Eligibility:	Doctors aiming to become hand surgeon specialists after acquiring an orthopedic or plastic surgery specialist certification
Period:	Three months
Salary:	No salary will be paid, but accommodations will be provided by the hospital.
Contact:	Keizo Fukumoto (Fukumoto@jikei.or.jp)

Training Report

June to August 2022, Patrick Michael V. Manalaysay , MD

Patrick Michael V. Manalaysay , MD From Sarangani Provincial Hospital- Malungon, Sarangani Province, Philippines

Stepping out of my comfort zone was very hard at the beginning. When I started in Saitama Jikei Hospital, I admit there was that feeling of anxiety being away from home, being in a new and unfamiliar environment, meeting new people who I will spend the next three months training with. The anxiety dissipated rather quickly, as the hospital and its staff made me feel comfortable as soon as I arrived.
In my residency training back home, I was exposed to a lot of trauma cases. This is why I chose a program for fellowship training where I would be exposed to new cases, ones I felt I needed more to learn from. I wanted to learn more in the field of hand surgery and the Saitama Jikei Hospital has been so generous in providing just that.
For 3 months, I attended their preoperative and postoperative conferences where we evaluated cases, planned and discussed outcomes. We also had a journal presentation every week which became essential to me as I learned and updated myself with the latest information in this field. What I liked most during these conferences is that we had hand therapists of the institute with us, ensuring that the patients got the proper post operative rehabilitation to get them back to their premorbid state swiftly. We also went on morning rounds, seeing all admitted patients in the ward as part of our postsurgical care. This process of learning has taught me that post operative care and rehabilitation is just as important as the preoperative planning and intraoperative decision making. I saw how every step is essential in providing a complete and holistic approach to the care provided to the patients.
I was given the opportunity to be trained in microsurgery as well. I spent hours in the training room every week where I was taught the basics and the different techniques by different staff members which has provided me a very good foundation as I start my journey in microsurgery.
I was able to observe and assist in a wide variety of surgeries such as tendon transfers, Dupuytrens contracture release, toe to thumb transfers, cubital tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, congenital deformities of the hand, different management for CM joint arthritis, free flaps (SCIP, Medial Pedis, Vascularized bone grafting), surgeries for osteoarthritis of the DRUJ and the most exciting of all which is replantation surgery of digits just to name a few.
I am very honored and humbled to have trained in this great institute. This experience has really taught me a lot in the field of hand surgery and microsurgery. This institute has been so generous in providing its time and expertise, and I've thoroughly enjoyed the very conducive learning environment. For aspiring hand surgeons like me, it has been a pleasure working with state-of-the-art equipment, a wide variety of cases, and last but not the least, the people who, as mentors guided me with their impressive surgical skills and vast knowledge in this field. I am grateful for everything, and will never forget this experience. I look forward to learning more and sharing the knowledge I acquired to my fellow orthopedic surgeons back home so that we may mirror the excellent care I've learned here in Saitama Jikei Hospital – Hand and Microsurgery Institute.

 

April to July 2023, Ronald A. Dela Peña, MD

Ronald A. Dela Peña, MD, DPBO. Veterans Memorial Medical Center, Quezon City, Manila, Philippines.

I stayed at Saitama Jikei Hospital for 3 months. During my stay, I gained invaluable experience that has shaped my skills and expertise in this specialized filed. The hospital environment provided a rich learning experience, exposing me to a diverse range of hand-related conditions and allowing me to work alongside experienced surgeons and medical professionals.
Throughout my training, I had the privilege of participating in numerous surgeries involving hand trauma, reconstructive procedures, nerve repairs, flaps, and a lot of microvascular surgery. These hands-on experiences provided me with a deep understanding of surgical techniques, patient management, and the intricacies of hand anatomy.
Collaboration was a crucial aspect of my training as a hand fellow. We worked closely with a multidisciplinary team comprising occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals. This collaborative approach ensured that patients received holistic care, addressing both their surgical needs and rehabilitation requirements for optimal functional outcomes.
In addition to surgical exposure, I actively engaged in the preoperative and postoperative conference, and hospital rounds every morning. During Thursday, I had a chance to practice and improve my skills in microsurgery by practicing in the Microsurgery laboratory. Academic pursuits were also integral to my training. I participated in weekly journal club that focused new hand surgery techniques, exploring new treatments, and improving patient outcomes. Attending conferences and presenting research findings allowed me to contribute to the broader medical community and stay up to date with the latest advancements in hand surgery.
The hospital training environment not only honed my technical skills but also instilled in me a deep sense of compassion and empathy. Witnessing the impact that hand conditions have on individuals' lives, I have developed a strong commitment to providing patient-centered care, ensuring open communication, and tailoring treatment plans to meet each patient's unique needs.
Overall, my training as a hand fellow in Saitama Jikei Hospital has provided me with a solid foundation to deliver comprehensive care, employing the latest surgical techniques, evidence-based practices, and a patient-centric approach. I am forever grateful for the mentorship and experiences I gained during this training, as they continue to shape my practice as a hand surgeon today.

 

2023, Paul Christian A. Bejosa, MD

Paul Christian A. Bejosa, MD. Orthopaedic Hand and Microsurgery East Avenue Medical Center Quezon City, Philippines.

