The 15th Summer National Medical Student Remote Island Training Program
Education Center for Doctors in Remote Islands and Rural Areas/Department of Community-Based Medicine/Center for Collaborative Education of Medical Personnel
OWAKI Tetsuhiro, AMITANI Marie, IBUSUKI Rie, SAKIYAMA Hayato, MIZUMA Kimiko, TAKEZAKI Toshiro
- amami
- setouchi
Background and objectives of activities
Island regions, while constrained environments, serve as model communities where healthcare practitioners not only provide primary care and family medicine but also explore advanced medical approaches, fostering a conscious focus on the human connections that form the very foundation of healthcare. Due to the unique nature of islands, healthcare needs in remote island areas are clearly defined, making them excellent places to learn about community-based medicine. Therefore, the internship program focuses on learning the realities of community healthcare through interactions with residents and engagement with local government. Additionally, students will participate in medical training and observe the clinical practice of physicians who are actively providing community healthcare. The doctors working there serve as powerful role models for medical students who will support healthcare in the future, and students can also interact with medical students from other universities nationwide.
Summary of Activities
The 15th annual clinical training program for medical students nationwide (4th year and above) was held on Amami Oshima from August 3 to 8, 2025. The program took place at the Kasari National Health Insurance Clinic, the Sumiyo National Health Insurance Clinic, the Setouchi Town Remote Area Clinic, Family Clinic Neria, and Kagoshima Prefectural Oshima Hospital. Participants came from Asahikawa Medical University, Nara Medical University, Oita University, and Miyazaki University, totaling five students. A presentation session was held on the final day at the Kagoshima University Amami Branch Office.
Expected Benefits
Through remote island healthcare, we can cultivate an understanding of the importance of general practice in communities and foster a sense of fulfillment in medical work.
Clinical training in remote islands—a simple environment where residents, healthcare providers, and administrators are closely connected—enables effective learning of general practice. By nurturing such healthcare professionals, we can broadly contribute to improving the health of local communities.