2025 Student from TU Dresden:Clinical training at the Dept of Surgery

Name: Laura Maria Leonie Pecht
Home Institution/ Country: TU Dresden, Germany
Year of university: 6th
Designated department at Shinshu University: 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?
I decided to train at Shinshu University School of Medicine through an exchange program with my home university. The choice was further influenced by recommendations from students of previous years, as well as my strong interest in Japan, its culture, and its healthcare system. Throughout my stay, I had a very positive experience at Shinshu University. I particularly appreciated the manageable size of the university, which created a welcoming and personal atmosphere, as well as the openness and kindness of both the students and professors, who made me feel well integrated and supported.

2. Please describe your training at host department/lab.
My training at Shinshu University School of Medicine was divided between three different departments over a total of sixteen weeks. I spent seven weeks in the Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, where I was warmly welcomed into the team. From the second week onward, I was already able to actively assist in surgeries, which made this rotation particularly valuable and engaging.
This was followed by five weeks in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery. During this period, my role was mainly observative; however, I gained important practical skills, such as tying different surgical knots, and had the opportunity to observe complex procedures as well as emergency surgeries, which provided deep insight into highly specialized surgical care.
The final four weeks were spent in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery. While this rotation was also primarily observative, I was again able to assist in surgeries and participate in ward rounds and conferences. The team was very supportive, especially in helping with translation during conferences and daily clinical activities, which greatly enhanced my understanding and learning experience.
Overall, each department contributed uniquely to my clinical and professional development.

3. Please list what you have gained from your experiences through the training at Shinshu University and the stay in Matsumoto, Japan.
Through my training and stay in Matsumoto, Japan, I gained a deeper understanding of the Japanese health care system and its clinical structures. Observing daily hospital routines allowed me to compare medical procedures, decision-making processes, and working conditions with those in my home country, which was both insightful and thought-provoking.
In addition, I was able to further develop my practical surgical skills, particularly through hands-on assistance in the operating room and the acquisition of fundamental techniques such as surgical knot tying. Beyond the medical aspects, living in Japan also enhanced my cultural awareness and adaptability, making this experience valuable both professionally and personally.

4. How do you think you can apply those experiences to your future career?
I believe these experiences will strongly influence my future career by increasing my sensitivity toward cultural differences, both in interactions with patients and in collaboration with colleagues. Understanding how cultural backgrounds shape communication, expectations, and clinical practice will help me work more respectfully and effectively in diverse medical environments.
Additionally, the insights I gained into different health care systems and clinical approaches have broadened my general medical perspective. This experience has also strengthened my interest in international collaboration, not only in clinical practice but also in research. I can envision myself actively seeking international connections and cooperative projects in the future, as I have come to value the professional and personal growth that such exchanges offer.

5. Advice to those who are interested in studying at Shinshu University
My advice to students interested in studying at Shinshu University would be to learn some basic Japanese phrases for everyday conversation, as this greatly helps with daily life and shows appreciation for the local culture. Being open-minded, flexible, and spontaneous will make the experience much more rewarding. It is also important to be aware of cultural differences and approach them with curiosity and respect rather than comparison. Most importantly, enjoy the experience--both academically and personally--as studying at Shinshu University offers a unique opportunity to grow in many ways.