クリニカルフェロー研修後記｜外傷再建センター

クリニカルフェロー研修後記 一覧

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Training

The word "fellowship" in the medical field has always been associated with rigorous academic and skills training to acquire new knowledge in one's chosen field of interest. Shin-Yurigaoka General Hospital Trauma Reconstruction Center, a premier institution in trauma reconstruction, definitely lives up to its reputation.

In my 6-month stay as a clinical fellow in orthopedic traumatology, I have been exposed to various cases with varying levels of difficulty. From simple to complex cases, my experience in this hospital enriched my knowledge and skills in advanced orthopedic trauma care. Being the only AO Trauma Host Center in Japan, I have learned several tips and tricks that would certainly and readily be useful in my practice as a young orthopedic trauma surgeon in the Philippines.

The hands-on fellowship in this institution gave me the privilege to learn from their locally and internationally renowned faculty – Dr. Matsushita, Dr. Sawaguchi, Dr. Okazaki, Dr. Minehara, Dr. Kudo, and Dr. Takamure – who willingly imparted their wisdom and personal techniques from years of experience to make surgeries easier and more efficient. They also instilled in me the importance of careful and meticulous planning, proper patient positioning during surgery, strict sterilization techniques, and the value of good exposure and application of reduction techniques. The attention to small details is often overlooked but holds utmost importance to have good outcomes.

Aside from the technical skills I learned during surgeries, I was also very fortunate to learn from Dr. Sawaguchi and experience firsthand how Japan improved fragility fracture care through policy changes supported by local research data. This has motivated me to think of ways on how to improve some aspects of the healthcare system in my own country.

The daily conference was an avenue for an open exchange of ideas between professors and young doctors, ensuring that the best plan of treatment is carried out. The bedside rounds led by the professors was a showcase of professionalism mixed with humor that showed genuine connections with their patients.

I also learned from the group of young doctors – Dr. Sano, Dr. Sato, Dr. Toyonaga, Dr. Aoki, Dr. Hamaguchi, Dr. Kameyama, Dr. Nakagawa, Dr. Shibata, Dr. Imamura, Dr. Yamaoka, Dr. Yasutake, and Dr. Hashimoto – who work tirelessly but still managed to share laughter with each other that no work is too heavy if you have a good team.

This unique group of individuals – from the valuable insights of the professors to the vigor of the young doctors, and the balance of time-tested conventional methods with emerging techniques – is what makes Shin-Yurigaoka General Hospital Trauma Reconstruction Center one of its kind. It has been a great honor and privilege to train in this hospital.

Friendships

Maybe the reason “fellowship” is termed as such is because along the way – in the months spent away from your own family and friends – you meet friends who become family.

The professors, co-fellows, nurses, pharmacists, and physical and occupational therapists welcomed me in their group like one of their own. With chotto nihongo and a very accommodating staff, it was easy to connect and establish relationships. I will definitely miss the daily “good morning” greetings of the nurses as I enter the operating room and “お願いします” as I scrub for surgeries.

I am very grateful to have experienced fellowship in both senses: a training and a chance to gain a lot of friends. I deeply appreciate everyone who took the effort to let me experience Japanese culture – mostly through food and 花鳥風月. Among all the things I gained with my short stay in this hospital, the friendships formed and the memories shared with everyone are the most valuable. I wish everyone continued success and I look forward to our next meeting.

どうもありがとうございます。

Kind regards,
KIKO A. CORTEZ, MD