Special Lecture by Professor Jerry Kok Yen Chan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National University of Singapore

November 14th, 2024

Professor Jerry Kok Yen Chan, from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the National University of Singapore, delivered a special lecture entitled “From Singapore! The Full Story of a Large-Scale Cohort Study that will Change Maternal and Child Health." He mainly spoke about metabolic diseases and mental health issues on the maternal and child health in Singapore.

Professor Jerry Kok Yen Chan's team focuses on care from pre-pregnancy to post-partum, and is attempting to introduce a comprehensive health plan for the whole family. There were lively questions from graduate students during the following Q&A session, making for a very informative lecture.

RENKEI 2024

October 16th – 17th, 2024

Dr. Sara McKelvie and Dr. Leo Westbury from Southampton University, UK, and Dr. Mohaddeseh Ziyachi from Durham University, UK, visited Osaka University on October 15th, 2024 as part of a RENKEI Program by Osaka University. We had a very active discussion particularly on measures to address issues such as multimorbidity, frailty, cognitive dysfunction, and mental health in the elderly, which will lead to our future collaborative research.

On the following day, the 16th, we went to Nose Town in Osaka Prefecture, a community care prevention site, to observe the Iki Iki Hyakusai (Centenarian) Exercise, and had an opportunity to experience the actual exercises and talk with local residents. The three UK researchers were very pleased to learn about the reality of Japan, the most aged country in the world, and to have a glimpse of some of the measures taken to prevent this.
We look forward to the development of our future collaborations.

We would like to thank the residents of Nose Town and the staff of the Health and Welfare Center for their kind cooperation.

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  Visit to the Health and Welfare Center at Nose town

Meeting to promote exchange with Mahidol University

September 25th, 2024

Two faculty members from Mahidol University, Ramathibodi School of Nursing (Thailand), our partner school, visited us and exchanged opinions on student exchange between the two schools. After reviewing the results of this year's student exchange, we agreed to expand it by increasing the inbound and outbound programs for both undergraduate and graduate students, and to actively promote bilateral exchange. Further discussions on a double degree program were also underway, and the meeting turned out to be very fulfilling, with the aim of realizing higher quality education and the development of global human resources.

Five midwifery students from Andalas University in Indonesia stayed at Osaka University for two and a half months as internship trainees.

June 25 – September 11, 2024

From June 25 to September 11, 2024, five midwifery students from Andalas University stayed at Osaka University to learn about perinatal care in Japan by attending midwifery lectures and visiting Osaka University Hospital and a maternity home. At the open campus, they actively explained to high school students in English how to change an infant's diaper as part of the “Maternal Nursing”.

At the final presentation held on September 5, they summarized and presented their findings on themes of interest to them, such as differences in women's health care and perinatal care in Indonesia and Japan. In addition to faculty and graduate students from Osaka University, approximately 160 faculty and students from Andalas University attended the presentation online. The presentations were followed by a lively Q&A session, providing an opportunity for students and faculty from both countries to learn about the differences in medical care and healthcare systems between the two countries.

Andalas University and Osaka University just signed an academic exchange agreement last year, and it is expected that inter-university exchanges will further develop in the future.

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  Open Campus

Invited lecture at an international conference hosted by the Faculty of Nursing, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand.

September 10, 2024

Kei Kamide (Professor, Department of Nursing, Division of Health Sciences)

Prof. Kamide was invited as a symposium speaker at the international symposium hosted by the Faculty of Nursing, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, with which our School of Health Sciences has an MOU. The symposium, titled “The Ramathibodi International Academic Conference 2024; Beyond Boundaries: The Intersection of Technology, Innovation, and Healthcare,” was held online, and Prof. Kamide delivered a lecture titled "Screening for Sarcopenia in Older Japanese Adults Living in the Community." Sharing information from Japan, a super-aging society, proved to be of interest to attendees from Thailand, where the aging rate is rapidly rising. It's hopeful that research exchanges in the field of elderly care will further expand in the future via this symposium.

