Study Abroad Experience Report
Our university's third-year medical students have participated in exchange programs with overseas universities that have signed MOU with us. The purpose of these programs is to foster research-mindedness and encourage spontaneous participation in medical research by exposing students to various cutting-edge medical research projects.
On April 25, 2024, presentations of the third-year medical students' research practice results were held at Fujita Hall 500. The only overseas destination was Thailand, where five students were divided between two universities to participate in medical research exercises.
At one of the two universities, Mahidol University, the students participated in a seven-day field study in collaboration with Thai students enrolled in the Master's program in Public Health. This field study was conducted in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, about a three-hour drive from Bangkok. The local survey involved visiting two facilities each day, ranging from government-level to municipal-level institutions, and learning about significant challenges such as the shortage and uneven distribution of doctors. The team members discussed solutions late into the night each day and held a presentation for the staff of each facility on the final day. Additionally, the students learned about Thailand's population structure, causes of death, and the national health insurance system, making it a valuable experience.
At the presentation, the students introduced the above activities and also the measures implemented in Thailand to address these challenges. They highlighted various initiatives led by citizens, such as disease prevention activities by local volunteers, the introduction of traditional medicine like Thai massage, and health promotion programs for the elderly. With comparing the situation in Thailand with Japan's medical challenges in the face of a declining population, they passionately spoke about the need to learn and continuously think about sustaining and improving Japan's health and medical systems.
On April 25, 2024, presentations of the third-year medical students' research practice results were held at Fujita Hall 500. The only overseas destination was Thailand, where five students were divided between two universities to participate in medical research exercises.
At one of the two universities, Mahidol University, the students participated in a seven-day field study in collaboration with Thai students enrolled in the Master's program in Public Health. This field study was conducted in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, about a three-hour drive from Bangkok. The local survey involved visiting two facilities each day, ranging from government-level to municipal-level institutions, and learning about significant challenges such as the shortage and uneven distribution of doctors. The team members discussed solutions late into the night each day and held a presentation for the staff of each facility on the final day. Additionally, the students learned about Thailand's population structure, causes of death, and the national health insurance system, making it a valuable experience.
At the presentation, the students introduced the above activities and also the measures implemented in Thailand to address these challenges. They highlighted various initiatives led by citizens, such as disease prevention activities by local volunteers, the introduction of traditional medicine like Thai massage, and health promotion programs for the elderly. With comparing the situation in Thailand with Japan's medical challenges in the face of a declining population, they passionately spoke about the need to learn and continuously think about sustaining and improving Japan's health and medical systems.
Full of people in the hall
Ms. Kojima, Ms. Terasawa, and Ms. Murano
At Silpakorn University, another destination, the program allows for a flexible structure where each student can participate in lectures and laboratories that they are interested in. They selected topics aligned with their own research themes and conducted daily research under the guidance of Silpakorn University professors.
In the laboratory, where Ms. Teshigahara was assined, various studies were conducted and she involved assisting with experiments and research related to pharmacy and also visited the on-campus pharmacy and hospital. The research content was substantial, including the comparison of absorption between formulations using porcine skin which is easily obtained, skin permeability tests to evaluate absorption into the epidermis, the MTT assay, which is a cytotoxicity test using the principle that MTT reagent is reduced to purple formazan dye by the metabolism of living cells, and experiments evaluating the usefulness of photo-crosslinkable hydrogels that promote wound healing by observing the dynamics of the hydrogel under conditions of human body temperature.
At the presentation, Mr. Sasahara presented his research in English, focusing on natural polymers secreted by insects. He studied these polymers as potential raw materials for enteric capsules that are safe, inexpensive, and easy to produce. He explained that using this polymer in its raw form poses challenges: it does not melt properly at the required temperatures during the capsule manufacturing process, and the capsules dissolve in the stomach before reaching the intestines. However, by adding sodium carbonate to the polymer, they were able to modify its melting point and its resistance to acidic conditions. Mr. Sasahara explained that he conducted several experiments to achieve an ideal melting point for the capsule manufacturing process and to enhance the material's resistance to strong acids. He also expressed his determination to further ways to enhance the polymer's usefulness based on his results.
In the laboratory, where Ms. Teshigahara was assined, various studies were conducted and she involved assisting with experiments and research related to pharmacy and also visited the on-campus pharmacy and hospital. The research content was substantial, including the comparison of absorption between formulations using porcine skin which is easily obtained, skin permeability tests to evaluate absorption into the epidermis, the MTT assay, which is a cytotoxicity test using the principle that MTT reagent is reduced to purple formazan dye by the metabolism of living cells, and experiments evaluating the usefulness of photo-crosslinkable hydrogels that promote wound healing by observing the dynamics of the hydrogel under conditions of human body temperature.
