array of options tailored to each patient's unique needs. For sleep apnea, the most common treatment is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, and the center provides comprehensive support to ensure patients can comfortably and effectively use their CPAP devices. Beyond CPAP, the center offers a variety of other treatments, including medication, biofeedback, and cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). For patients who may not be candidates for or have not found success with CPAP, the center explores other avenues, including oral appliance therapy and, in some cases, surgical options in collaboration with ENT specialists.

The team of specialists at the Sleep Medicine Center is a cornerstone of its success. Led by renowned neurologists with specialized training in sleep medicine, the team is dedicated to staying at the forefront of the field. Doctors like Professor Eun Yeon Joo, with her extensive expertise in a range of sleep disorders, and Dr. Hearee Park, who specializes in sleep disorders and epilepsy, exemplify the high level of skill and dedication within the team. The specialists at SMC are not only clinicians but also active researchers, contributing to the global understanding of sleep medicine through their work.

Samsung Medical Center's commitment to excellence is further underscored by its numerous accreditations, including from the Joint Commission International (JCI). The hospital is also recognized for its advanced medical IT infrastructure, being the first in the world to achieve the highest Level 7 in four of the six areas of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) maturity models. This dedication to quality and innovation ensures that patients at the Sleep Medicine Center receive the safest and most effective care possible. The center also caters to a global audience, with interpretation services available in multiple languages, including English, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, and Mongolian, making it an accessible choice for international patients seeking top-tier sleep medicine care.