Clinical Exchange in Japan

During my time at Nagoya University, I was offered a four-week rotation with the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes. Although I had studied Japanese for two years at university prior to my placement at Nagoya University, I did not feel that my Japanese skills were sufficient for hospital duties. As expected, on my first day I did indeed find myself struggling to follow what was being said. Fortunately, the members of the endocrinology team were very accommodating and took the time to help translate for me.

My four weeks at Nagoya University consisted of one week of clinical training with the fifth-year Nagoya University medical students, followed by three weeks of attending ward rounds, outpatient clinics, as well endocrinological investigations.

In my first week, I took part in tutorials with the Nagoya University students. Through these tutorials, I got to learn about the differences between Australia and Japan in the management of endocrinological diseases. I also had the opportunity to undertake an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with the students. During the week, I also got to visit to Gifu Prefectural Tajimi Hospital in Tajimi (a city near Nagoya). The week I spent with the students allowed me to make new friends as well as learn about the Nagoya University medical course. My remaining three weeks were spent on the wards. Each day I would attend ward round in the morning, followed by other activities. Each week, I was assigned a patient to follow-up. This involved going to visit the patient on a daily basis to monitor their progress. I was given the opportunity to try and take a history from the patients whose progress I was following. Unfortunately, while I did manage to glean some history, my limited Japanese skills prevented me from getting a complete history so I did end up seeking help from the doctors! During the three weeks, I also had the chance to observe various procedures and investigations, such as somatostatin-analogue injections, thyroid ultrasound-guided biopsies, measurements of basal metabolic rate, and water deprivation testing for suspected diabetes insipidus. Another highlight of undertaking a placement overseas is the opportunity for tourism! During my weekends, I was able to travel to places like Kyoto, Osaka, and Takayama. The doctors and students at Nagoya University Hospital kindly provided me with an array of recommendations for food and travel. I also managed to expand my Japanese language skills and deepen my understanding of Japanese culture through my interactions with the doctors and students. Overall, I have very fond memories of my time in Nagoya and am very glad to have had the opportunity to undertake a placement at Nagoya University Hospital. I was able to learn more about Japan and endocrinology in a very hospitable environment. I highly recommend a clerkship at Nagoya University to any medical students seeking to undertake an overseas placement.