I am deeply grateful and humbled to share my testimony on the fellowship training I underwent in Hand and Microsurgery at Saitama Jikie Hospital. This prestigious institution not only honed my technical competencies but also molded my overall professional attitude in dealing with the intricate field of hand and microsurgery.
Saitama Jikei Hand and Mocrosurgery institut In conclusion, my fellowship training in Hand and Microsurgery at Saitama Jikie Hospital has been a transformative journey, both personally and professionally. e has complete equipment and facilities for pre-operative , intraoperative post-operative evaluation and management of varieties of hand conditions. This provided a hands-on experience with the latest technologies, advancing my surgical proficiency from initial diagnosis until recovery. The training program, equipped me with the necessary skills to effectively and efficiently handle any given situation.
The fellowship training has been an immersive and enriching experience. The diversity in patient cases allowed me to gain much-needed experience and knowledge, enabling me to further refine my surgical skills. Dr. Kodaira, Dr. Koike, Dr. Okada and my co-fellow Dr. Yamaki guided me starting from the use surgical microscope and microsurgery equipment. They also taught proper techniques in microsurgery. Other than that, Dr. Fukumoto also gave practical examination to check my surgical skills, its a stressful moment but it was fun experience at the same time because this taught me how to be calm during microsurgery procedures.
The faculty staff especially Dr. Fukumoto at Saitama Jikie Hospital are amongst the best in their respective fields. Their expertise, coupled with their genuine interest in mentoring and teaching, created an environment conducive for learning. Their guidance was instrumental in deepening my understanding of the delicate and precise nature of hand and microsurgery.
The interprofessional collaboration between surgeons, nurses, and hand therapist professionals taught me the value of teamwork in this highly specialized field. It highlighted the importance of each team member in ensuring the successful outcome of surgical procedures and the overall patient care.
But above all knowledge, skills, and attitude that I have learned, I value more the friendship that I find during my time in Saitama Jikei Hospital. Staying for 3 months away from my family in the Philippines is not easy but Dr. Fukumoto his team showed and accepted me as part of their family making my fellowship training bearable in emotional aspects. I am forever grateful to the entire team at Saitama Jikie Hospital for their unwavering support and guidance throughout my training. In conclusion, my fellowship training in Hand and Microsurgery at Saitama Jikie Hospital has been a transformative journey, both personally and professionally.

   

   

2023, Dr Loren Lantin

Dr Loren Lantin. East Avenue Medical Center.

During my three-month clinical fellowship at Saitama Hand and Microsurgery Institute, I plunged into an enriching journey to refine my skills as an aspiring hand surgeon from the Philippines. This experience exposed me to novel surgical challenges and holistic patient management approaches and has provided a pivotal platform for me to delve into a diverse range of cases.
In my three months of clinical fellowship, I was fortunate enough to engage and experience conducting daily rounds and attending conferences. We also collaborated closely with multidisciplinary teams, including occupational therapists, to assess and strategize preoperative and postoperative care plans. Everyone would discuss the best surgical and rehabilitation management for the patient before and after the surgery. These discussions, often supported by pertinent journals, not only broadened my understanding of treatment options but also underscored the significance of a comprehensive patient-centric approach for optimal recovery.
Beyond theoretical knowledge, I was given an opportunity to cultivate my proficiency in microsurgery. I used my spare time to learn and expand my horizons under the guidance of my consultants, and dedicated myself to daily practice sessions, recognizing the crucial role this skill plays in my future.
What truly resonated with me was the exposure to numerous surgical cases, offering invaluable insights and skill enhancement opportunities. Assisting in multiple surgeries opened up a great door of experience and learning opportunities. Rotating weekly in Saitama Children’s Hospital exposed me to pediatric hand and upper extremity cases, further enriching my experience, and understanding in this specialized field.
My time at Saitama Hand and Microsurgery Institute was not just a professional milestone but a deeply humbling and transformative journey. I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering support and mentorship provided by my colleagues, who not only imparted their expertise but also embraced me as part of their professional family. Their exemplary work ethic, personal warmth, and commitment to excellence have profoundly influenced my aspirations as a future hand surgeon. I will surely use the knowledge and skills that I have acquired during this fellowship when I get back to my home country.
As I reflect on this rewarding experience, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge and skills acquired, which I am eager to apply in serving my future patients back home. Saitama Hand and Microsurgery Institute will forever hold a special place in my heart as a cornerstone of my surgical journey.

 

2024, Radesh R Menon　MD

Radesh R Menon　MD. From　Belenus Champion Hospital, Bangalore

Hand Surgery, Culture & Friendships - My Journey at Saitama Hand & Microsurgery Institute.
My fellowship at the Saitama Hand Institute was a profound journey that significantly shaped my professional and personal growth. The institute, recognised as a centre of excellence in hand and upper limb surgery, offered an environment where expertise, precision, and the latest technologies combined to deliver cutting-edge patient care.
What truly set my experience apart was the attitude of the staff. Despite their immense knowledge, they were always approachable and eager to share their expertise and provide guidance. The mentorship I received was unparalleled, with mentors who didn’t just teach the ‘how’ of surgery but also the ‘why’ behind each decision. The rehabilitation team also provided valuable insights into hand rehabilitation and functional training, making the learning environment both supportive and enriching.
A significant aspect of my fellowship was the comprehensive training in microsurgery, particularly in the lab. The extensive hours spent refining intricate microsurgical techniques were crucial for managing complex hand and upper limb conditions. The high standards and diverse case load at the institute ensured that each day was intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding, allowing me to refine my technical abilities and expand my diagnostic acumen. The meticulous approach taken by the surgeons to achieve both functional and aesthetic outcomes deeply resonated with me.
My time at the institute also provided a deep understanding of the cultural nuances in Japanese medical practice, emphasising patient-centered care and holistic healing. Beyond the scope of fellowship, the institute and the mentors made me feel at home and gave me an opportunity to understand and explore the culture and attractions of Japan.
The friendships I forged, the skills I honed, and the knowledge I gained have all become integral parts of my professional identity. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a prestigious institution, and I look forward to carrying forward the values and skills I acquired at Saitama Hand Institute in my ongoing career.