From the United States Clinical Program 2025

Clinical Electives in the Dept of Cardiovascular Medicine

1) Why did you choose NMS?

I chose NMS because studying abroad in Japan had been a lifelong dream of mine. NMS is one of the leading medical institutions in Japan, and the program allowed me to learn about medicine in a healthcare system that is completely different than the United States. NMS afforded me a tremendous breadth of experiences and enhanced my learning in more ways than I had anticipated. I would highly recommend this experience to any other medical students.

2) How was your study in Japan?

Studying at NMS was one of the most rewarding experiences throughout all of my medical school training. While at NMS, I was fortunate enough to spend my time in the Cardiology Department. As an aspiring Cardiologist, I was able to have one-on-one educational time with several of the faculty members in the various subspecialties, joined daily cardiology conferences, learned alongside the other medical students, and interacted with patients in the clinical setting. I will always remember learning about echocardiograms with the other medical students and getting to practice by looking at each other’s hearts with the ultrasound probe. Every person I interacted with welcomed me and created a warm and enjoyable learning environment, allowing me to feel like a valued member of the department. I was also able to practice my Japanese, but could speak English with most providers, so I never felt limited in my understanding.

3) How was your life in Japan?

Living in Japan was fantastic. I utilized the NMS international student dormitory for housing, which is only a short metro ride away from the medical school/hospital. The dormitory was safe, accessible, clean/comfortable, and had all of the necessities to live while studying. I had no difficulties commuting around Tokyo and felt like the program allowed me ample opportunities to get out and explore all of the wonderful experiences of the city. The students and faculty were very kind and eager to share local restaurants, sights, and other fun experiences for me to do in my spare time. I never once felt unsafe while traveling around the city, despite the large size of Tokyo. The other citizens were respectful and considerate of each other. Japan is truly one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited, and I hope I have the opportunity to come back again in the near future.

4) Any comment on NMS?

I am forever grateful to the members of the Department of Cardiology and the International Exchange Center for affording me this tremendous experience. I cannot thank Dr. Murata, Professor Asai, Dr. Suzuki, Dr. Uchiyama, and my other mentors, as well as Ms. Osaki and the IEC office, enough. Ichigo Ichie (一期一会) roughly translates to one lifetime, one encounter, and essentially serves as a reminder to cherish each unique moment. I will cherish my time in Japan and at NMS for the rest of my life. Arigatou Gozaimasu!!!

5) Do you have a message for people who are interested in studying at NMS?

I cannot recommend coming to Japan and studying at NMS enough. If you are even considering this experience, please email Ms. Osaki to learn more. I hope every student reading this considers coming to study at NMS.

6) Memories of Japan:

-Being very nervous on my first day, but then being welcomed so kindly/warmly by Ms. Osaki, and all of those nervous feelings being replaced by joy and excitement -Taking short walks around the Nezu Shrine and looking at the koi fish on sunny days -Riding the metro to work and experiencing the morning commute in Tokyo -Meeting my first Japanese patient in the clinical setting and seeing how happy they were that a student from America would be joining their visit -Eating so so so so so much ramen -Seeing Mt. Fuji from the Shinkansen bullet train -One-on-one educational time with Dr. Murata and Dr. Uchiyama -Practicing Japanese and getting to know the other medical students and residents (who I still keep in touch with on social media and even got to see in person when they came to visit the USA!!)