At the presentation, Mr. Sasahara presented his research in English, focusing on natural polymers secreted by insects. He studied these polymers as potential raw materials for enteric capsules that are safe, inexpensive, and easy to produce. He explained that using this polymer in its raw form poses challenges: it does not melt properly at the required temperatures during the capsule manufacturing process, and the capsules dissolve in the stomach before reaching the intestines. However, by adding sodium carbonate to the polymer, they were able to modify its melting point and its resistance to acidic conditions. Mr. Sasahara explained that he conducted several experiments to achieve an ideal melting point for the capsule manufacturing process and to enhance the material's resistance to strong acids. He also expressed his determination to further ways to enhance the polymer's usefulness based on his results.
Silpakorn University where students implemented research
Mr. Sasahara (third person from left) and
Ms. Teshigawara (fourth person from left)
at certificate ceremony
What we learned at this program
[Ms. Karen Kojima]
During the week-long field trip at Mahidol University in Thailand, I observed that the Thai community makes greater efforts in disease prevention through volunteer work and uses LINE for consultations, which made the distance between patients and doctors seem closer than in Japan. Additionally, having a roommate from Myanmar during the trip allowed me to learn a lot about Myanmar, providing a valuable opportunity to exchange cultures between Japan and Myanmar.
[Ms. Hitoshi Terasawa]
I had the opportunity to study with people who had practical experience as doctors and medical professionals and to learn how to use computers for analysis and actively participating in discussions. This experience left a strong impression on me. Conversations with Myanmar students about their situation gave me a culture shock and made me realize how narrow my perspective was. In the future, I want to broaden my knowledge in various fields, not just medicine.
[Ms. Natsumi Murano]
Through the field study with PhD students in Public Health at Mahidol University, I reaffirmed the importance of health promotion. The differences between the medical systems of Thailand and Japan made me realize the necessity for citizens to take an active role in health promotion. I am determined to use this experience to continue learning and work towards improving Japan's medical system.
[Ms. Moe Teshigawara]
If I had any troubles or questions while I was there, I could easily consult with my advisor, who was very kind and supportive, allowing me to lead a fulfilling life. What I learned was the importance of consulting and negotiating with people you can rely on. Although it may seem obvious, I used to have a tendency to try to solve problems on my own due to my personality, and seeking advice from others was a secondary option for me. However, by consulting others, I was able to find solutions that I wouldn’t have thought of on my own. At the same time, I learned the importance of actively communicating on a regular basis. Therefore, I would like to study English and other cultures in the future.
[Mr. Sho Sasahara]
Through this program, I fell in love with the country of Thailand. In the laboratory, I received meticulous support from my advisors and postdoctors in everything from my daily life to experimental work. I still fondly remember the fulfilling meals at the university facilities even now. Additionally, I learned the importance of repeating experimental tasks to collect data.
During the week-long field trip at Mahidol University in Thailand, I observed that the Thai community makes greater efforts in disease prevention through volunteer work and uses LINE for consultations, which made the distance between patients and doctors seem closer than in Japan. Additionally, having a roommate from Myanmar during the trip allowed me to learn a lot about Myanmar, providing a valuable opportunity to exchange cultures between Japan and Myanmar.
[Ms. Hitoshi Terasawa]
I had the opportunity to study with people who had practical experience as doctors and medical professionals and to learn how to use computers for analysis and actively participating in discussions. This experience left a strong impression on me. Conversations with Myanmar students about their situation gave me a culture shock and made me realize how narrow my perspective was. In the future, I want to broaden my knowledge in various fields, not just medicine.
[Ms. Natsumi Murano]
Through the field study with PhD students in Public Health at Mahidol University, I reaffirmed the importance of health promotion. The differences between the medical systems of Thailand and Japan made me realize the necessity for citizens to take an active role in health promotion. I am determined to use this experience to continue learning and work towards improving Japan's medical system.
[Ms. Moe Teshigawara]
If I had any troubles or questions while I was there, I could easily consult with my advisor, who was very kind and supportive, allowing me to lead a fulfilling life. What I learned was the importance of consulting and negotiating with people you can rely on. Although it may seem obvious, I used to have a tendency to try to solve problems on my own due to my personality, and seeking advice from others was a secondary option for me. However, by consulting others, I was able to find solutions that I wouldn’t have thought of on my own. At the same time, I learned the importance of actively communicating on a regular basis. Therefore, I would like to study English and other cultures in the future.
[Mr. Sho Sasahara]
Through this program, I fell in love with the country of Thailand. In the laboratory, I received meticulous support from my advisors and postdoctors in everything from my daily life to experimental work. I still fondly remember the fulfilling meals at the university facilities even now. Additionally, I learned the importance of repeating experimental tasks to collect data.