Student Testimonials 2018

• Amazing. It was interesting. There were many materials, and I feel like I can have expectations and hope for the future. I wonder if cancer will stop being scary?

• Interesting topic to catch up on latest information.

• I'm glad you explained difficult content in a way that even the general public could understand. Having the PPT materials was helpful because I didn't have to write down everything the professor said.

• I think it was explained clearly for the general public. The final point, "Genomic information is the ultimate personal information," was impressive.

• I was able to grasp the overall picture, from the basics of genomic and genetic information to cancer genomic medicine.

• There were many technical aspects and some difficult parts, but the content was timely and very interesting. I'm glad I participated.

• It was explained clearly within the limited time, and I was able to listen with interest from start to finish. The materials were also easy to read and much appreciated. Despite being a public lecture, I felt the content was very substantial.

• It was a meaningful day, being able to have active discussions with the enthusiastic lecturers and proactive pharmacists.

• The discussions and lectures will be truly useful for tomorrow's medication dispensing. I was impressed by the high level of the hospital pharmacists. This is a seminar I definitely want to attend again.

• By listening to others' opinions, I was able to notice perspectives I didn't have. Even things I didn't understand were resolved with the support of the tutor.

• Each lecture was explained in a structured way, making it easy to understand and very educational. During the small group discussions, I examined cases with hospital pharmacists and noticed differences in how we view prescriptions. I once again felt the importance of pharmacy-pharmacy collaboration.

Dr. Yoko Takino

• Since I have few opportunities to handle these prescriptions and my understanding was thin, I was saved by the thorough talk, and the points I should study on my own became clear. I will work on my medication instructions so that patients can understand better. (50s, Community Pharmacist)

• Thank you for the valuable lecture, ranging from basic explanations to your own reference tables and case studies. I want to apply this to my work starting tomorrow. (50s, Community Pharmacist)

• The PowerPoint was in color and very easy to see. Cancer patients don't often come to local community pharmacies (due to the severity), but hearing that many patients now receive outpatient treatment (due to hospital budgets, etc.), I felt that pain relief needs to be addressed in various situations (as there are cases where patients must administer or take medication themselves). (Community Pharmacist)

• I learned a lot about things like locking up narcotics, which I don't handle daily. It was easy to understand because the key points were highlighted. (Community Pharmacist)

• The characteristics of items used for pain relief and the points to be careful about when selecting them were well-summarized, and the tables made it easy to understand. I also learned that choices change depending on the patient's thoughts and living environment. (50s, Community Pharmacist)

• I gained comprehensive knowledge about palliative care. Hearing how it is actually practiced made it feel like a familiar form of medical care. I think Dr. Takino's presentation slides were very clear and well-organized. (I don't usually notice such things, but) I listened to the lecture thinking it would be helpful when I organize my own materials. Thank you. (50s, Community Pharmacist)

• I was able to learn about how to select medications. (40s, Community Pharmacist)

Dr. Ken Kaneko

• It was easy to understand with a good amount of case studies. Since I work in a dispensing pharmacy, my environment involves listening for breakthrough symptoms based on prescriptions after control has been established, but I want to be able to provide medication instructions more clearly. (50s, Community Pharmacist)

• I really learned a lot from the case studies and the meaningful content based on your experience. (50s, Community Pharmacist)

• The case study of the 40s patient on page 19 was interesting. At this point, I feel like I've understood today's content, but I still lack sufficient study, so I'd like to take the lecture as many times as possible. (Community Pharmacist)

• I understood very well the explanations of specific pain-relief devices and the clinical use of analgesics. (Community Pharmacist)

• I want to keep in mind the importance of the patient's thoughts, background, and the feelings of their family members in the future. (50s, Community Pharmacist)

• I was drawn in by Dr. Kaneko's well-paced talk. (50s, Community Pharmacist)

• I want to ensure that pharmacists can increasingly join palliative care teams. After hearing today's lecture, I want to study even more. (40s, Community Pharmacist)

• It's unavoidable that the SGD titles become fuzzy, but on the other hand, I understood well the difficulties of practical training instruction in hospitals. The earnest voices of the hospital instructors were impressive. Comparing hospitals and pharmacies, the general evaluation seems easier to handle in pharmacies where the distance to students is closer. (Community Pharmacist)

• I think my understanding of the general evaluation deepened through today's workshop. In the small group discussion, our group was able to find that the content of the general evaluation can be used as points for us instructor pharmacists to observe in students; discovering that it can be used for more than just student evaluation was a new finding. (Hospital Pharmacist)

