For Korean residents in the Portland area, when faced with emergencies or serious illnesses, the name that often comes up alongside OHSU is Legacy Emanuel Medical Center.

This facility is not just an ordinary hospital; it is well-known as the "hospital to go to when an accident occurs."

Legacy Emanuel Medical Center is a large hospital with over 550 beds located in northeast Portland, operating Oregon's highest-rated Level 1 Trauma Center.

Level 1 refers to the highest level of medical facilities capable of treating life-threatening emergency patients, such as those involved in traffic accidents, gunshot wounds, falls, and severe trauma.

To put it simply from a Korean perspective, if OHSU is the best university hospital in Oregon, Legacy Emanuel is particularly strong in emergency and trauma care.

In fact, there are not many Level 1 trauma centers in Oregon, and Legacy Emanuel has been fulfilling this role for decades.

The hospital is equipped with facilities that allow emergency helicopters to land directly on the roof, enabling the transport of critically ill patients from across Oregon.

Another well-known reason is its burn treatment. The Oregon Burn Center is located at Legacy Emanuel, recognized as the only specialized burn treatment center between Seattle and Sacramento.

It has received high praise, with severe burn patients being transported here from several states.

For families, it is also well-known as a children's hospital.

Randall Children's Hospital operates within the hospital campus.

It offers various pediatric specialties, including neonatal intensive care, pediatric emergency care, and pediatric cancer treatment, earning the trust of parents in the Portland area.

One of the biggest differences between the healthcare systems in Korea and the U.S. is the approach to university hospitals and large hospitals.

In Korea, people often make appointments at university hospitals when they are sick, but in the U.S., most receive specialized care through their primary care physician. However, in cases of traffic accidents or serious emergencies, ambulances often transport patients directly to Legacy Emanuel.

Among Koreans in Portland, discussions comparing OHSU and Legacy Emanuel frequently arise.

Generally, OHSU is noted for its strengths in cancer, rare diseases, and research-focused treatments, while Legacy Emanuel is highly regarded in the fields of trauma care, emergency medicine, and burn treatment. In fact, both hospitals have played significant roles in the development of Oregon's trauma system.

For Koreans considering a move to Portland, the healthcare environment is as important as good school districts or housing prices.

In that regard, Legacy Emanuel Medical Center serves as a strong safety net for residents in the Portland area.

While we hope to never need it, it is recognized as a medical institution providing top-level emergency medical services in Oregon during critical moments.