Clinical Exchange in Japan

I was fortunate enough to have the privilege to participate in the International Student Clinical Clerkship with the Radiology and Radiation Oncology departments at Nagoya University Hospital. It was an incredible experience, and one which I will never forget. I would like to especially thank Miho Kobayashi for all her help, and Drs Kawai and Kawamura for organising my timetable during the clerkship. The hospitality, kindness and generosity of all the employees at Nagoya University was amazing.

My time in the Radiology and Radiation Oncology departments was eye opening. I was provided one-on-one tutorial education sessions on top of accompanying the doctors on their schedules. Much of the day involved learning about the different imaging modalities, identifying salient features on imaging, and various radiotherapy treatments such as the new CyberKnife. The doctors took the time to patiently give many on-the-job tutorials, and although there were some communication difficulties, as my Japanese is not very advanced, the staff were all extremely accommodating and tried their best to explain in English. As radiology, and to a lesser extent, radiation oncology are not rotations which medical students at my home university in Australia get much experience in or teaching, this clerkship was a totally new experience in more ways than one. I was also able to learn about the health care system in Japan, experience its delivery first-hand and discuss medicine and work-life balance with the doctors.

The clerkship program is incredibly thorough and my questions regarding application and aspects of the program were answered promptly and satisfactorily by the staff at Office of International Affairs. All the clerkship confirmation documents were sent in a timely manner and it was very easy to get in touch with the office both before and during my clerkship. I was fortunate enough to be able to secure accommodation with the clerkship program and Miho was instrumental in assisting me throughout my clerkship. I was encouraged to travel and spend much time immersing myself in the Japanese culture both in and out of the clinical setting. The doctors were extremely helpful and recommended sightseeing spots and other attractions to me, and I was given ample time during my clerkship to enjoy my time in Nagoya and around Japan after concluding my clerkship.

I would highly recommend this program to other medical students interested in both a great and well-organised medical clerkship experience, and a fulfilling time abroad. I learned so much about the Japanese culture and medical system all the while developing myself to be a better future doctor. To all the doctors and staff in the Radiology and Radiation Oncology departments, thank you so much for welcoming and teaching me. To the staff at the Office of International Affairs, much of my positive experience comes from their tireless work and dedication, and I cannot thank you enough.