国際交流・留学

Name: Sebastian Daniel Rummeny
Home Institution/ Country: TU Dresden / Germany
Year of university: 6th year
Designated department at Shinshu University: GI-, HPB- and Plastic Surgery
Training Period: from Nov. 10, 2023 to Mar. 10, 2024
Training: Clinical training

1. What made you come train at Shinshu University School of Medicine and how did you find the School through your stay?
My reasons for selecting to come to Shinshu University for surgery practical training were multifaceted. Since my childhood I have always been attracted to Japan, a country known for its rich culture, beautiful scenery and technological advancements. The partnership and exchange program between Shinshu University and my home university, TU Dresden, presented a great opportunity to explore the country, while also benefitting from a practical training abroad. Furthermore, the university's location in beautiful Nagano prefecture offered a great chance to explore the Japanese nature and indulge in winter sports.
My stay at Shinshu surpassed my expectations. The doctors made a lasting impression with their warm and friendly personalities, as well as their eagerness to teach and explain. I also had the chance to see a plethora of different surgical procedures across multiple departments and therefore was able to gain an extensive insight into the scope of surgical interventions in modern medicine. Finally, the relationships I developed with some of the students and doctors greatly enhanced my experience at Shinshu and I am happy to have made a number of new friends in Japan during my stay.

2. Please describe your training at host department/lab.
Depts. of HPB- and GI-Surgery:
During my stay I spent 3 days per week in the operation room and saw the full scope of the field of HPB-Surgery ranging from classic cholecystectomies to hepatic surgeries, pancreas operations and living donor liver transplantations. In GI-Surgery I had the chance to attend esophagus, stomach, colon and rectum surgeries. In both subjects I witnessed open, laparoscopic, as well as robotically-assisted procedures. On the 2 remaining days per week group meetings were held in which the performed and planned procedures were discussed.
Dept. of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery:
Similar to the other departments, I usually spent 3 days per week in the OR, while I was involved in work around the ward or in the outpatient clinic for 2 days per week. I saw different procedures like autologous skin grafts, various types of flaps and amputations to name just a few. The variety of different surgeries was extensive and the doctors were extremely eager to teach and explain.

3. Please list what you have gained from your experiences through the training at Shinshu University and the stay in Matsumoto, Japan.
During my clinical training at Shinshu University and my stay in Matsumoto, I gained invaluable experiences that have greatly shaped my medical knowledge and personal growth. The exposure to a wide variety of surgical procedures offered deep insights into the complexities and specifics of modern surgery. Practical training classes enhanced my skills in fundamental surgical techniques, such as suturing and ligating, equipping me with the hands-on experience essential for my future career. Additionally, specialized training in minimally invasive surgery and abdominal sonography expanded my understanding and capability in these areas. Beyond the technical skills and medical knowledge, living in Matsumoto allowed me to immerse myself in the Japanese way of life and culture. Furthermore, the friendships formed during this time, both amongst the students and the doctors, are treasures that I will carry with me and am highly grateful for.

4. How do you think you can apply those experiences to your future career?
The diverse experiences and skills acquired during my clinical training at Shinshu University have laid a strong foundation for my future in the medical field, irrespective of whether I choose surgery as my specialty. The insights into various surgical fields have not only given me a comprehensive understanding of different procedures, their indications, and complications but also of the peri-operative care involved. Furthermore, most of the practical skills gained through training are vital to almost every medical specialty. Beyond technical skills and academic knowledge, I aim to integrate the kind and respectful attitude of Japanese society into my practice and personal life back home. Finally, the friendships and professional relationships formed during my stay are perhaps among the most significant outcomes, promising a future with global connections and potential opportunities for collaborative research endeavors.