Resident Education
2008-2009 Resident Exchange Program with Keio University,
Tokyo Japan
In August and September, six residents from Keio University came to the IEEL to observe clinical practice in the US. Dr. Inagaki said of her experience:
“I was able to observe a variety of surgeries, including penetrating and endothelial keratoplasties. I was also able to observe a combined surgery for the cornea, retina and glaucoma that I had not been able to see in Japan previously. This involved a simultaneous penetrating keratoplasty, glaucoma shunt surgery and vitreous surgery. I observed Dr. Azar’s surgeries, as well as attended his cornea conferences, which were entertaining, as well as educational. In the outpatient clinic, I was able to observe a variety of cases within the different subspecialties including cornea, retina, glaucoma, ophthalmoplasty, pediatric ophthalmology, uveitis, and neuro-ophthalmology. In addition, the residents at UIC were extremely kind and accommodating. Not only were they with us during the day, but they also often took us out for dinner, among other things. We certainly appreciated their gracious hospitality. I felt that the doctors at UIC also kindly welcomed us to observe procedures and surgeries as we pleased. Although it was a very short two weeks, I feel I was able to experience many things.”In October, three of our second year residents went to Tokyo Japan as part of our KIEPO residency exchange program with Keio University. One of the benefits they noted was that the trip and the opportunity to observe ophthalmic practices in Japan and provided them with a different view of ophthalmology. They also appreciated that it gave them a more global perspective, made them aware of the diversity of methods and practices, and also enabled them to make international connections. Our residents also greatly appreciated the hospitality of Dr. Tsubota, Catherine Oshima, the residents, and everyone at Keio University. View the residents' slideshow.
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| 2008-2009 Resident Exchange Program Photo Album |
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2007-2008 Resident Exchange Program with Keio University, Tokyo Japan
Credits: Bryan Kim, MD
One of the exciting events of this academic year for our department has been the initiation of an exchange program with Keio University in Japan. In the fall, 8 residents came from Tokyo to spend 2 weeks at UIC to observe our clinicians.
From February 24 through March 8, three of our residents went to Japan. During their time there, they had the opportunity to both observe clinical practices and to enjoy their time in Tokyo.
On the clinical end, some surprising cultural differences in clinical approaches emerged. In Japan, not only is everyone insured, but also everything is covered. The residents noted that this seemed to affect the aggressiveness and timing of treatments. Because insurance demands didn’t cause a need to be conservative in ordering tests or determining treatment options, it seemed to the residents as though surgeries were performed earlier than here, more aggressive treatments were chosen, and more tests were ordered.
The residents were also able to see some surgeries they had never actually seen in the US due to differential treatment approaches. In the US, only pediatric glaucoma is treated with trabeculotomies, but in Japan, open-angle glaucoma among adults is treated with trabeculotomy. Also because some approaches are different, the residents saw some complications they had not seen in the US (for example, corneal decompensation post laser surgery due to the argon laser).
The approach to training residents differed in some interesting ways as well. Notably, when using teaching scopes to examine dry eyes in patients, the doctors were able to show patients and residents videos of what happens in the eye that causes dry eye. Because the scopes were connected to video equipment, the physicians could rewind the tape and show patients what happens in their own eyes.
Credits: Bryan Kim, MD
The residents also reported having greatly enjoyed the sightseeing, the hospitality both by the Japanese in general, but particularly by the faculty, residents, and staff at Keio University.
One of the most important things to come out of their trip, they noted, was the relationship formed with the Keio University, and the relationships with the doctors and residents.
Credits: Bryan Kim, MD
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Click on the photo to view the entire album. If you are taken to an User Agreement Screen, choose "I Accept" on the next screen, no login is necessary. |
| 2007-2008 Resident Exchange Program Photo Album |
Some of the exchange residents from Japan are: Hidemasa Torii, Shingo Hodosa, Yoshiyuki Ichihashi, Soari Yzyuchi, Mariko Yoshida, Yumiko Ban, Masako Nagai, and Akiko Endo.