• I was able to learn the benefits of the general evaluation. I realized that feedback to students is important. It was good to hear the opinions of university and hospital staff. The information-sharing sheets for the 8 diseases and the disease examples were clear and good (helped me understand better). (Community Pharmacist)

• I think it was very useful to hear opinions about initiatives and challenges at other facilities. I found that other facilities have similar concerns. I felt the need to communicate more with students. (Hospital Pharmacist)

• It was educational to hear the opinions of people from various facilities regarding the general evaluation. I want to take this back to my own facility and utilize it for student evaluation. Also, by participating in the workshop, I realized my own low level of understanding regarding the general evaluation. (Hospital Pharmacist)

• I learned a lot about the potential of AI. I want to think about how AI can be utilized in hospital pharmacies, which parts to leave to AI, and how to coexist with it. (40s, Hospital Pharmacist)

• I thought AI would eventually enter diagnostic imaging, but it was a shock to hear it doesn't generate profit. Since it seems it would help doctors with diagnosis and reduce the risk of misdiagnosis, I hope a way can be found to introduce it. (50s, Community Pharmacist)

• I felt the flow of the times. Even in the age of AI, I want to remain a pharmacist who can be helpful to patients. (50s, Community Pharmacist)

• I had an image that artificial intelligence could do anything, but I learned that human wisdom and inspiration are necessary. Furthermore, I thought the point about humans being involved in nurturing it was interesting. It was meaningful to hear such behind-the-scenes stories. (50s, Hospital Pharmacist)

• I knew almost... nothing at all about AI, but today I feel like I've somehow understood it (the basics?). I see the letters AI and IT many times every day, but it seems Japan is actually very far behind. (Community Pharmacist)

• I felt that human connection is medicine. Dr. Takase's humanity and hard work showed that we must never forget humor and laughter, no matter the difficulty. I want to keep learning so that our team surrounding the patient can better utilize the benefits of living in this era of AI and humans. (40s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• I gained a clear understanding of home care settings, which was very helpful. Since it is often difficult for pharmacists to explain the need for deprescribing to doctors, I felt the necessity of it and hope to be able to make such proposals while communicating with doctors in the future.

• For the elderly, environmental adjustment is just as important as treating the disease. I felt the difficulty of proceeding with treatment while considering individual patient wishes and their future, and protecting their dignity. As a pharmacist, I want to study polypharmacy measures more and actively participate in home medical care to support elderly healthcare (diseases, drug therapy, and community-based integrated care). (30s, Hospital Pharmacist)

• I was able to well understand the concepts and realities of "cost minimum, performance maximum" in home medical care and community-based integrated care systems, and I acquired the practical importance and actionability of what should be done. (40s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• It was very interesting. I really learned a lot from the broad range of topics, from basics like the Six Stages of Disease and Qi-Blood-Water theory to specific applications and side effects. I would have also loved to hear about specific topics in gynecology. (20s, University Student)

• There were some points I couldn't quite grasp, but the content allowed for a broad overview and was very interesting. Since I don't have detailed knowledge of each crude drug, there were parts beyond my understanding, but the instructor's talk was so engaging that I felt drawn into the content. (50s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• The content was very clinically relevant, and I can provide information to patients immediately. I now understand the perspective of Kampo and feel I can make specific symptom assessments and proposals. Also, it will be useful for confirming effects based on Sho (pattern) and disease stages. (50s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• The theory for selecting prescriptions according to individual patients based on Kampo pattern classification, the Six Stages of Disease, and Qi-Blood-Water was explained clearly. I think if we were taught specific methods for classifying patterns individually, pharmacists could provide medication guidance with more confidence when explaining to patients. (30s, Hospital Pharmacist)

• (First Half) I learned the word "Integrity" for the first time. It was good to learn the words of Dr. Kazuo Asahina. Hearing from a sports pharmacist active on the front lines is educational because it comes from their unique experience. (Second Half) I had only heard about athletes and bronchial asthma somewhere before, so it was good to gain knowledge through this study session. (30s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• (First Half) The lectures by Dr. Kasashi and Dr. Yamazawa are always interesting and provide new learning. Thank you very much. (Second Half) The group discussion is educational as various opinions come up that I wouldn't have noticed on my own. I felt the case this time was difficult to handle due to the limited information. (50s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• (First Half) Hearing from Dr. Kasashi about the Winter Olympics, recent doping trends, and governance made me feel a sense of discipline, not just as an SP but as a person. I well understood the meaning of "holistic care." (Second Half) By actually speaking out and exchanging opinions in the workshop, I was able to reconfirm my level of understanding. Sometimes I don't remember things well just by listening or reading... (40s, Employee at a pharmaceutical company, etc.)

