Clinical Exchange in Japan

Welcome to Japan and Nagoya University school of Medicine!

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Experience report

Name: Tuyet-Nhung Nguyen
School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States
Study Period: 9 April 2018 to 18 May 2018
Departments: Anesthesiology, Geriatrics

I had the honor of studying for six weeks at Nagoya University, split evenly between the Departments of Anesthesiology and Geriatrics. In the Department of Anesthesiology, I was able to observe various operations and learn about innovative methods of pain control. I was also taught ways to improve my bag-mask ventilation technique. One attending even allowed me to place an arterial line in his own arm when I expressed a desire to learn. In the Department of Geriatrics, I attended daily work rounds, watched student presentations, and attended lectures. I learned about the Japanese health system, diseases of the aging population, and echocardiography in one of the most technologically advanced simulation centers I have ever seen.

Over the course of my stay, I had the fortune of meeting and befriending many patient and gracious people. My knowledge of Japanese was severely limited, so I relied on the kindness of others in the most mundane of tasks. Everyone worked hard to welcome me to this wonderful country. I appreciated the great lengths that were taken to enhance my educational experience despite language and cultural barriers. Faculty and students painstakingly translated terms for me on rounds. Medical students braved lectures given in English. The Anesthesiology and Geriatrics Departments invited me to their welcome parties and introduced me to the wonders of izakayas and Hamburg steak. I treasured every “Good morning!” and “Ohayou gozaimasu!” from strangers in the hallway. I may not have understood all the words being spoken, but the kindness behind these gestures rang loud and clear.

Outside of the hospital, I was able to partake in the unique sights and cultural experiences that Japan had to offer. I watched the ninja show at Nagoya Castle, admired the view at Oasis 21, and fawned over the cute koalas at Higashiyama Zoo. Just in the Sakae area, I was able to participate in the 2nd Indonesia Week 2018, Nagoya Brazil Festival, Wakamiya Festival, and the Sakae Minami Music Festival. The central location of Nagoya also enabled me to visit Osaka and Tokyo by bus. I will never forget the taste of authentic okonomiyaki from Dotonbori or the majestic size of the lantern at Asakusa Shrine. But most importantly, I enjoyed singing karaoke and purchasing discounted bento boxes at Yagoto station with my friends from the international dormitory.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend this study abroad program to my peers. As I stayed for such an extended period of time, I was able to immerse myself in the Japanese way of life. It was eye-opening to be able to observe the differences in values and practices between Japan and the United States. I was most amazed by the amount of respect that the NU medical staff displayed towards their patients. For example, patients were allowed to walk into the operating theater and take off their own clothes under a blanket to preserve their modesty. Respect for the patient’s dignity was placed above efficiency. As a future member of the American medical system, I hope to bring this same attitude back home along with a new and refreshing worldview.



Top: Karaoke night with dormitory friends
Middle: Last meal with Anesthesiology medical students
Bottom: Dinner at Pompompurin café with other Johns Hopkins students

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