Nivedita Rajivさん

This summer, I had the opportunity to participate in a four-week Global Health Student Exchange visit from June 12, 2025, to July 11, 2025, at Hyogo Medical University in Japan. As an immigrant to the United States, I have always been fascinated not only by cultural differences but also by the stark contrast between healthcare systems in different countries. I decided to join this program because of my curiosity to learn more about how healthcare operates in Japan compared to the U.S. Looking back, I truly believe the insights gained from this experience will not only enhance how I approach cultural and language differences with my future patients but also make me a stronger advocate for healthcare system advancement as I progress through my career. I spent the first two weeks with the Department of Lower Gastrointestinal Surgery and the final two weeks with the Department of Otolaryngology. The option to select the specialties I could observe was one of the main reasons I chose this program, as it offered me my first real exposure to the OR.

During my time in the Lower GI Department, I truly felt like part of the team. On day one, Dr. Kataoka gave me a tour of the hospital, and I observed my first surgery the same day! It was an incredible experience to be surrounded by highly skilled surgeons who genuinely cared about teaching. Under the guidance of Dr. Kimura, Dr. Ikeda, and Dr. Imada, I observed several mainly oncological cases and received detailed explanations of the pathophysiology behind them. I found the laparoscopic procedures—especially those using the Da Vinci robot—fascinating. I will never forget the opportunity to touch and feel a resected tumor before lymph node dissection for biopsy. The entire two-week experience gave me a deep appreciation for the immense sacrifices made by surgeons, as many operations lasted over eight hours, with the longest lasting 14 hours.

My rotation in Otolaryngology was also full of new learning experiences, including procedures I had never seen before, such as endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). I had the chance to observe both Head and Neck surgeries and Rhinology procedures, as well as outpatient clinics. I found the surgical rounds particularly interesting, as they differed from the U.S. approach. Instead of visiting patient beds, the healthcare team stayed in a room with different stalls, where pre-op and post-op patients arrived for assessment, after which the team discussed care plans. The Otolaryngology team included both junior and senior residents, who actively engaged in our learning. At the end of my first week, the team took us out to an Italian restaurant for a welcome dinner—an unforgettable evening filled with fun and laughter.

In both departments, I learned an immense amount, thanks to the attending surgeons who even let us scrub in so we could better understand the procedures. Before each case, the surgeons reviewed radiologic images and patiently answered all my questions. I am truly grateful for the warmth and kindness shown to me throughout my rotations.

On weekends, we traveled around Japan to fully experience its rich culture through sightseeing and delicious food. One of my favorite memories was reconnecting with Japanese exchange students from Hyogo Medical University who had visited our campus a few months earlier. We had dinner at a hotpot restaurant and spent hours at a board game café.

My time in Japan was truly life-changing—not only in terms of personal and professional growth but also in giving me the opportunity to fully immerse myself in a rich and beautiful culture. Through observing
two specialties I had no previous exposure to, I gained valuable clarity on my career goals. The friendships and connections I made during this trip will always hold a special place in my heart. I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who extended their kindness and hospitality to us—the professors, nurses, residents, medical students, and staff at Hyogo Medical University. If you're an international student considering an exchange program, I highly recommend Hyogo Medical University for their exceptional Global Health Program.