Clinical Exchange in Japan

Departments: General surgery, Cardiac surgery, Rheumatology
Period: November – December, 2012

From the beginning of my internship I felt very welcome here and that lasted during my internship. When I had any questions or trouble, I could always have someone to fall back on. Although there was a language barrier, everybody did their best to help me communicate and learn things. So I really want to express my appreciation to the staff here.

In the Gastroenterological Surgery Department, I was allowed to observe and participate in the surgeries. Doctors in the department also gave me a chance to practice endoscopic surgeries on the model. Moreover, learning in the laboratory of the department gave me a wonderful experience.

In the Cardiac Surgery Department, I attended the ward round and observed the surgeries. The professor and doctors were very patient to explain the cases and surgeries to us. And I was deeply impressed by the advanced operation design.

My last two weeks in the Orthopaedics/ Rheumatology Department were quite pleasant. There are some different aspects between China and Japan in this department. In China, Rheumatology is an independent department, while in Japan it belongs to the Orthopaedics Department. Moreover, biologics are much more commonly used in Japan and Health Assessment System is well established here. In this department, I saw many different and interesting cases in the ward and the outpatient room. Doctors were quite helpful to teach me do physical examination for Rheumatoid Arthritis patients, operate the ultrasound machine and so on. They were also very kind to treat me with traditional Japanese food in the restaurant.

Besides what I mentioned above, I got an extra chance to study in the endoscope room thanks to Professor Kasuya’s great help.

In addition, I had a lot of chats with doctors and medical students here and once attended the farewell party of a doctor, which gave me a great opportunity to learn more about the Japanese culture.

These short 5 weeks pass by so quickly, but luckily I have many precious memories of my stay at the Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine.