Exploring Opportunities in Japan: My Journey as an Overseas Medical Doctor and Researcher

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In 2019, while deep in my neurosurgical residency at the Beijing Institute of Functional Neurosurgery, I had the chance to attend a neurosurgical conference in Beijing. This gathering was a melting pot of professionals from the functional neurosurgery field worldwide. It was here I was drawn to the work of Dr. Takaomi Taira from Tokyo Women's Medical University's Department of Neurosurgery, particularly his presentation on Transcranial Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound (FUS) therapy for tremors and other movement disorders. Seizing the moment, I approached Dr. Taira, and we exchanged contacts with the hope of visiting his hospital in Japan.

Fuelled by this interaction, I reached out to Dr. Taira post-conference, and he kindly suggested I apply for funding through two programs: the Takeda Science Foundation and the Matsumae International Foundation. These programs are remarkable; not only do they cover round-trip flight tickets, but they also provide a monthly stipend and cover travel expenses for conferences within Japan for an entire year, regardless of your host supervisor, university or city.

With my supervisor's support, I applied to both programs. The Matsumae International Foundation, known for its competitive selection process, choosing fewer than five applicants annually, didn't work out for me. However, the Takeda Science Foundation brought me the incredible news that I was selected for a year-long funded stay in Japan.

Unfortunately, the pandemic delayed my plans, as Japan closed its borders. Once reopened, my family and I secured visas through the Japanese consulate in Miami and embarked directly to Tokyo.

amount of fees,

responsibility (why not)

outcome paper, confence

son went to kinder gardern

During my stay I aslo invited my friend