Voices
Dr. Hiroshi Mizuno, Professor and Chair, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Through my experience studying abroad in the United States when I was young, I came to truly appreciate the importance of international diversity and the mutual respect for different cultures and values. I was deeply moved by the generosity and open-mindedness of the professors there, who inspired even an ordinary international student like myself to grow and awaken to new possibilities. Now that I am in a position to support the next generation, I make it my mission to approach each student with the same spirit, hoping to pass on what I learned from those experiences.
Dr. Naoto Shikama, Professor and Chair, Department of Radiation Oncology
Cancer treatment is constantly evolving, with advances in surgery and systemic therapy significantly changing the role of radiation therapy. Our department is dedicated to clearly defining the role of radiation therapy while providing personalized treatment for each patient. We focus on advanced techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT), and brachytherapy. For cervical cancer, we perform combined intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy under sedation. Our team includes several experts in this field, attracting many physicians and researchers from Japan and overseas who come to learn our techniques.Department of Radiology
Department of Radiation Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine
Dr. Yusuke Takata, Associate Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology
When I was a medical student, I underwent surgery for a vestibular schwannoma, which resulted in single-sided deafness. This personal experience has deeply influenced my medical career. Since then, I have pursued extensive training both in Japan and abroad, including performing surgeries during a clinical fellowship at Gruppo Otologico in Italy. In my practice, I always ask myself: If this patient were a member of my own family, what treatment would I choose? I strive to convey the importance of approaching each case with sincerity and care, treasuring every individual patient encounter.Dr. Yusuke Takata | Mirai Book Academic Profile
Dr. Hajime Orita, Associate Professor, Department of Esophageal & Gastroenterological Surgery
Before I went to study at Johns Hopkins University in 2003, my impression of American healthcare and medical experiences was shaped solely by what I had seen in movies—I viewed them with a sense of admiration from afar. During my time at Johns Hopkins University, I was able to engage not only in research but also to experience clinical practice, including surgery. I felt strongly that these invaluable experiences should not be limited to myself; I wanted young colleagues at Juntendo to have similar opportunities. While such initiatives were not common at the time, I have continued my efforts ever since. In 2019, the International Collaborative Research Institute was established, and more colleagues have joined in strengthening collaborations with overseas institutions. Looking ahead, I hope to continue building an environment where many young faculty and students can thrive on a global stage.International Collaborative Research Administration
Faculty of Medicine Study Abroad Opportunities
Dr. Akihito Nagahara, Professor, Department of Gastroenterology
The Department of Gastroenterology specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of digestive diseases, including those of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, biliary system, and pancreas. At Juntendo University, we are proud to be global leaders in the advanced diagnosis and endoscopic treatment of early-stage gastric and colorectal cancers. In addition to cutting-edge medical techniques, we offer a program that allows participants to experience Japan’s advanced healthcare system and patient-centered care firsthand. We have welcomed numerous international observers in the past and strive to provide learning opportunities tailored to each individual's area of expertise and interest. We sincerely hope that your experience at the Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo University, will serve as a valuable foundation for your future career and global contributions in the medical field.
Dr. Izumi Kawagoe, Professor and Chair, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
Our department consistently welcomes exchange students, ranging from fourth-year medical students to anesthesiology residents, including Brigham and Women's Hospital. Recently, we have increased the intake of students from English-speaking countries, as we believe that teaching them will also enhance the English proficiency of our staff, ultimately contributing to the overall improvement of the university's capabilities.Most students express interest in anesthesiology. At the beginning of each term, I conduct interviews with them to assess their interest in our anesthesiology department, including areas such as the operating room (OR), pain management, ICU, and obstetrics (OB). Based on these discussions, I create individualized schedules for the subsequent 2-4 weeks. Additionally, I regularly contact international students via WhatsApp, providing support not only for their internships but also by fulfilling a supportive, host-like role during their rotation.
As long as patient privacy is maintained, students in the OR may choose any case they wish to observe, with the staff responsible for that case providing guidance and instruction on anesthesia. Over time, the staff become more used to the students' presence and can offer increasingly detailed responses to their questions. The primary benefit of hosting students is the enhanced internationalization of our department's staff, which has created a synergistic effect in achieving excellence in bidirectional education. I hope our activities will contribute to increasing the number of anesthetists worldwide.
Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Website
Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine International Activities