2025 Student from TU Dresden:Clinical training at the Department of Surgery etc.
Name: Pia-Fee Gebhardt
Home Institution/ Country: TU Dresden, Germany
Year of university: 6th
Designated department at Shinshu University: Department of Surgery (Gastroenterological, Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic, Transplantation and Pediatric), Department of Neurosurgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Thoracic Surgery
Training Period: from 17 November 2025 to 8 March 2026
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?
Having already been impressed by the beauty of the country and the friendliness and helpfulness of its people during my first visit, I was eager to gain insight into Japan's healthcare system. The exchange program with TU Dresden offered me the opportunity to obtain international medical experience and further training. During my stay, I received a great degree of helpfulness and support for all my questions and concerns and acquired valuable insights into a wide variety of fields.
2. Please describe your training at host department/lab.
Each department was different in its own way and therefore very interesting. Everywhere I went, I met open, inspiring, and warm-hearted people. The doctors always made an effort to include me and show and explain as much as possible, despite the language barrier. This gave me an authentic insight into the everyday life and work environment of a doctor in Japan.
3. Please list what you have gained from your experiences through the training at Shinshu University and the stay in Matsumoto, Japan.
During my extended stay in Matsumoto, I not only learned to adapt to a new medical environment, but also to integrate into a new social environment. This allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and social structures. Through exchanges with students and doctors, I learned a lot about the healthcare system and the communication of medical knowledge. By observing and assisting in numerous operations, I gained insight into a wide variety of surgical techniques and medical technologies. In addition, I learned how much precision, a good atmosphere in teamwork, and respectful treatment of patients are valued and strived for.
4. How do you think you can apply those experiences to your future career?
In the future, these experiences will make it easier for me to adapt internationally in my work as a doctor and to be more attentive to interindividual differences. In addition, I became even more aware of the great potential of international cooperation and exchange, and this has become a personal concern for my future career. I will try to adopt the commitment to excellence and precision, as well as the focused work ethic with great discipline and patience at the Shinshu University hospital, and use it for my own self-improvement. Back in Germany, I want to treat patients and colleagues with respect, create a harmonious working atmosphere, and maintain a calm and focused attitude even in stressful situations, just as Japanese doctors do every day.
5. Advice to those who are interested in studying at Shinshu University
Learn as much Japanese as possible, have an open and respectful mindset when approaching people and the country, and be patient with the Japanese to open up to you. If you make a little effort, you will be welcomed with open arms.
