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Message from the Dean of the School of Medicine
Wakayama Medical University was established in 1945 as Wakayama Prefectural Medical College and became Wakayama Medical University in 1952 through an educational reform. With a history of about 80 years, it is a prestigious medical university with a proud heritage. The School of Health and Nursing Science was added in 2004, followed by the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2021, developing into a comprehensive medical university consisting of three schools.
Wakayama is the place where Hanaoka Seishu, sometimes known as the "Saint of Medicine," successfully performed the world’s first surgery using general anesthesia. The Faculty of Medicine embraces Hanaoka's medical philosophy of "Unity of Internal and External; Mastery of Living Things" as its fundamental approach to medicine. The educational objectives are to cultivate individuals with rich humanity and high ethical standards, individuals with advanced and comprehensive medical capabilities, individuals with excellent communication and leadership skills, and individuals who can contribute to regional and international healthcare.
To achieve these educational goals, we not only focus on acquiring advanced specialized knowledge, but also actively promote interprofessional education (IPE), taking advantage of the features of a comprehensive medical university. Through joint lectures and practical training involving the three faculties, students gain a multifaceted understanding by considering the diverse perspectives of doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, fostering communication and leadership skills while learning the importance of team-oriented medical care. Furthermore, we actively engage in international exchange to broaden perspectives and develop a global outlook. In the academic year 2023, for example, we dispatched 23 medical students to universities in the United States, Europe, and Asia. We aim to cultivate globally-minded individuals who can absorb and experience diverse cultures and social backgrounds.
Physicians seek to practice medicine to save lives that could not be saved before and to treat diseases and symptoms that were previously untreatable. Importantly, they should also engage in the ‘advancement of medicine’, and this is achieved through high-quality research. To foster a research mindset early in medical education, we have established an MD-PhD course. Additionally, we have set up the Graduate School of Comprehensive Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, leveraging the features of a comprehensive medical university to nurture highly-skilled medical professionals and researchers who can contribute with a global reach.
Surrounded by a rich natural regional environment including spectacular sea and mountain landscapes, we at Wakayama Medical University offer support in maximizing future prospects, engaging in high-level studies, and participating in social and professional networking, so that you can become medical professionals and researchers with rich humanity who greatly contribute to the advancement of medicine and healthcare. Wakayama Medical University is committed to supporting you wholeheartedly.
KAWAMATA Tomoyuki
Dean of School of Medicine
Wakayama Medical University