Exchange Program 2013
Mahidol University
Ramathibodi Hospital
DATE:4/1~4/26

Kobe University School of Medicine 6th grade
Hirosato Aoki

1, Introduction
2,Department of Infectious Disease
3, Department of Family Medicine
4, Daily Life
5, Conclusion

1,Introduction
From April 1st to 26th, I went to Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University inBangkok. I practiced in the department of Infectious Disease, and Family Medicine.
I have 3 reasons why I chose this program.
First, I'm interested in infectious disease and general medicine Second, I've neverbeen to Thailand. Third, my seniors who chose this program told me that it wasvery nice.

2,Department of Infectious Disease(4/1~4/11)
In Infectious Disease department, I had two activities, group round and observing
outpatient department.
・group roundI joined the round and discussed about the history, examination findings,diagnosis, and treatment. I was assigned two patients, PCP and bacterialmeningitis. Everyday I went to see the patients and took physical examination. In
this department, I was able to experience the patient of HIV, syphilis, brucellosis,
which I can’t see often in Japan. Through this practice, I gained the knowledge
about these diseases.

・outpatient
I observed the outpatient department of the professor who specializes in HIV. Hetaught me about the basic knowledge of HIV infection. HIV is uncommon in Japan,
so it was a good chance for me to learn about HIV infection. He also told me about
HIV-related problems in Thailand. HIV is common disease in Thailand. It is said
that 1~2% of Thai people have HIV infection, and the percentage is higher
especially among sex workers.

3, Department of Family Medicine(4/15~4/26)
In the department of Family Medicine, we had many lecture and activities.
・case conference
Every morning I joined the case conference. Residents present some cases which
they experienced. I was very surprised because their presentation is much better
than Japanese. They were very good at speaking English, and their presentations
were very attractive.
・home visitWe visited patient’s home as a member of the team. I was surprised to see patientslive in worse environment than I thought, such as no air conditioned, poor hygiene.
This is because we have lived in the dorm in Rama, and we have been to only touristspots. The Patients had many problems, such as physical, psychological, social, andfinancial problems. And the family of the patient who care them also had manyproblems. The member of the team was discussing about such multiple problems,
not only the physical. Then we can see with our own eyes the team holisticallycaring patients and their family.
・1:1 OFM teaching
In this activity, we had a chance to take the history, physical examination, think
differential diagnosis, assessment from real patients. In Japan, I don’t have somany opportunities to do such things. So it was good experience for us.

4, Daily life
On weekend, we went to many places in Thailand, Krabi, Ayutaya, sonkuran
festibal in kaosan and enjoyed very much. And we got to know many people inThailand, such as student and doctors in Rama, Siriraj. This is a good fortune forus.

We also enjoyed Thai food. It was very delicious and cheap. Some food is too
spicy for Japanese, but most of Thai food matches our taste preference. At
the food court of Ramathibodi hospital, it costs only 100yen per meal.

See foodsonkuran festibal

phat thaiKrabi

with Siriraj students
with Ramathibodi doctor and student

5, Conclusion

Through this program, I learned many things and gained a lot of valuable
experience. Before this program, I didn’t have confidence in my English skill. But inThailand I had to communicate in English and it was a good training for me. Afterthe program, I can say what I want to say to some extent and I got to haveconfidence in my language skill.
In Thailand I got to know some students and doctors. They are very kind. I will
always remember their generous hospitality. And Thai student were also eager tolearn. I respect their attitude, and I was inspired to study diligently. This encounter
will be a lifelong treasure.
I really think I was happy to join this program. I appreciate all the people who
supported our program.