On Saturday, August 1, the 3rd "Experience Real Medicine with Cutting-Edge Medical Equipment!" workshop for junior high school students was held at the Keio University Center for Preventive Medicine in Azabudai Hills, Minato City. This workshop was part of the "Hills Workshop for Kids 2026," a summer program where Azabudai Hills tenant companies and stores provide diverse learning opportunities for children. Keio University provided this experiential learning opportunity for students to handle actual medical equipment.
In this session, Professor Naoki Hosoe, the Deputy Director of the Center, personally provided instruction on endoscopy. In addition, doctors, nurses, and clinical laboratory technologists from the Center for Preventive Medicine, along with students from "KAPPA" (Keio ACLS Popularizing and Promoting Association)—a student circle dedicated to spreading emergency life-saving techniques composed of students from the School of Medicine, Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care, and Faculty of Pharmacy—provided practical guidance. The participating junior high school students were divided into three groups and rotated through three educational programs using equipment employed at the forefront of medical care. In the stomach observation training using an endoscopy system, they experienced the precision and difficulty required in clinical settings through delicate camera operation. In the hands-on experience with abdominal ultrasound equipment, they deepened their understanding of the structure of life by observing organ models displayed on the monitor. In the Basic Life Support (BLS) training using simulators and AEDs, they learned the procedures and importance of life-saving actions that could be necessary in any everyday situation.
Post-workshop surveys included many comments reflecting the unique insights gained through practical training. Participants shared their enjoyment of the valuable and realistic medical experience, with comments such as, "I was able to actually touch and experience the endoscope, and I learned how difficult it is to move the camera," "It was interesting to see human organs from various angles," and "It was very good to relearn and review BLS, which I might need to use anytime, anywhere in daily life." Many also noted that the experience deepened their interest in medicine and their awareness of future career paths. At the workshop venue, participants expressed a desire to attend again or for longer training hours, and spoke of their interest in advanced medical sciences such as regenerative medicine and neuroscience, as well as their aspirations to enter the School of Medicine. The experience of handling real medical equipment and interacting with faculty, staff, and students seems to have served as a catalyst for cultivating future ambitions in the hearts of the participants.
The Center for Preventive Medicine plans to continue enhancing these experiential programs to provide valuable opportunities for children to encounter the latest medical care and its role in society.
Photography: Aki Takematsu