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  After the event, Prof. Kamide received a certificate of appreciation.

Overseas study report: Summer program at Mahidol University, Thailand 2024

“Study Visit for Nursing Students”

13 August - 23 August 2024

Two fourth-year undergraduate students participated in a short-term training program organized by one of our partner universities, Mahidol University Ramathibody School of Nursing, Thailand. They well prepared for the program, exchanging information with student buddies from Mahidol University on SNS before their departure, and making use of advice from their seniors who took part in the same program last year, which led to the two satisfying and educational weeks there. The most pleasing achievement of this exchange was the big smiles on their faces saying ‘I want to go back!’ immediately after returning home!

Through hospital tours and practical training, we saw firsthand the unique nursing practices of Thailand. The subsequent exchange of opinions in groups helped us understand the differences of cultures and healthcare systems in Asian countries.
It was impressive that even a hospital like Ramathibodi Hospital, which focuses on critical care, has a department (palliative care unit) that provides care for patients in their end of life.

The experience of giving a presentation in English in front of a large audience on ‘university introduction’ and the ‘three major diseases of Japan’ was very valuable.
In the Cultural Activity, we asked everyone to try to make 'heart' in origami, following on from last year's ‘crane’, which they enjoyed very much. We were also enthusiastically involved in Taiwanese dance and Thai fast speech, and made irreplaceable friends through cultural exchange.

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  Welcome Ceremony on the 1st day

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  University Introduction

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  Visit to a community close to the Hospital

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  Cultural exchange through Origami experience

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  At a lotus pond closed to the Salaya Campus

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  Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

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  Farewell Ceremony

FrontierLab Program 2024

April 20th – July 31st , 2024

As an exchange student on one of our university-wide exchange programs ‘FrontierLab’, a student from University of Hong Kong, studied for approximately 3 months, supervised by Prof. Kabayama, Health Promotion System Laboratory, Division of Health Sciences.

While carrying out her own research on the theme of ‘An In-depth Comparative Analysis of Differences and Similarities with the Japanese Healthcare System’, she also exchanged opinions with graduate students in laboratory seminars, and visited hospitals and nursing facilities, which proved to be a valuable experience. In the two-week inbound program on　Japanese long-term care, she also interacted with trainees from Asia and was actively involved in the program.

On the final day, she presented her results of the program together with other international students.

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  With graduates of Prof. Kabayama Lab

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  Experienced ‘Centenarian Exercise’
  with the elderly at a community center in Nose

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  Giving feedback on a day service visit on an inbound program
  to learn about long-term care in Japan

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  On the final day,
  with her supervisor Prof. Kabayama, in front of her presentation poster

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  Connie, answering questions
  from the exchange students at the poster presentation

Special Lecture on Health Promotion Activities in the US
‘The current status and challenges of health disparities among Native Americans’

July 31st, 2024

A special lecture was held by Dr. Susumu Iwasaki, Associate Professor in the Sport and Exercise Psychology Department of Health and Human Performance at Fort Lewis College in Colorado, USA. Dr. Iwasaki is researching the current status and challenges of health disparities among Native Americans. This time, he gave a detailed lecture on health promotion activities and research for them. The participants enthusiastically asked many questions, making it a very valuable learning opportunity.

Comments from the participating students

The topic of research activities in the United States, where the cultural and social backgrounds such as living environments, economic standards, and values differ greatly due to differences in race and area of residence, was very interesting.
Dr. Iwaaki was working on health promotion from the perspective of exercise. I learned that it is necessary to create an environment that stimulates the three elements of motivation that lead to high performance. In recent years, the Japan Sports Agency has set the goal of "Sports in life" for all generations to incorporate exercise into their daily lives. We believe it is important to start by clarifying the reasons why the person is unable to exercise or not be physically active and respond to their needs. Thank you very much for the very interesting lecture.

