Clinical Exchange in Japan

It was really an honor for me to have this chance to rotate the hematology and dermatology department in Nagoya University Affiliated Hospital. The 5 weeks in Nagoya would truly be a special memory that I will treasure for a life time. The first two weeks I was in the hematology department. Mostly I was in the inpatient ward, and there I met professor Kiyoi, and Dr. Teragura, whose profound knowledge impressed me so much. And it’s very thoughtful of them to do the professor’s round in English, during which they showed us some rare cases which are mostly seen in Japan such as ALT. For the next three weeks I’ve been in the dermatology department. I was very lucky to meet professor Akiyama, a world-renowned dermatologist and researcher on inherited skin disorder. Actually I’ve been always wanting to be a dermatologist, and I am very interested in genodermatosis. So it’s indeed a precious opportunity to share ideas on ichthyosis research progress with him and to admire his work.Working with him is truly a once in a life-time experience. Besides, the atmosphere there is wonderful as every day the doctors and I would have lunch together during which we share ideas and opinions, not only about medicine but culture as well. They even invited me and my classmate to their annual department celebration where we all had a wonderful time together. I was so touched by how considerable and accommodating they were.

What’s more, I also take the chance to go outside Nagoya and visit other cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Me being a Japanese learner, the temples from the ancient times in Kyoto, the scene from the animation in Tokyo, have long been in my dream. I still remember the time I went to Tokyo to see the garden Shinjukugyoen, which was mentioned in <the garden of words>, as I saw the pond reflecting the pavilion, it’s like I have got to understand the meaning of wabi and sabi in Japanese.

5 Weeks are indeed, too short for me to fully understand the whole medical system in Japan and to memorize all those beautiful, beautiful scenery of autumn in Nagoya, but this project gave me the opportunity to take a glimpse of how the doctors in Japan work and how the healthcare system is functioning. I want to thank all the doctors and staff in the hospital and on campus, and those warm-hearted people I have encountered during my stay in Japan. Their kindness and generosity were the things I’ll never forget!