From January 18th to March 25th, we were invited to Shizuoka General Hospital(SGH) for clinical observation. Time flies so fast, it feels like yesterday that we said goodbye to you. As a visiting doctor, although I have been to many different countries and hospitals, I learnt a lot from SGH.

During my 54 days, I observed around 300 cases of EUS and ERCP. I also observed around 50 cases of EGD and colonoscopy, including: ESD or EMR for GI tract carcinoma, EIS for esophageal varices and esophageal stenosis dilation. I was able to practice 100 cases of EUS under the supervision of Dr. Kikuyama.

I have learnt a lot about the early diagnose of pancreatic cancer using SPACE. Other areas of learning include: the monitoring of precancerous lesions such as IPMN, investigation of unknown etiology of dilated MPD, diabetic patients with weight loss, investigation of smokers with history of pancreatic cancer; using EUS, differential diagnose of chronic pancreatitis, NET, cystic lesions with a solid component, adenomymatosis of gallbladder, and SCN. I was able to attend two Gastroenterology conferences; one in Tokyo and one in Nagaya, which focused on the differential diagnosis of pancreatic and biliary disease.

Although the visit to SGH was brief, it has left a deep impression on us. Doctors love their jobs very much. The task and pressure of the gastrointestinal doctor is high, but they seem to enjoy the heavy work, with dedication to their career. The head of the gastrointestinal department Dr. Kikuyama is very comprehensive in his major; US, GI, EUS, and ERCP. Senior Doctors train residents graciously, as well as strictly--like Father to Son. All of the endoscopic procedures were performed precisely– No less than the best.

Inside the SGH, it is clean and neat, with softly spoken staff. In the wards, there are impeccable rules and guidelines for doctors and nurses. The slogan of nursing department is ''Offering high quality nursing care on the basis of respecting individual difference''. The communication between nurse and patients is very good. We have a lot to learn from their medical system. 

by Xiaoheng Lv, Leimin Sun

March 22, 2016