With the fall recruitment season in full swing, I packed my bags (heavy with brochures and omiyage) and headed to Tokyo, Japan on a 10-day visit to get the word out about VIA’s dynamic spring exchange programs. Harnessing the power of google maps, I crisscrossed Tokyo and the surrounding area like a (near) native and conducted information sessions at Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Chiba University School of Medicine, and Nihon University School of Medicine.
Turnout was high across the board, with palpable interest in Exploring Health Care (EHC), our flagship spring medical program, and Culture and Medical Exploration (CME), an exciting new exchange opportunity for 1st and 2nd-year students attending Japanese medical universities. The deadline to apply for both programs is December 6, 2015.
A huge thanks to our faculty and staff partners at each of the above institutions for their unwavering support over the years and help with organizing this round of information sessions. In particular, I would like to express my appreciation to Takako Kojima-sensei (TMU), Ms. Jun Mochizuki (Keio), Dr. James Thomas (Keio), Dr. Daniel Salcedo (Chiba), Mitsuyo Suzuki-sensei (Tokyo Women’s), and Dr. Takayuki Oshimi (Nihon).
Alumni from past programs also played a pivotal role during the sessions by sharing their experiences with prospective students and helping to field questions. As such, I would like to send a heartfelt arigatoo! to Esther Hirokawa (EHC ’14, EHC ’15 – Nichibei Fellow), Naoki Einaga (EHC ’15), Yuki Enomoto (MED ’15), Rina Shikura (MED ’15), Asuka Ito (MED ’15), Hanae Nakashima (MED ’15), Eriko Yoshida (MED ’15), Ryo Yamaguchi (MED ’15), and Yasukazu Narita (MED ’15).
This visit also served as the perfect opportunity to debut the new EHC promo video, which highlights many of the features that make the program such a unique, challenging and fun experience for participants. Check it out by clicking below!
Never needing an excuse to party, alumni from past Medical Exchange and Discovery (MED) programs gathered for dinner, drinks, and lively conversation at a boisterous izakaya (Japanese-style pub) in Shinjuku. Not to be outdone, EHC alumni organized an equally festive get together at a local wine bar and eatery. All in all, it was wonderful catching up with students and learning of the many ways in which joining VIA’s medical exchanges continued to have a lasting impact on their personal lives and professional trajectories.
While in town, I also had a chance to meet with the medical programs alumni committee, whose efforts are focused on maintaining and strengthening the alumni network and ecosystem. Outgoing committee members Ami Suzuki (MED ‘14) and Arisa Komatsu (MED ‘14) reflected on their many accomplishments from the past year, including successfully planning and organizing this year’s EHC pre-departure orientation and 20th anniversary celebration. We are beyond thankful for all of their hard work and diligent efforts – otsukaresama! We were joined by new committee members Yuki Enomoto (MED ‘15) and Yuka Matsuzaki (MED ‘15). Yuki and Yuka will take over alumni committee duties for the upcoming year. I’m excited to work with them to plan a number of exciting events for medical programs alums and new students alike!
Of course, no trip to Tokyo is complete without paying homage to the many culinary temples that make this city such a foodie paradise. With that in mind, in between information sessions and meetings with program partners, I gorged myself on all manner of Japanese food from delicious udon and ramen noodles to sushi and tonkatsu. Fortunately, navigating Tokyo’s labyrinthine train stations and back alleys provided plenty of opportunities to work off so much delicious washoku!