• (First Half) Thank you for the clear explanation of topics related to sports pharmacists. (Second Half) It was my first time actually creating a worksheet, so it was very educational. I would be happy if you could set up opportunities like this regularly in the future. (50s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• Patients with knee osteoarthritis, lower back pain, or spinal canal stenosis often visit for long periods, so it was good to be able to study this. Regarding the influence of weather, I had vaguely assumed things until now, but it was interesting to see research being conducted again on how results differed across various studies. I've seen an increase in patients wanting surgery or who have actually undergone it recently, so it was good to hear about surgery as well. (30s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• The talk from a doctor performing cutting-edge treatments, including clinical surgery footage, was extremely interesting. Complaints of symptoms related to lower back pain are very common and will be useful when consulting with patients. (50s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• The lecture really conveyed the professor's personality, and I enjoyed listening to it. There was much I didn't know, and it was educational. If I ever need it, I would definitely want the professor to perform my surgery. (50s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• I understood the latest surgical therapies very well. It sparked a lot of interest. Usually, I only look at medications... I felt the professor is a unique, approachable, and skilled person. (50s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• Since I work at an orthopedic hospital, I found this very interesting. With the clear explanation, I think I gained knowledge that will be useful immediately starting next week. I would like to hear more if there is another opportunity. (50s, Hospital Pharmacist)

• It was very interesting. Since I work in a hospital, I rarely encounter supplements. Therefore, I haven't had opportunities to learn about them, and I learned a lot this time. To be honest, I didn't know how to choose supplements and didn't think they were that effective, but I was surprised at how much the effect differs depending on the choice... The ones I was buying are probably not recommended. I will try to choose and take high-quality products. (20s, Hospital Pharmacist)

• I well understood the necessity of supplements, the importance of balanced meals, and the need for vitamins and minerals. It reconfirmed for me that diet is important for both myself and my family. (60s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• I have attended many supplement-related workshops before, but today's lecture was the easiest to understand and the most beneficial. The slides were easy to read, and I liked that it didn't just push numbers (required amounts). I was able to gain a new perspective. (40s, Clinic Pharmacist)

• I recognized the importance of nutrients and the problems with modern dietary habits, and I well understood the importance of choosing and utilizing good supplements. I want to check the labels of the supplements I have at home immediately. (50s, Office Worker)

• I learned how to distinguish supplements. I used to be reluctant to recommend them to patients because there are few high-quality products, including health foods, but I would like to make an effort to find good ones. (60s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• The explanation was very clear, and I was able to understand the content of the paper. I learned about the current situation in Japan and overseas, as well as the use of antiemetics. I would like to apply this to my future work.

• As home medical care is being promoted, I was able to feel what I should convey to patients and how I should respond.

• Learning about recent cancer treatments was very helpful. Study sessions in rural areas often turn into product briefings by manufacturers, which aren't useful. I think collaboration between hospital and community pharmacists is difficult. Hospital pharmacists are medical professionals, but I feel community pharmacists have become merchants. Since anyone can open a pharmacy, it has become a pursuit of profit.

• Thank you for explaining evidence-based information about antidepressants in a very clear manner. I was able to organize my understanding of the effects and side effects of each drug again. I want to use this for medication guidance and prescription proposals to doctors. (30s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• I handle many mental health prescriptions, but since the differences in use and prescription intent are often hard to understand, today's lecture was very helpful. It was also good as a review of my knowledge. (50s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• It was very easy to understand because the data was explained alongside. Regarding side effects, I felt I must listen carefully to patients and provide advice. The differences and specific uses were also clear. (30s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• I look forward to attending every year because I can study very delicate content in an easy-to-understand way. This time, too, my expectations were not disappointed. In particular, the professor speaks with an awareness of sharing the patient's problems, which is really helpful in preparing my mindset as someone who dispenses medication. I would definitely like to request your lecture again from next year onwards. (40s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• The content was very thorough and easy to understand, and it was educational as it felt like a glimpse into a doctor's diagnosis. In actual dispensing and medication administration, few people open up and talk when others are nearby, so I feel I can use what I learned about what kind of brief questions they might answer, what can be inferred from that, and what advice I should give. (50s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• It was very valuable to learn about each drug from its mechanism of action regarding side effects and the onset of effects. I rarely have the opportunity to compare them all at once, and it was somewhat difficult to determine the appropriateness of prescriptions in the field, but through this talk, I understood the importance of differentiating their use (also from the aspect of side effects), and I feel I can apply this to my work starting tomorrow. I was given the opportunity to think deeply about the characteristics of the drugs. Thank you very much. (50s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• The definitions of statistical terms felt difficult, but the lecturer's explanation helped my understanding progress. I feel like I've started to understand the points to watch out for when interpreting content, including literature and package inserts. It hasn't fully sunk in yet, but I felt it is necessary to read into numerical values and ratios more carefully from now on. (50s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• I have heard lectures on regulatory science several times before, but this was the easiest to understand so far. I was able to understand not just the terms and methods, but also the flow and what kind of cases they apply to. (30s)

