Department of Infectious Medicine

'The fresh, pleasing hunch.'
It was the first thing I could feel when I arrived at the Narita international airport. Since I entered university, going abroad to study medicine and foreign cultures is one of my desired dreams. Actually I have met many exchange students from various countries and I learned from them a lot about their cultural values and the ways they think. But this time I wanted to know more about their ways of thinking and living much more directly. It was really certain for me that it will be a priceless experience to get wider view to see my future and mature attitude to embrace the others in a warm way. So I applied for the exchange clerkship program - without any hesitation, but with a confident expectation. Among a variety of specialties, I chose the 'Department of infectious medicine' because I am really interested in internal medicine things, and I heard the infection control system in Japan is really well established so I thought that I could learn a lot not only about academic knowledge but also about practical issues.

In the first morning of clerkship, I introduced myself to all of the staffs and members in the department, trying to show my passion to them. They listened to my speech carefully, gave me a big hand, and greeted me a lot with warm words. Although there was no other student except me in our department, all of the members of our department were really nice and they tried to help me a lot about my hospital life and taught medical knowledge about infectious medicine. Especially, Dr. Taniguchi, Dr. Sakurai, and Dr. Ichimura (Staffs of the department) and Dr. Seki (Junior resident of the department) helped me in various ways. They explained the patients' conditions and every comment by English so I could feel that I am also the member of the department of infectious medicine.

 Chiba University Hospital is the only university hospital in the Chiba prefecture, which has a population of about 6 million people, so there were a plenty of interesting and difficult cases which were consulted from local clinics and hospitals. And because the infectious diseases can occur in any situation to any patient, I could learn a lot about practical knowledge of almost all of the divisions in the hospital as well as infectious medicine. The 4-week clerkship was a valuable program for me because I had only one-week clerkship in the department of infectious medicine, a short period to know the 'charms' of infectious medicine. One of the most interesting things was the 'Infection Control Team (ICT)' activities. It is not that necessary thing for me as a student, but I really enjoyed participating in some conferences and ICT rounds that I've never tried in Korea. It was a really meaningful opportunity to experience applying theoretical knowledge in more practical way, making me think about to be an infection control specialist in the future.

One of the biggest advantages for the medical clerkship in Chiba University Hospital is that it is near Tokyo, the capital city of Japan. I could travel around Chiba, Tokyo, and other near cities with my Korean classmates, Chiba medical school students, and doctors of Chiba University Hospital for every free weekend. I always had nice time with Japanese colleagues, experiencing cultural differences of Japanese people in a various aspects: the lifestyle that always yields to each other, a great courtesy to everyone they meet, and the enthusiastic attitude of their life.

 And now I came back to my daily life in Korea again, recalling and reflecting the meaningful experiences in Chiba University Hospital. I learned a lot about not only medical knowledge but also about Japanese language and cultural things. I think the impression from the department and this exchange clerkship helped me to grow one more step and make my blueprint to be a good doctor. I strongly recommend this program to the students who are interested in foreign medical environment, or who want to get meaningful relationships with foreign friends. (Please don't hesitate!) Finally, I really appreciate to the faculty of Inje University and Chiba University for giving me this priceless opportunity. Thank you.

Gastroenterology & Hepatology

My first connection with Chiba University was 3 years ago when exchange students for PBL program came to our university. I and my friends welcomed them and spent time together. As an international friends we visited each other country and hung out for several times. Maybe this is the motivation brought me again to Chiba University, Japan. I didn't hesitate at all to join international clerkship or which university to go. It was all decided. As I already knew several Chiba University students, it was really helpful for me to ask something or get along with other students. Also, as a dream of becoming globally active doctor, making excellent and clever friends in Japan which is near South Korea is so valuable chance.

One of my admirer professors is major in pancreatobiliary, gastroenterology. I was in subinternship for a month in Feb, 2016. I spent almost every day in endoscopy room and got interested in endoscopic technique. Actually in South Korea, we import Japanese endoscopic machines and endoscopes. When I studied in Feb, I could see many Japanese guidelines and classifications in gastroenterology. I thought Japanese level is high enough for me to learn more and study deeply. Honestly, I am interested in surgery departments but I thought it will be much helpful for me to learn in medicine department cause I can't understand Japanese fluently so I can't learn generally during busy surgery.

My prediction was correct. I could see double-balloon endoscopy which my hospital doesn't perform and I could experience high quality endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and other endoscopic techniques. Every time I go to endoscopic room, they always welcome me and explain nicely with their best effort with English. Sometimes we were happy that some pronunciations of Chinese characters are same in both country. I could see how doctors manage their biopsy samples in order to get relevant histologic diagnosis. It was surprising that in our country doctors just let histologist to do such thing but in Chiba University Hospital they do every single thing to get good results. I really appreciate their kindness and hospitality.

It was hard for me to understand every information in rounding but students and teachers are so friendly that they explain it for me in English. Dr. Taida who was in charge of me during 4 weeks clerkship always tried to help me understanding Japanese criteria and why the treatment was chosen for the patient in Chiba University Hospital. I also met young girl patient with Crohn's disease. She was studying Korean and interested in Korean cultures. It was so glad for me to hear that and I sometimes visit her to say hello. Also, there were old man who underwent ESD for colon cancer and a cleaning woman from Korea. It was pleasure for me to meet those people in foreign country. (Actually it's so close. :D)

I and my friends also attended AME class with Dr. Daniel. Actually I met him two years ago when I visited Chiba University Hospital just for sightseeing. I was so impressed about his class that night that I was always eager to get his lectures. This time I could attend AME classes for 3 times! I think AME program is really helpful for medical students to improve not only interview skills but also English. I hope there such a awesome program in Inje University too. Also, there's lectures from Errol who is a director of Stanford Medicine 25. I could attend them and it was quite shocking for me. (As when I first got Daniel's lecture.) I admired their skills and abilities to perform effective and precise physical examinations.

For my free time, I usually spent my time with Chiba University students. Honestly, I drank a lot of alcohol with my friends. It was interesting for me to experience Japanese izakaya cultures such as 'Nomihodai'. Japanese food was great and delicious, too! I went sightseeing for Tokyo and met my old friends who visited Inje university before. It was so happy for me to keep my old promise that 'I will go to Chiba University to meet you guys.'. We talked about our futures and totally lost track of time chatting.

I thank to everyone who spent their time to make this wonderful program. Especially, Yokosang and Dr. Yamaguchi who take care of us. Every students and faculties were so nice to me and I could learn a lot and earn a lot. I am going to keep contact with them through LINE. I will never forget about this precious experience. I promise I will visit Chiba University Hospital later after I become a real doctor. Above all, thanks again for all faculty members in Inje and Chiba university. It was ほんとうに?しい !!! ありがとうございます。