Clinical Exchange in Japan

This may have been my first trip to Japan, but given the outstanding experience offered through my exchange trip to Nagoya University, it will not be my last. My fascination with Japan- and admittedly my initial interest in the exchange itself- stemmed from a keen interest in the country’s food culture. While I had no shortage of delicious cuisine in the country- the relationships developed and the culture explored offered a far richer takeaway.

It has been my experience that international travel affects the participant by order of magnitude: ranging from short-lived novelties to new philosophies that we integrate into our own lives. Assuming open-mindedness, as an American, the quirks of Japan will time and time again delight and charm you- from the ever-present cartoons adorning all manner of business to the plethora of new selections at the ubiquitous convenience stores. However, where this particular trip excels is in its ability to move its students past the surface level tourism to deeper, more meaningful experiences and relationships. Without exception, the residents, students, staff and attending doctors were all so welcoming and accommodating. Given my very limited Japanese proficiency, I had some reservations going into this trip about my abilities to function in the hospital, however, these concerns were quickly assuaged by the great efforts of my Japanese counterparts to translate and accommodate my visit.

During my four weeks at Nagoya, I split my time between dermatology and infectious disease services. As a highly visual and procedure oriented field, dermatology ended up being a great fit for my limited language skills. Given my impending future as an internal medicine resident, the physicians I worked with gave special consideration to exposing me to both the common dermatologic disease manifestations I would see in my own career, as well as pathologies more commonplace in Japan. I was very grateful for the opportunity to scrub into several surgeries, where I was keen to learn the unique features of the Japanese OR. Culminating with a department wide, farewell dinner, my two weeks felt very well spent.

Likewise, on the Infectious Disease service I engaged with pathologies and antibiotic usage distinct to the Japanese context with a group of highly engaged and passionate physicians. Infectious Disease in Japan is much more hands on than in America, with the physicians taking ownership of cultures and microbe testing. It was refreshing to see doctors so engaged with the basic sciences that often gets left behind or outsourced to other departments in America. I left this service feeling invigorated and motivated to maintain my roots in the laboratory as a practicing physician.

All in all, I feel extremely lucky to have been able to smoothly incorporate this international experience into my fourth year of medical school. The first hand experience of witnessing how another advanced country interacts with their healthcare will be invaluable as I move into my own burgeoning career as a doctor. Likewise, the graciousness with which the members of the Nagoya University community embraced my visit has forever inspired me to show the same level of accommodation when I encounter international students in my own career. This exchange has been amazingly positive for me and one I hope will continue for other students for years to come.