Messages from Graduates

Messages from Graduates

Munechika Osa

I am Morichika Osa. I’m interested in Tropical medicine and entered MTM course. There were various experiences during this course. For example, I could have discussion (group work), learn subjects such as statistics, epidemiology which I haven’t learned systematically until then. Due to the pandemic of COVID-19 infection, I had tough time, however, I encouraged with not only MTM students but also MPH and MSc students each other and could overcame this hardship. Additionally, we could obtain Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (DTM&H). In this course, students can learn medical management of tropical diseases and deepen those knowledges through the practice. Finally, I really recommend MTM course to those who are interested in tropical medicine.

Akane ONO

I’m interested in learning medicine globally and so I tried to join this MTM course and had a chance to learn here in Nagasaki.
As an MTM graduate, I’d like to introduce you about this course. The course consists of 4 terms. During the first two terms, we, MTM students, learn with students belonging to MSH and MSc. All lectures, not only Statistics and Epidemiology, but also Tropical medicines were motivating. I could learn the way of thinking from international students (mostly from Asia and Africa), have discussion, work hard and encourage each other, and also take a rest with chatting among not only medical doctors but also nurses, pharmacists and so on. This was a wonderful opportunity to broaden my outlook and give me a new view of the world. Additionally, I could have a valuable relationship with a lot of students from all over the world beyond just one of a Japanese pediatrician.
During the third term, lectures are more detailed and enlarged our knowledge. Only with MTM students, lots of lectures are based on clinical medicine; there are case presentations from collaborated facilities in Viet Nam and Philippines and lectures presented by LSHTM. Those were really interesting and impressive. Just from my personal pediatric point of view, lectures related to pediatrics were not so many but they were really valuable because I could have a chance to see real measles which I could have not done just in Japan and to know the severe dehydration and malnutrition. These inspired me to see children globally.
During winter and summer terms, we worked on our research and finished writing master’s thesis. It was hard to manage just in one year but somehow I completed all my assignments, thanks to my supervisor and assistant professors. It was a nice experience to complete.
In the summer term, we happily had an opportunity to visit and stay in the Philippines for two weeks and learn tropical medicine by lectures and bedside teaching in an actual tropical area. We were very lucky to join this course in 2018 to 2019 and hope this fieldtrip continues.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to you all; professors, supervisors, students, and staff in TMGH. Thank you for all of your support. I could have a very meaningful and fruitful time with you.

Munyeku Bazitama Yannick

I am Yannick Munyeku, a Medical Doctor working for the DR Congo Ministry of Health. I went to Japan through JICA ABE Initiative as part of the human resources capacity building program. As a TMGH student, I had a rich and diverse experience. Courses were designed and taught to provide to students relevant knowledge to efficiently and comprehensively deal with global health issues across the globe and in developing countries specifically. As a MTM student, I have been able to strengthen and acquire competitive skills in biomedical research, epidemiology and clinical management of Infectious diseases while networking with colleagues, researchers, clinicians and academia from all over the world. I strongly recommend TMGH to health professionals who would like to endlessly work for a safer world where nobody is left behind.

Shafiq Siita

As an employee of a social health insurance organization in Ghana, the need to have higher education in health financing and public health in general to better appreciate the socio-economic factors that influence health inequities (or equity) especially in less resourced countries was very apparent. Where to have that education, however, was not as much obvious. Well, that was, until my research discovered the School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University.
Nagasaki University was a perfect match for me as its two-year public health course has a wide variety of courses handled by expert and skilled professors and allows students to select courses to fit their career aspirations or interest. The diversity in my class was very interesting and allowed for diversity in ideas and discussions on global health issues which helped me to appreciate how health challenges in different settings may require different health policy responses for effective resolution. However, the most appealing feature of the MPH program at the School for me is the requirement for students to undertake internship at reputable international global health organizations. This affords students the opportunity to practice, under the supervision and guidance of practicing global health experts, the theories and concepts they learn in the classroom. Of course, I can never forget the fulfilling and enriching learning and working experience I had at the Western Pacific Regional Office of the WHO in the Philippines during my internship there.
Making a good choice of university for one’s postgraduate education in public health can be very challenging: Nagasaki university however made my decision quiet an easy one and I enjoyed every single day of my stay there.

Chisato Masuda

My experience in this school was beyond what I expected at the enrollment. Here we learnt various global health issues from faculty across disciplines during the 1st year. It provided us the wide knowledge of tropical medicine and public health, my perspective and interests expanded with every new module. Diversity of background and origin country of students is another remarkable characteristic of this school, we continuously discussed the health and social issues across the world and learnt from each other. The 2nd year was the next step to apply the knowledge gained in the 1st year and more focus on the research. I worked at WHO Philippines office as an intern and conducted data collection for master’s research in the Philippines. Through the steps for conducting the field research in abroad, we could obtain the basic skill of scientific research. In this year, I guess all students experienced some problems with their plan and felt discouraged. However, those challenges definitely taught us how to find a way of making it work and grew ourselves. I am thankful to constant support and guidance from faculty and staffs in this institute.
Apart from the academic experience, I cherish every moment I spent with classmates. The friendship is the biggest attainment in this school. I am proud to be in this great network and hope to see or work together someday and somewhere in the world.