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  Prof. Iwasaki, 3rd from the right of in the upper row

Summer Program 2024 (organized by Gerontological Nursing)
15 - 26 July 2024

This year, 24 trainees from seven universities, including partner universities in Asia, were welcomed to the two-week program to learn about long-term care in Japan's ageing society. The trainees enthusiastically participated in a diverse program of lectures, workshops and facility visits every day, while deepening their understanding of Japanese animation and food culture.

Around 30 students who study Gerontological Nursing at UOsaka were also involved in the running of the program as assistants. They worked on the preparation for several months and served as lecture interpreters in the program and also led the trainees on visits to facilities. Through interpreting and daily communication with trainees, the assistants were able to confirm the challenges of their own language skills, while at the same time gaining valuable experience of the current state of healthcare systems and care in each Asian country, and deepening their own research themes.
Several assistants had the opportunity to present on their research activities or Japanese culture during the program, which they found a very meaningful learning experience.

At the Kento Library (Suita), we were impressed by the staff who have undergone dementia supporter training, allowing them to flexibly respond to users showing signs of dementia and work with related organizations to ensure continuous service. Public libraries in Taiwan are also recognized by local authorities as ‘dementia friendly’, but few have blood pressure or in-body monitoring machines.

Visiting patients in their homes was a valuable experience. Creating medication calendars and preparing suitcases for emergency takeaways is something we can all learn from. We were also surprised by the long-term care environment at home and the barrier-free facilities, with the room looking like a small ICU.

It was my first experience of the ‘Moshibana Game’. By contemplating and communicating my own end-of-life wishes in the group, we learned that we could understand the different perspectives of others, and we would also imagine the thoughts even of dementia patients, which links to compassionate care that respects their wishes.

It was realized that it is not necessary to source all care items from hospitals, and that useful and inexpensive items are available from shops such as 100 yen shops in Japan. In addition, the highly specialized and detailed division of roles in the Japanese care system means that patients receive more comprehensive care, leading to an improved quality of life.

We appreciate the lecturers and UOsaka students were very kind and willing to help us even outside of the program hours. I intend to apply the knowledge I have learnt to my own research and contribute to improving the quality of long-term care in my country. I would definitely recommend this program to students in my country!

Through interpreting in various situations, I was able to develop my vocabulary and operational skills in Japanese as well as English. There were moments of linguistic frustration, which renewed my determination to study English harder.

I was able to get new ideas and share the current situation in Asian countries regarding my research topics. It was a valuable asset to be friends with so many trainees and I will cherish these relationships.

As there were many trainees from Chinese-speaking countries, I also became more interested in the Chinese language. I feel that my experience as an assistant has not only broadened my research horizons, but also helped me to grow as a person. I would definitely like to get involved in the Program again next summer!

New Short-Term Study Abroad Program at the Division of Health Science: “Frontiers in Medical Physics and Medical Imaging”

Since December 2023, the Division of Health Sciences has been offering a short-term study abroad course, “Frontiers in Medical Physics and Medical Imaging,” as part of the Osaka University International Certificate Program (OUICP). This course, which is a part of the Osaka University ASEAN Campus initiative, is aimed primarily at ASEAN students in medical physics and related fields. The program includes enrollment in specialized graduate-level subjects and participation in a two-month collaborative research project within one of our laboratories. Osaka is renowned as a globally unique city due to its concentration of advanced radiation therapy facilities, including particle beam therapy, BNCT, and targeted alpha-particle therapy, which attract significant interest from researchers in medical physics. In this program, we offer internships at these facilities with the cooperation of each institution. As a pilot run, in this term, we welcomed one student from Universiti Sains Malaysia, who stayed at our university from June to July for two months. From the next term onward, the program will expand to accept more students and will also offer opportunities for outbound study abroad. The program’s launch has garnered interest from various universities, and during this year’s facility observations and training sessions, we hosted visitors from overseas universities and the Global Initiative of Osaka University to observe the program.

