Clinical Exchange in Japan

I spent four weeks at the Nagoya University at the Cardiology Clinical Clerkship. It gave me an enormous opportunity to experience different approach to medicine, learn a lot from amazing doctors and see medical cases that exist mostly in Japan.

I had my clerkship during summer, so I didn’t have any classes with other students. I had my own plan. In the morning I was at the ECHO room, at the catheter laboratory or Emergency Room. I especially enjoyed staying at the catheter lab: I’ve seen ablation for arythmia, stent placement or coronary angiography. It was all well explained by the doctors. In the afternoons, after lunch, we had tutoring sessions – explaining interesting aspects of cardiology or the research the doctors were currently working on. Every Tuesday there were rounds with the professor Murohara, head of the Cardiology Department, which I found really valuable. Doctors explained different cases, and we were able to examine some patients. We also went to the Intensive Care Unit to see the patients in the critical condition.

It was my first time in Japan, I was anxious about language - I couldn’t speak any Japanese, but this wasn’t a problem. The doctors explained everything in English and were keen to answer our questions.

There was a very warm welcome at the International Office. Before my arrival the answered all of my questions via e-mail, and guided me through all the steps of application. I didn’t have any problems applying although my University wasn’t affiliated to the Nagoya University.

I also experienced some Japanese culture. Nagoya is an excellent place for excursions – well connected to Kyoto or Tokyo. Also around are beautiful smaller towns, which I visited in the weekends. Moreover the doctors of the department introduced us to typical Japanese food and taught us about some customs.

The doctors from the Cardiology Department made me feel very welcome from the first day. I am grateful for this great opportunity. I would highly recommend this program to any student that want to experience something unusual.