150 Years of Keio University, and ? Years of Nursing and Medical Care | Yoko Sato (Dean, Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care)
2005.12.01
Within Keio University, which will celebrate its 150th anniversary in three years, the Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care is seen as a newcomer, but in reality, it has certainly existed within the Juku for a very long time.
In 1918 (Taisho 7), when Keio University celebrated its 60th anniversary, the "Keio University Department of Medicine Nurse Training Center" was established. This was the earliest form of the Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care. After that, it underwent a series of transformations, becoming the "Keio University School of Medicine Affiliated Nurse and Midwife Training School" (1945), the "Keio University School of Medicine Affiliated Women's Health and Welfare Institute" (1950), and "Keio Nursing Junior College" (1988), before taking its current form in 2001 as the "Keio University Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care." Therefore, counting from its initial birth, the Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care is an impressive 87 years old. The history of these transformations directly overlaps with the history of nursing education in Japan. The sentiment "We've come a long way" is likely shared by those who have long been in the world of nursing. The lament "How much further must we strive?" can also be heard as an honest feeling.
The important question is whether our current form, the result of these transformations, is a beautiful one. Are we vibrant and full of life, as befits professionals in health management?
Do we feel the energy to take on new challenges?
Indifferent to the various sentiments of their predecessors, the young students are busy pursuing their own paths. As a senior, I am unconditionally happy when I see them expanding the possibilities of nursing by turning their interest to fields previously unthought-of for nursing professionals. Also, while I cannot help but feel a touch of sadness when I see them about to walk paths that seem unrelated to nursing, I am also happy when I consider that these are paths they could not have walked had they received the old style of nursing education. A university education presents a diverse range of options.
Japan has become an aging society. The work of supporting people's physical and mental health will become increasingly important from now on. This is where nursing and medical care come in.
As one of the three sibling faculties at SFC, let us collaborate to enjoy a mature society. The Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care will continue to transform!
(Date Published: 2005/12/01)