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  This program student from Universiti Sains Malaysia and the supervising faculty staff, Associate Professor Sakata.

In the graduate-level subject "Internship 1 (Practical Training at Particle Beam Therapy Facilities)," with the cooperation of the Osaka Heavy Ion Therapy Center and the Hyogo Ion Beam Medical Center, students learned principles of particle beam therapy and gained hands-on experience operating particle beam therapy treatment planning systems and portable CT scanners.

In "Internship 2 (Practical Training at BNCT Treatment Facilities)," with the cooperation of the Kansai BNCT Medical Center (Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University) and the Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science (Kyoto University), students learned about the history of the development of BNCT and accelerator-based neutron sources, respectively. They also observed actual treatments and efforts related to ensuring treatment accuracy.

In "Internship 3 (Practical Training at Targeted Alpha-Particle Therapy Facilities)," with the cooperation of the Research Center for Nuclear Physics (RCNP) and the Radiation Research Platform at Osaka University, as well as the Osaka University Hospital, students learned about the production of radioisotopes using accelerators, the handling of unsealed radioisotopes, and the application in medical imaging and radiation therapy.

Academic Presentation Workshop with Researchers from University of California San Francisco, U.S.A.

July 18, 2024

A workshop was held by Prof. Jeremiah Mock, the University of California San Francisco, USA. He instructed us in detail on how to communicate in English and how to give academic presentations. In the morning, the students were provided with tips on the best way to give a presentation, revised their own presentations, and in the afternoon, they actually conducted their own presentations one by one. Afterwards, we were taught the good points and areas for improvement according to the content of each person's presentation. It was a very meaningful workshop, where we learned many skills that we can utilize at international conferences and symposiums. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Dr. Jeremiah for giving us this precious opportunity. (6 participants）

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  Discussions with participants

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  Practice presentations

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  Group photo with participants

Report on Research exchange in the Erasmus+ program

Since 2018, the Center for Twin Research has been conducting a research exchange with Semmelweis University in Hungary. Following a student visit in March this year, two students (a phD candidate and a medical student) visited to the Center for Twin Research at Osaka University from May to July. During their stay, they explored research opportunities, including international comparisons using data from Hungary and the Center for Twin Research. They also engaged in research discussions and exchanged information with students from the center who are planning to travel to Hungary for the Erasmus+ exchange program.

Graduate Student Research Visit from Mahidol University

July 3~July 4, 2024

From Ramathibodi School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand, an interdepartmental agreement school, for the purpose of learning about community nursing and care in Japan, the country with the longest life expectancy in the world, Assistant Professor Wanna Sanongdej and seven graduate students visited the Department of Health Sciences on July 3-4, 2024.
On the first day, they visited Terada Manjukai, a social welfare corporation in Kishiwada City, which was run by Dr. Naomichi Matsukawa, a graduate of the Department of Geriatrics, Osaka University, as the president of the social welfare corporation. He showed us around Terada Manju Hospital, Group Home Manju, and Manjuen, a special nursing home for the elderly. We also filled in our wishes on strips of paper for the Tanabata Festival at an event at the group home. We also enjoyed a gorgeous special menu meal prepared by the hospital's chef. On the way, we were also given a chance to visit Kishiwada Castle and Kishiwada Danjiri Kaikan, and everyone enjoyed the opportunity to experience Japanese culture, including the traditional festivals that have been held in the area for many years. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all the staff members who took time out of their busy schedules throughout the day to provide us with courteous service.

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  Group photo with Terada Manju Hospital staffs

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  Tanabata Festival at group home

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  Group photo at Kishiwada Castle

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  Scene at Kishiwada Danjiri Kaikan

On the second day, after the lecture "Introduction of Japanese long-term care system" by Professor Kabayama, Director of International Exchange Center, Department of Health Sciences, we departed for Nose Town, Toyono-gun, Osaka Prefecture. Here, we observed and participated in the "Iki Iki Hyakusei Exercise" held at a community center in Nose Town. After the exercises, we had an exchange meeting, including interviews with the elderly. We would like to thank everyone at the Nose Town Health and Welfare Center for coordinating and accompanying us. Afterwards, we visited Gyokusenji Temple and talked about the similarities and differences between Japanese and Thai Buddhist culture. We hope that this two-day experience will contribute to the learning of the people of Thailand.