Kensuke MINAMI

I am Kensuke Minami.
Looking back over the past year, I feel like one year went by so fast.
It’s my precious memory to study, eat, and talk with international students.
As for lectures, we learned the basis of epidemiology and statistics in Autumn term. It helped us for implementing research. In lectures related to global health, I got new perspectives I have not known. We have lots of tropical medicine classes in Spring term, so the schedule was tight, but we had not only basic lectures but also online case conferences with overseas hospitals, special seminars by visiting lecturers from overseas, and some practicals we examined mosquitos or parasites’ eggs with microscope. Those were very exciting and helpful.
My research was to investigate the pattern of cytokines released by lymphocytes with mycobacterial antigen stimulation in non-tuberculous mycobacterial patients. Originally I was working as a clinician, and I have never done research. Conducting the experiment, analyzing the result, and writing thesis were really inspiring for me. And I got the good opportunity to review the immune system human beings have.
I think this course was beneficial because we learned tropical medicine and global health from various viewpoints.

Numair Tarek Abdelhamid Abdellatif Mohamed

graduates1(far right)

I joined graduate school of Tropical Medicine and Global Health (TMGH) as a member of the MSc family – Innovative course. For two years, I have been learning the latest sciences in Global Health and medical sciences. I applied my gained knowledge to support and develop electronic health system in Egypt (my hometown country). All professors, colleagues and administrative staff supported us as students and as member of TMGH family. The learning experience in TMGH was professional, motivated, and inspiring as it enhanced my skills and abilities to think globally and in a comprehensive manner.
During my study, Professor Satoshi Kaneko (my supervisor) taught me a lot, not only science but also manners and way of thinking. Really, I am honored to learn from him a lot and to be one of the MSc graduates in TMGH. Such mixed educative family environment makes TMGH as a unique graduate school for Global Health pioneers.

Miho Inokuchi

graduates1(far left)

As an experienced humanitarian worker, the global health remains one of my major concerns to improve life of people facing disaster and conflict in the world. The TMGH program of Nagasaki University provides an opportunity to learn basic skills covering wide topics in the area of communicable and non-communicable diseases which is beyond the limits of geographical and/or economic boundaries.
During the two years’ course, I was provided with a great opportunity through impressive lectures and laboratory practices to learn different aspect of Tropical Medicine and Global Health. This helped to develop a bridge between research and field work to improve the impact of intervention in vulnerable populations. Apart from this, I acquired knowledge in multicultural awareness which helps to take different approaches to problem solving and also creates valuable new skills and behaviors required in the field.
I believe, I am fully armed with the required skills and certainly use them in my humanitarian field. Also, this will be a significant asset not only for my career but for my organization and for the vulnerable population receiving our interventions globally.

Takuya Shizume

graduates1 Hello, my name is Takuya Shizume (right). I am a 1st batch, Master of Public Health candidate, Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University.
I entered this Master of Public Health course to study disease prevention after working in the Solomon Islands as a Physiotherapist and a Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer for 2 years. After the completion of this master degree, I am going to work in WHO/WPRO as a short-term consultant, and then in JICA as a full-time employee.
The most interesting part of this course is 5-month internship and 3-month research overseas (i.e. long term overseas practicum). In my case, I conducted 2-month internship in Asia Pacific Development center on Disability and 3-month internship in WHO Lao PDR country office. Regarding on my research, I conducted field survey on Schistosomiasis in southern Lao PDR in cooperation with Ministry of Health, Lao PDR.
I practically applied the acquired knowledge on statistics, epidemiology and data management etc to my field work during the internship and research. By doing so, I could have great field experiences and improve my skills in the field.
This study also enabled me to have good relationship with those who work in JICA, UN, Consultant company and NGOs. It also helped me to think about my future career.
In this 2-year course, you can spend precious time with precious friends and professors who have different expertise.

Satomi Ichino

graduates1The experiences I went through as a 1st batch student of TMGH were more than what I had expected before I entered the School. Specialized lectures such as Tropical Medicine and Global Health, the practical skills gained through the long-term internship, and research activities which allowed me to pursue what I had wanted to demonstrate were every feature of my TMGH achievements. Every lecture held during the 1st year was essential to my internship and research activities conducted in the 2nd year, therefore, the learning process of TMGH which allowed students to gain knowledge and also practical skills is reasonable and rational.
The most distinguished feature of TMGH is the close guidance of the faculty staff. Many students had difficulties in the Statistics and Epidemiology modules, reading scientific papers, and developing their research, however, with the help of the faculty staff we could overcome those difficulties. Students could have fruitful discussions and receive advice from the professors at any time. TMGH considers every student important, respects their will, and helps them find a path which is suitable for them.
My classmates from all over the world have now become wonderful colleagues who I can rely on for support when I experience difficulties or anxieties. I would like to be a part of Global Health development to make the most of what I learned at TMGH.

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