What inspired you to pursue a career in respiratory medicine?

I originally wanted to pursue internal medicine during my student years, but after entering university and starting my clinical rotations, my desired specialty changed several times, and I was quite unsure about my path. After graduation, I completed my initial clinical training at a hospital in Hiroshima, where I had initially been interested in a specific specialty. However, as I rotated through various departments, I found every specialty to be fascinating, which made it even harder for me to make a decision.
When it was time to return to Oita, I had the opportunity to visit various departments, and I was drawn to the atmosphere of the work and the conferences at the respiratory medicine department. Feeling that the environment there suited me, I decided to request to join the respiratory medicine department.

What kind of doctor would you like to become in the future?

As a short-term goal, I am currently in a position where my knowledge and skills as a respiratory medicine specialist are still very much lacking, so my aim is to gradually increase what I can do, step by step.
In terms of my long-term vision as a doctor, I hope to be able to empathize with and understand patients’ concerns and conditions, and to provide care that aligns with their ideal approach. I believe that every patient has a unique idea of what they want in terms of communication and information-sharing. In order to become a doctor who can truly support patients, I want to consciously gain experience and improve the way I interact with them, always keeping their needs and desires in mind.

A word for students and resident doctors:

For those who have already strongly decided on their desired specialty during their student years or clinical rotations, I understand that you may sometimes wonder if what you’re doing right now is useful.
However, looking back, I can confidently say that nothing was a waste. I know it can be challenging with the wide range of rotations and studies, but everything will be valuable in some way. Let’s continue to support each other and do our best! And if, during this process, you develop an interest in respiratory medicine, I would be happy to welcome you for a visit.