Clinical Exchange in Japan

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Experience Report

Shulun Zang from Tulane University, USA
Period:2015/3/30-4/28

My experience started like many others, through the words of friends of what an invaluable experience it was spending a month in Japan working under a completely different healthcare and cultural environment. I can now say, it truly was. From the moment I had set foot onto Chubu International Airport, the kindness and respect of the Japanese people was felt immediately. From the patience displayed by everyday service workers willing to help out a clueless American to their next destination, to the countless residents, research fellows, and attending physicians who did not mind putting aside their busy schedule to provide “Omotenashi” to visiting guests in their hospital, what an experience it was to see the virtues of the Japanese people displayed perfectly in their interactions with those in need.

I am forever grateful for this unique, yet wonderful opportunity provided by Nagoya University. In my few weeks rotating with the Respiratory and Gastroenterology department, I was exposed to the cultural differences of medicine between Japan and the US. Seeing specialist who had chosen their career paths based on personal interests along the backbone of a diligent working society, I was awed by the dedication of the Physicians I came to know. Stark contrast stands between the health care work forces of the two countries, I think both sides have much to learn from one another and exchange programs like this serves as a perfect bridge.


With the wonderful Respiratory Department

From the countless Shinto Shrines of Fushimi Inari, to the inescapable draw of fashion sense in Harajuku; from the Kishimen noodles and Hitsumabushi of Nagoya, to the amazing Yakiniku and Sukiyaki hot spots down random alleyways in Tokyo; from the late night Hanami under a sea of blooming Sakura, to the businessmen packed last train home; this was my experience in Japan. A wonderful society where the pursuit of p erfection is shown in its people’s dedication, and its respect to its past shown in its preservation of tradition.


With Drs. Naozumi Hashimoto, Norihito Omote, and Akira Ando

A special thanks to Dr. Naozumi Hashimoto, Ms. Kumiko Shimohata, the Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Department of Gastroenterology, and the dedicated staff at Yamate International dormitory.

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