Clinical Training Report

Clinical Training Report

 

Country

Taiwan

School

Taipei Medical University

Elective period

19 May 2025 to 13 June 2025

 

Orthopedic Surgery

During my rotation in Orthopedic Surgery at Osaka Metropolitan University Hospital from 5/19-6/30, I had a truly enriching and memorable experience. I was fortunate to be placed in the Spine Team, one of the seven sub-specialty groups in the department. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Tamai, who kindly guided me throughout my training, and to my amazing teammates from Group 5, who made this journey even more enjoyable. I also appreciate all the orthopedic doctors who welcomed me to their morning conferences and encouraged all the doctors to speak in English.

Arthroscopy Training

One of the most impressive parts of the rotation was the arthroscopy training. Since I had never received any training in endoscopic or arthroscopic procedures in Taiwan, using the arthroscope for the first time was both exciting and unfamiliar. At the beginning, I was quite clumsy and unsure, but after practicing with my group 5 during the free training sessions, I gradually improved. Eventually, I was able to complete the task within 30 seconds, which was very rewarding.

Conferences

Each morning, students and residents took turns presenting cases assigned by the attending doctors. We discussed the patient's diagnosis, treatment plans, and sometimes surgical strategies. I found these presentations very educational, especially the interactive discussions that followed. I enjoyed the opportunity to share my ideas and learn from feedback given by the doctors. Speaking English during the presentations was also a valuable practice for me.

BESS Surgery Experience

I had the opportunity to assist in a BESS (Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery) case for a patient with spinal canal stenosis syndrome. It was a great honor to work as a surgical assistant under Dr. Tamai’s guidance. Even when I asked very basic questions, he always answered with patience and clarity. Being part of this surgery gave me a deeper understanding of minimally invasive spine procedures, and the technical precision required.

Overall, the two weeks I spent in the Orthopedic Department were incredibly meaningful. The balance between lectures, hands-on training, case discussions, and clinical exposure allowed me to learn both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The environment was welcoming, the teaching was thorough, and I felt respected and supported throughout my time here. I sincerely hope to return in the future and reconnect with the amazing people at Osaka Metropolitan University Hospital. I will always treasure the memories and lessons from this experience.

Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT)

During my ENT rotation at Osaka Metropolitan University Hospital from 6/2 to 6/13, I had the pleasure of joining Group 7, led by Dr. Koga, who warmly welcomed me from the very beginning. The environment was friendly and inclusive, and I was grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a dedicated and experienced team. The ENT department offered a wide range of courses and hands-on training that allowed me to improve both my clinical skills and theoretical knowledge.

Intubation Training

Although I had practiced endotracheal intubation around two years ago in Taiwan, I had forgotten most of the techniques over time. This rotation gave me the perfect chance to refresh my memory. In addition to the conventional oral intubation, I was also introduced to a new technique—cricothyroidotomy (transcartilage intubation)—which is rarely practiced by students in Taiwan. The instructors were very attentive and patient, guiding us through each step carefully. It was both a valuable experience for me.

Lectures and Case Discussions

There were multiple lectures and case discussions scheduled throughout the two weeks. The topics ranged from hearing loss, head and neck pathology to airway management. These sessions helped me better understand the clinical decision-making process in ENT and reinforced what I had learned during surgeries and hands-on practice.

Surgical Experience

I was very lucky to observe in a variety of surgeries during this rotation, including total thyroidectomy, subtotal thyroidectomy, cholesteatoma surgery, and parotid gland resection. Among them, the cholesteatoma surgery left the deepest impression on me. The procedure required the use of a microscope-like device to precisely drill the temporal bone. The surgeon skillfully avoided damaging critical structures such as the facial nerve and sigmoid sinus. In some cases, it was even necessary to reconstruct the ossicular chain and tympanic membrane, which was both fascinating and astonishing to witness.

A Familiar Encounter

During the rotation, I unexpectedly met Dr. Akimine Nakayama, a doctor coming from Taiwanese. Although our time together was short, being able to speak Taiwanese again after so long felt heartwarming. Dr. Nakayama is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and hearing-related disorders, and I learned a lot from our brief but meaningful conversations.

The ENT rotation provided me with a comprehensive learning experience, from clinical reasoning to technical surgical skills. I felt well-supported by the faculty and my peers, and each day was filled with new knowledge and inspiration. This was truly an unforgettable part of my exchange in Osaka, and I hope I can return to this department again someday in the future.

Finally, my exchange experience at Osaka Metropolitan University Hospital was both inspiring and unforgettable. Through rotations in Orthopedic Surgery and ENT, I gained valuable clinical knowledge, surgical exposure, and hands-on skills that I had never encountered in Taiwan. I’m especially grateful to the doctors and classmates who welcomed me, taught me with patience, and supported me throughout the journey. This experience broadened my perspective and strengthened my passion for medicine. I truly hope to return in the future.