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  Prof. Kabayama's lecture

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  Group photo with participants

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  For lunch, we had nabeyaki udon noodles!

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  The exchange party between Mahidol University students and the people of Nose town was very exciting!

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  Take a break at Gyokusenji Temple

Organization of the IHDi Twin Research Seminar Series
21 June, and 3 July 2024

The Center for Twin Research and its partner university, Semmelweis University (Hungary), have been selected for the second time for the Erasmus+ program (EU bi-way international exchange program). We are then organizing a research exchange for both students and teachers. The IHDi Twin Research Seminar Series was held to mark the visit of Prof Adam D Tarnoki and Prof David L. Tarnoki, who are themselves twin researchers from Semmelweis University.

21 June 2024
‘Radiomic studies in twins’
David Laszlo Tarnoki
Medical Imaging Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary

3 Jul 2024
‘Twin studies in neurological disorders’
Adam Domonkos Tarnoki
Medical Imaging Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary

In their lectures, they introduced the history of twin registries in Hungary and reported its current status.
They also represented twin research initiatives in various fields using medical imaging, and highlighted research and educational exchanges with our Center for Twin Research.

The event attracted significant interest from researchers and students, with about 50 attendees leading to a lively exchange of views.

Five Students from Andalas University Visit Division of Health Sciences for Short-Term Study in Osaka University

June 25, 2024

Five students and two faculty members from Andalas University in Indonesia, which has concluded an MOU with Osaka University, visited the Division of Health Sciences. On the morning of June 25, the first day of their stay, a welcome ceremony was held to welcome the students by Dean Prof. Ishida, Contact Person Prof. Watanabe, and Director Prof. Kabayama of the Center for International Exchange. Introductions of Osaka University and Andalas University were also performed. The first day of the program ended with a welcome lunch and lectures. For the next three months until September, Andalas University students will study Japanese medical and nursing science through lectures and practical training under Prof. Watanabe and Prof. Shiraishi.

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  Group photo at the Welcome Ceremony

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  Speech by Prof. Dasman, Andalas University

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  Lecture on the first day

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  Group photo at the welcome lunch

The 30th Global Seminar by Foreign Researcher in Takatsuki High school
18 June 2024 – Takatsuki High School.

My name is CHANTHAVONG Phouvanh (Bank). I hold a master’s degree in Internal Medicine and am currently a research student in Professor (Prof.) KAMIDE’s laboratory. Before I begin, I would like to express my sincere gratitude towards Takatsuki High School for organizing this event and providing me with the unforgettable to lecture at this esteemed institution. Additionally, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Prof. Kamide for facilitating this chance for me.

On 18 June 2024, I was honored to be invited as a lecturer at Takatsuki High School. The purpose of my visit was to share my experiences and discuss various health issues currently affecting Laos with the students. Accompanied by AKAGI sensei, I arrived at around 10:30 a.m. and received a brief introduction about the history of the school from KUDO sensei, Principal of Takatsuki High School.

After a brief conversation, we proceeded to the meeting room where students from different grades were eagerly waiting. I presented to the students about my home country, Laos, under the topic “LAO PDR AND HEALTH ISSUES”. The presentation, which lasted about 30 minutes, covered various general and specific health issues in Laos, such as environmental concerns and habitual dietary problems.

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  Me giving a lecture at Takatsuki High School

Following the lecture, there was a lively Q&A session. The first question I received was why I chose to become a doctor. Another student inquired about the relationship between Laos' current health issues and its political structure. There were also intriguing questions about potential solutions for the low quality of healthcare in Laos. The students of Takatsuki High School were very polite and showed great enthusiasm for my lecture. The feedback from both students and teachers was overwhelmingly positive. Many students thanked me for sharing my experiences, and I was deeply grateful for the opportunity to inspire and motivate young minds.

