2026 Student from Diponegoro University: Clinical training at Dept of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Name: Stephano Pranoto
Home Institution/ Country: Diponegoro University / Indonesia
Year of university: 5th
Designated department at Shinshu University: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Training Period: from July 6 to July 30, 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?
Shinshu University and Diponegoro University have been in collaboration for a long time. Shinshu University offers opportunities for those who wanted in-depth learning in certain specialties. Each year Diponegoro University sent their students for exchange or clerkship programme in Shinshu Daigaku. Many of Indonesian doctor also came to Shinshu for education and research.
This exchange programme immediately caught my interest because I've always wanted to try medical clerkship abroad. I discovered that Shinshu University Hospital is famous for their surgeries especially breast reconstruction and cleft palate reconstruction. This makes me even more excited to come here.
2. Please describe your training at host department/lab.
My daily clerkship mainly consists of three activities, which is Operation Room (surgery), Outpatient Clinic, and Ward rounds. In Operation Room, I am able to observe many procedures such as breast reconstruction, cleft palate reconstruction and skin grafts. The staffs are very helpful especially when I need to understand certain concept.
Outpatient Clinic and Ward Rounds give me the opportunity to meet the patient. I follow the staff giving medication and debridement to the patient. The hospital ensure that every patient have the best treatment pre and post surgery.
3. What have you gained from your training and stay in Matsumoto, Japan?
In the hospital, I learned many different tools for patient treatment, such as placental allograft, picibanil and other wonderful products that have not yet popular in my country. I also learned many methods such as vascular anastomose and skin-flaps for reconstruction. The doctors from Shinshu University are very up-to-date adapting to new technologies.
Aside from the technology, I also experience Japan's hospitality in daily activities. I am impressed how the Japanese staffs greeted each other even though they were strangers. The staffs and students also eager to teach me Japanese language and mannerism.
4. How do you think you can apply those experiences to your future career?
My clerkship in Plastic Reconstructive Surgery department teaches me a lot of stuff, including the basics of surgery, anatomy, and physiology. I learned that surgeon goals are not only to heal the wounds but also to improve the quality of life. It taught me that collaboration between department will gain better result for patient. I'm interested to learn more about plastic and esthetic surgery in the future.
5. Advice to those who are interested in studying at Shinshu University
I encourage future students to join the exchange program at Shinshu University with an open mind and willingness to learn. Do not afraid in asking questions and take every opportunity to observe and participate in clinical activities. Respect Japanese culture and always be punctual, as these values arehighly appreciated. Enjoy the experience! Because here might be the best place to develop yourself.
