Angelica Colonさん

This summer, I was granted the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program at Hyogo Medical University in Japan, and it was one of the most meaningful and unforgettable experiences of my medical education. I spent the entire program in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department, and I was blown away by everything I witnessed and learned in only three weeks.

One of my first experiences was observing an oocyte retrieval for IVF therapy done by Dr. Hayashi. When we think of OB/GYN, we often think of gynecology or the delivery of babies, but forget the struggles that come with infertility and the demanding trials and tribulations many women must go through to create a family of their own. It was amazing to see a different side of Obstetrics and Gynecology and to recognize the emotional and personal challenges that accompany fertility treatment. I also had the opportunity to observe my first-ever cesarean section; it was truly amazing to observe how the Pediatrics and OB/GYN physicians worked together while addressing different goals during the surgery.

One of the most incredible procedures I witnessed was a complete hysterectomy and bladder removal for a patient with recurrent cervical cancer using the Hinotori robotic system, done by the program director, Dr. Mabuchi. I was told that this was the first time such a procedure had been performed in Japan using the Hinotori robot. After Dr. Mabuchi removed the uterus and bladder, I was able to observe the physicians examine and document the two organs and the surrounding anatomy. Dr.Takimoto did an amazing job explaining the anatomy and even allowed me to touch and examine the organs myself, seeing the recurrent and original lesions as well as the cysts on the fallopian tubes. It was truly amazing to connect the disease to its physical manifestations, a reminder that something so small has created such a large problem. After the removal, the surgical team worked to find a new connection for the patient’s colostomy bag since the patient would no longer be able to urinate properly. This experience was unlike anything I could have imagined before coming to Japan, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the complexity of both medicine and surgery.

My time in the outpatient setting was equally valuable. I shadowed physicians in fertility, oncology, general gynecology, and prenatal care, allowing me to see what daily life in different subspecialties looked like. At the fertility clinic with Dr. Wakimoto, he took the time to teach me about numerous fertility treatments and their mechanisms of action in patients. I observed Dr. Wakimoto and Dr.Takimoto in the general gynecological clinic, where I saw patients with fibroids, endometriosis, and chocolate cysts, teratomas, cancer, and post-chemotherapy complications. During prenatal care with Dr. Honda and Dr. Tanaka, I learned how to interpret Non-Stress Tests and noticed that every pregnant woman carried a Maternal and Child Health Handbook to document prenatal visits and vaccinations, and it also provided other resources for mothers and physicians. In Nishinomiya, the cover featured Miffy, which I found extremely cute. Seeing this system firsthand inspired me. I truly believe that implementing such a system in the United States would be incredibly beneficial for both mothers and physicians, as it has everything you need in one place.

One of the most surprising things I learned about myself was how much I enjoyed outpatient medicine, maybe even more than surgery. I had always imagined that the most exciting parts of my rotation would be the major surgeries, but I found myself drawn to the process of working through symptoms, using numerous diagnostic tools, and conducting examinations to determine an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan based on results and patient history. I enjoyed seeing the relationships physicians built with their patients over long periods of time, as well as their approaches to different conditions. This experience encouraged me to think more carefully about the type of medicine I may want to practice in the future.

Beyond the medicine, the people I met made this experience truly special. Despite the language barrier, the physicians and medical students at Hyogo Medical University welcomed me with open arms and did everything they could to communicate with me in English. Even when they couldn’t, they still made the effort, and in the end, I had a lot of fun conversations with everyone, getting to know them more personally beyond asking questions about the patients and cases I was observing. I was especially touched by how patient and kind everyone was, even when they were busy. My supervising physicians took the time to explain procedures, answer my questions, and share parts of their lives with me. I became friends with Japanese medical students, Chiaki, Mayu, Yusuke, Yuto, and Kenta, who spent time with me in and out of the hospital. I was invited to dinners, met physicians' families, explored local areas, and even sang karaoke with doctors! After one day at the hospital, I visited Suma Beach to watch the sunset, where I took time to reflect, realizing how much had happened in such a short time and how grateful I was to everyone who had helped make the experience possible.

Leaving Hyogo was incredibly bittersweet. I never expected to form such meaningful friendships or to feel so connected to the physicians and students I met in only three weeks. When the doctors gave me a postcard with pictures of us together, I was incredibly touched. I came to Japan hoping to learn about medicine in another healthcare system, but I left with beautiful memories I could never forget, learning about medicine and friendship. I am incredibly grateful to everyone at Hyogo Medical University who welcomed me, taught me, and shared their lives with me. I want to thank Dr. Iwamoto, Dr. Ueda, Dr. Takeda, and Dr. Oi, who were not mentioned in my report, and express my appreciation to Dr. Mastumae and Dr. Takimoto, who cared for me diligently throughout the entire experience. I am deeply thankful for the funding that made this experience possible. This was truly one of the best ways I could have spent my summer, and I know the lessons, friendships, and memories I gained in Japan will stay with me throughout my medical education and future career.