When immigrants come to the United States or reside here for an extended period, they often wonder, "Where should I go when I get sick?"

For Koreans living in the Portland area, the most common answer to that question is OHSU, or Oregon Health & Science University Hospital.

It is not an exaggeration to say that it is the first medical institution mentioned when discussing hospitals in Portland. As the only public medical school-affiliated hospital in Oregon and a research-focused academic medical center, it serves as a major healthcare facility for patients not only from Oregon but also from southern Washington and parts of Idaho.

First-time visitors to Portland often remark on the impressive location of OHSU. The hospital is situated on a hill called Marquam Hill. It is located high enough that the hospital building can be seen from downtown Portland, and there is also a Portland Aerial Tram that connects the city to the hospital. First-time riders often say it feels more like visiting a tourist attraction than going to a hospital. Riding the tram offers a stunning view of downtown Portland and the Willamette River.

The biggest reason OHSU is well-known is not just its size. The quality of medical care is rated as the best in Oregon.

Top-level medical professionals work in various fields, including cardiology, neurology, neuroscience, organ transplantation, pediatrics, and trauma care. In particular, OHSU is the final referral point for patients with severe illnesses that are difficult to treat in general hospitals.

One area particularly well-known among Koreans is cancer treatment. The Knight Cancer Institute at OHSU is highly regarded as a cancer research and treatment facility in the United States. It is famous for its significant growth due to a large donation from Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike.

They invest heavily not only in treating cancer but also in researching technologies for faster detection and early diagnosis of cancer.

There are aspects that surprise Koreans using American hospitals for the first time. Unlike in Korea, where one can directly visit a university hospital, it is common to first see a primary care physician and then schedule an appointment with a specialist. OHSU also operates on an appointment basis, so unless it is an emergency, it is often necessary to book an appointment in advance.

Fortunately, Portland has a relatively good number of medical professionals who speak Korean and offer interpretation services. Large hospitals like OHSU provide various language interpretation services, allowing Koreans who are not comfortable with English to receive care without significant difficulties.

Of course, medical costs in the U.S. can be quite burdensome compared to Korea. However, when insurance is properly applied, one can receive university-level medical care, and in cases of severe illness or surgery, OHSU is considered one of the most trusted options.

Among Koreans living in Portland, there is a saying, "For serious illnesses, go to OHSU."

This reflects the high level of trust in the community, and it is recognized as a hospital that provides the best medical services in Oregon. For those considering moving to Portland, the presence of OHSU can be seen as one of the significant advantages. Health issues are important to everyone, and having a world-class research and treatment facility nearby is a source of greater peace of mind than one might expect.