Clinical Exchange in Japan

This was an extremely educational and enjoyable rotation. In spite of not being able to get information directly from patients because of language difficulties, I feel that a great deal was learned through translation and discussion of cases with the General Medicine team. I was able to observe the Japanese system of health care delivery in a number of settings, including inpatient treatment, a hospital clinic, an urban clinic, a rural clinic, and many home visits. This overview of general medicine practice provided many thought provoking instances of personalized, convenient, and timely prevention and treatment that will hopefully guide my work in the US. I was also able to participate in the discussion of interesting inpatient cases involving infectious disease through Dr. Takami’s invitation to join him at Infection Control Team meetings, and in addition, had opportunities to socialize with the team, which helped me to understand team dynamics here, and individual residents and attendings more effectively.