• I took this course because I felt that without knowledge and skills in statistics, I wouldn't be able to interpret papers correctly. Although there were parts where I couldn't keep up, it was a very good study and stimulation. (30s, Hospital Pharmacist)

• The first half was difficult and I couldn't understand it. Since this is content not covered in university, I thought everyone should take this course. (40s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• It was an area I was completely unstudied in, so I was interested, but it was indeed difficult. However, I understood a little bit about what it is. If there is an opportunity, I would like to take it again. Professor Urushihara's speaking speed and style were very good. Thank you very much. (60s, Hospital Pharmacist)

• It was good to have the pathology of cerebrovascular disorders explained in detail. It helped organize my thoughts. The video also helped my understanding. He also showed data on new drugs, which made me want to look forward to studying more. The data on monotherapy and combination therapy was also clear and good. (50s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• For cerebrovascular disease, I want to be careful to prevent recurrence in patients undergoing drug therapy and watch for events that further worsen the condition, such as fractures or falls. I want to encourage immediate visits to specialized hospitals because half of those with recurrent cerebral infarctions experience a TIA within 48 hours; we shouldn't assume it's cured just because the TIA symptoms resolved quickly. (30s, Hospital Pharmacist)

• In my own work, I have been providing medication guidance while somewhat inferring the use of anticoagulants from prescription examples and pathology. Today's lecture reminded me of various prescription examples and I felt the precision of the doctor's drug selection. Since it was a part where I had been wandering, I'm really glad I listened to the lecture. (50s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• It was enjoyable to have such a large volume of information conveyed in a short time. Despite being a field of drugs used frequently in practice, it's hard to convey this level of passion to patients, so I hope to carefully convey it as "drug knowledge" along with "disease knowledge" from now on. Already 60-70% of pharmacy customers are in their 70s-80s, and their anxieties are cerebral infarction, daily medication, quick response, and ongoing lifestyle care. I was able to learn exactly what is needed now. (50s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• Given the variety of types, I want to delve deeper into the patient's pathology to convey the necessity of taking the medication. (40s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• I learned that blood sugar and blood pressure control targets for the elderly are quite lenient. I feel truly sorry for how much burden I may have placed on the elderly by desperately providing medication guidance without realizing this on-site until now. The elderly have various etiologies and often cannot receive fundamental medical treatment, so care is necessary (early care). It is important to always consider the priority of drugs when reviewing prescriptions. (50s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• The intervention methods for frailty and sarcopenia were explained very clearly. Based on that first half, I could understand that there are many different intervention methods for pharmacists in the second half. The content makes me excited for future work, and I want to provide feedback to my workplace immediately. The existence of the Japan Geriatrics Society website was also helpful. (50s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• I think this was a course that can be fully utilized in the patient interactions I perform in practice. I want to continue to use and apply the content of this course to lead to benefits for patients. (60s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• I have read several of Professor Akishita's books and was looking forward to this very much. It was very easy to understand. From now on, I would like to think about communication with doctors and collaboration with people in other professions. (50s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• It was a very easy-to-understand lecture. I would like to incorporate the "finger-ring test" for the frailty index into my daily dialogues with patients. I felt that I must also change the way I look at prescriptions for the elderly. (50s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)

• With the number of elderly patients increasing, this was a timely lecture. Patients often mention that taking medication is painful with every prescription, and I was troubled because I didn't know specifically how to approach them, but this gave me hints. (60s, Pharmacy Pharmacist)