University of North Carolina: Tamako Uesaka (6th year, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy *at the time)

I participated in a four-week advanced clinical clerkship at the University of North Carolina in the United States. Through attending university lectures and practical training at the university hospital, I was able to gain insights from various perspectives, including the role of pharmacists in the U.S. and the healthcare system. I feel that this experience served as an opportunity to recognize the differences from Japan and to re-examine the Japanese system once again.

One major difference between Japan and the U.S. is the health insurance system. In the U.S., the insurance plan varies for each patient, so checking whether prescribed medications were covered by insurance was part of the pharmacist's duties. Furthermore, I realized that differences in the insurance system—such as the existence of North Carolina's unique insurance system for those unable to enroll in insurance due to various circumstances, and the existence of professions specializing in health insurance management—have a much larger impact on the environment surrounding pharmacists than I had imagined. I also received comments from local pharmacists several times saying, "I envy the Japanese insurance system." On the other hand, many people were very surprised that there are no technicians in Japan, and recognizing these differences from various perspectives led to the discovery of challenges in both Japan and the U.S.

After the training and on holidays, local students took me to various places, and I was able to spend fulfilling days. North Carolina is rich in nature and the people are warm; I have nothing but wonderful memories. Additionally, making friends from all over the world while living in the dormitory was a precious experience.

I think performing practical training in a foreign land requires a fair amount of courage, but this program is a very special and rare experience even among Faculty of Pharmacy departments nationwide. I hope that any juniors who are interested will take the challenge without hesitation. I'm rooting for you!