Christin Breidenbachさん

My 30-day clinical internship in the hospital of the Hyogo Medical University was an outstanding experience that significantly enriched both my medical knowledge and my personal development. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the welcoming and respectful atmosphere. Every member of the staff demonstrated remarkable kindness and a genuine interest in teaching. What I appreciated most was the consistent effort to involve me in daily routines and to explain clinical concepts thoroughly. Also our first welcoming with Tomoka Shimada was really nice and hospitable. She brought us to our guest house and gave as a guided tour of the hospital on our arrival. The internship was structured into two rotations: the first two weeks in the Department of Radiology and the following two weeks and two days in the Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT). Both rotations provided unique insights and complemented each other in an excellent way. Furthermore, both departments kindly invited me to a dinner, which I truly appreciated and which made me feel very welcomed and included.

During my time in radiology, I was exposed to a broad spectrum of diagnostic and interventional procedures. A particularly valuable aspect of this rotation was the individualized teaching approach. In many situations, doctors took time for one-on-one sessions to go through CT and MRI scans with me. They carefully explained anatomical details, pathological findings, and diagnostic reasoning, which greatly enhanced my understanding. This level of personal instruction was something I had rarely experienced before and found extremely beneficial. The highlight of my radiology rotation was undoubtedly the time spent in interventional radiology. I was frequently allowed to scrub in and stand directly at the table under sterile conditions. This gave me an exceptional perspective on the procedures and made me feel actively involved. Among the interventions I observed cryoablations, brachytherapy applications, vascular angiographies, embolization procedures and percutaneous biopsies. I also had the chance to observe additional techniques such as radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation and drainage placements. Watching these minimally invasive procedures up close was fascinating, and I was impressed by the precision and coordination required. The physicians consistently explained each step, ensuring that I could follow the process and understand the clinical decisions behind it. In addition to interventional radiology, I had the opportunity to explore other subspecialties within the department. I spent time in nuclear medicine, where I was introduced to imaging modalities such as PET scans and learned about their role in diagnosing and staging diseases. I also visited the radiation therapy unit, gaining insight into treatment planning and oncological care. In every area, the staff made a great effort to teach and involve me, which made the experience particularly rewarding.

The second half of my internship was spent in the ENT department, which offered a completely different but equally engaging experience. Approximately half of my time was dedicated to the operating room. There, I observed a wide variety of surgical procedures involving the head and neck region. These included septoplasty, endoscopic sinus surgery, tympanoplasty, tonsillectomy, and various neck surgeries. One especially memorable operation was a parotidectomy, which required careful dissection due to the proximity of the facial nerve. The surgical team was extremely supportive and always willing to explain the procedures in detail. Despite the demanding nature of the operating room, they took time to answer my questions. This made it much easier to follow the operations and understand the underlying techniques. Outside of the operating room, I spent the remaining time in the outpatient clinic and in teaching sessions for medical students. In the clinic, I observed patient consultations, diagnostic examinations, and treatment planning, which gave me valuable insight into everyday clinical workflows. I was also regularly included in student teaching sessions, allowing me to learn alongside Japanese students. One particularly interesting experience was practicing endoscopic techniques on a simulation model, which helped me better understand the practical aspects of ENT examinations.

Beyond the hospital, my stay in Japan was equally memorable on a personal level. I lived in a guest house together with another German medical student, located just next to the hospital, which made daily life very convenient. Sharing this experience allowed us to reflect on what we had learned each day and made the entire stay even more enjoyable. A particularly special aspect of my time in Japan was the connection with Japanese medical students. They welcomed us with great warmth and openness from the very beginning. We often met after work to have dinner together, try different Japanese dishes, and spend time playing card games. These moments created a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and gave me the opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture and student life. During our free time, we were also able to explore the surrounding region. We spent time discovering Osaka and its vibrant city life, and we went on several unforgettable trips. Among the highlights were visits to Hiroshima, Nara and Kyoto, each offering unique cultural and historical impressions. These experiences added an important cultural dimension to my internship and made my stay even more meaningful.

In conclusion, this internship was not only a valuable clinical experience but also a deeply enriching personal journey. I gained new medical knowledge, improved my practical understanding, and experienced a different healthcare system firsthand. At the same time, I built meaningful connections and created lasting memories outside the hospital. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the doctors, nurses, students and staff who supported me during my stay. Their kindness, patience, and dedication made this experience truly exceptional. I am very thankful for the opportunity to have been part of this program, and I will always look back on this time with great appreciation.