University of Tsukuba's Short-Stay, Regional Health Care, Clinical Clerkship Program in Medically Underserved Areas

Abstract

　Since 2009, a five-day, regional health care, clinical clerkship in medically underserved areas has been available to all fifth-year medical students at the University of Tsukuba. In the program, students listen to and observe health problems in non-clinical settings, wherever these problems actually exist. Students can experience health care lectures and health examinations. They can also experience a clinical work environment. The short stay helps students to understand the living environment of the area they observe. It is also effective for students to consider health problems from the perspective of the local inhabitants. This program aims to directly convey the interest and importance of community medicine, and to contribute to the supply of physicians in these areas. A longitudinal study is needed to evaluate the effect of the program.