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  Me listening to one of the student’s question

After the lecture, we gathered for a group photo.

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  Memorable group photo post-lecture

Following the photo session, we said our goodbyes to the students and teachers. However, Takatsuki High School kindly offered to give us a tour of the campus. We were shown various locations, including the classrooms, the canteen, and the science lab. The most impressive room was the library, which, in my opinion, had a very British style and was one of the largest libraries I have ever seen. During the tour, we were greeted by MAEDA san, the Director of the Global Education Department. She was very welcoming and expressed her desire to see us again in the future.

Lastly, before we said goodbye and parted our ways, we took a tiny opportunity to take one last photo.

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  We gather for the last photo before departing

These are just fragments of my experiences from that day, and words cannot fully capture my feelings. It was an incredibly unique experience and a valuable lesson for me.
Once again, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Takatsuki High School for inviting me and to the students for their warm reception and active participation. Furthermore, I would like to thank Prof. KAMIDE for believing in me and selecting me as a lecturer. I also appreciate AKAGI sensei for accompanying me throughout this unforgettable experience. It is an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life, and I hope to have more opportunities like this in the future.

Mechanosensitive ion channels mini-symposium in Osaka
June 7th, 2024

Mechanosensitive ion channels mini-symposium in Osaka was held on June 7th, 2024, at the lecture room C in Faculty of Medicine, Osaka university. We invited three speakers, Dr. Kotaro Hirano from University of Shizuoka, Dr. Yun Lyna Luo from Western University of Health Sciences, and Dr. Jerome J. Lacroix from Western University of Health Sciences. Research of Mechanosensitive ion channels have been progressing recently, especially since the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Dr. Ardem Patapoutian who discovered PIEZO mechanosensitive channels. In this mini-symposium, we could share latest data regarding PIEZO channels from the biophysical, mathematical, and cell biological point of view. The discussion session has been lively active.

City of Hope National Medical Center Beckman Institute Professor Hui Special Lecture
Thursday, May 30, 2024, 10:00 - 12:00

Professor Susanta K. Hui, the Beckman Institute at City of Hope National Medical Center, USA, had a special lecture titled “Rediscovering the Role of Radiation in improving hematopoietic stem cell transplant outcomes for hematological diseases.” He discussed the history and latest findings in developing methods to manage leukemia and graft-versus-host disease and his research. A total of 32 participants attended the lecture and had a lively discussion.

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  Prof. Hui answers questions from students.

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  The scene at the site before the lecture.

UCLA professor gave special lectures
May 10th and 17th, 2024

Prof. Stephen Cannon of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) David Geffen School of Medicine gave two special lectures. The first lecture, "Therapeutic pipeline for periodic paralysis: channel modifiers and gene therapy," provided up-to-date research information for researchers and physicians inside and outside the university. The second lecture, "Neuromuscular junction disorders and clinical symptoms," was an easy-to-understand presentation for undergraduate students. Both lectures were well attended and very active, with many questions from the students.

Program report on a medical student of Mahidol University at Division of Health Sciences
Apr 22 – May 10, 2024

As part of the Osaka University CAMPUS ASIA PLUS program, Katie, a recent graduate of the Faculty of Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand, trained at the Division of Health Sciences from April 22 – May 10 2024.
As per Katie's wishes, she received very comprehensive training in Women's Health Science, Perioperative Care, Critical and Paliative Care Nursing, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Community Health and Home Medical Care, during the two-week training period. Katie commented that she had learnt a lot and hopes to study more at UOsaka one day. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the teachers who were in charge of her study.

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  Thank you for all the faculties assisting the program arrangements!

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  She presented the results of the program at Kamide Lab.

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  Katie and CAMPUS ASIA staff