Misawa's MDG hosts Japanese students for shadow program

  • Published
  • By Paul H. Sayles
  • 35th Medical Group
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  In a bilateral learning exchange between Japanese and U.S. Air Force medical professionals, two students from the Hirosaki University Medical School spent 10 days shadowing 35th Medical Group personnel to observe American medical practices in action.

"Every summer, medical students from the university participate in a two-week session hosted by the 35th MDG," said Maj. Charles Wanker, 35th Medical Staff chief. "The shadow program is highly competitive, and no more than five students are selected to participate each year. This year, four medical students participated."

As an indication of the program's popularity and value, the students took part in the program during their school holiday which meant they were away from friends and family for the majority of their short summer break.

Upon arrival at the medical group, each student received training on patient privacy and safety, and was oriented to the facility. Once the students became acquainted with the staff and facility, they saw American medical practices in the specialties available at the medical group and also focused on areas of particular interest.

One university student, Eiko Sakamoto, said she is interested in specializing in dermatology - the treatment of skin disease - when she completes her medical training. She said she's been interested in human anatomy and physiology since she was a high school student.

Another student in the program, Maasa Sata, is studying to become a pediatrician. She is interested in anatomy and physiology, and especially likes communicating with others as she pursues her goal.

Both students are in their fifth year of medical studies and said they learned about the shadow program from other students.

Another attribute of the program that makes it so meaningful to the students and the MDG staff is one that happens outside the doors of the clinic.

"The students participate in home stays with host American families," said Major Wanker. "Lasting friendships take place between the students and the American physicians and host families."

The capstone of their two weeks of observation and interaction with American physicians was a lecture they gave to the medical group staff Sept. 2. Ms. Sakamoto lectured about on a common skin disease, Urticaria, and Ms. Sata's presentation was on asthma, a disease common in children.

At the conclusion of their presentations, each student received an engraved pen and pencil set from Major Wanker, who presented them on behalf of the medical group commander, Col. Guillermo Tellez.