The words ‘Organ Transplant’ are awkward to us. Particularly Organ Translate Coordinator (OTC) arouses curiosity in us. In this issue, we will learn about Kim Yu-jin, who is the OTC in Eulji University Hospital.-Ed.

Q : What does the OTC do in the hospital?
A : The OTC helps people whose organ control ability is problematic to receive somebody’s organ. We coordinate registering in the Korean Network for Organ Sharing and matching to a patient. When the organ transplant is within the family, we check the organ giver and the organ receiver to confirm they can transplant their organ. Sometimes, we harvest organs after a death.
Q : Why did you decide to be an OTC?
A : I didn’t learn about organ transplants. I worked in an operating room and I was a nurse’s aide. The Organ Sharing Center was built in Eulji University Hospital in 2006. At that time, the center was inviting supporters. I didn’t know anything, but I supported it with passion.
Q : When do you feel happy during work?
A : I feel valued every day. When an intensive care patient is discharged from hospital after surgery and says, “Thanks very much,” I feel worthy. When I meet a transplanter in the hospital. I ask them how they are doing, I feel valued too. When I see a completely recovered patient in the hospital, I think, ‘I have not labored in vain.’
Q : When is the arduous time in your work?
A : After surgery, if a patient passes away, I have a rough time when I have to meet a patient’s parents. I don’t have my own time. When I have an important engagement, I am absent from the hospital. However, on that occasion, there might the an urgent patient. Then, I cancel the engagement, go to hospital and do surgery. I realize it is hard to be an OTC
Q : If you get stress in your work, how do you overcome that?
A : ‘You might as well enjoy the pain that you cannot avoid.’ As you know, I can’t avoid my work. Then, I work hard. It sounds silly. However, I must do it. After work, I cry unrestrainedly. If I do that, most of my stress abates.
 
Q : Advice for juniors
A : These days, nurses are different from our generation’s nurses. They can’t bear hard work. There is no easy work. The most important thing is how to overcome it. You think this work is too hard, but you must not avoid your mission. I recommend you to ask for help to your senior official. They have learned more than you. They can be your life guide.