Starting from the 2022 academic year, the Okayama University Medical School has implemented the Basic Research Physician Program, which enables students with a strong interest in basic medical sciences to pursue both clinical training and basic research simultaneously. Through this program, students can engage in 16 to 24 weeks of research within the designated fields during their initial training period.

Research Fields

System Physiology                                        Epidemiology & Hygiene                                  Public Health

Cell Biology                                                  Cellular Physiology                                          Cytology & Histology

Human Anatomy                                          Biochemistry                                                   Functional Tissue Repair

Neurobiology                                               Pathology (Immunopathology)                          Molecular Medical Chemistry

Forensic Medicine

Example Rotation Schedule for the Basic Research Physician Program

• Mandatory Fields
  During the two-year training program, students must complete clinical training in the following fields:
  – **Internal Medicine:** At least 24 weeks
  – **Emergency Medicine:** At least 12 weeks (including 4 weeks in Anesthesiology if desired)
  – **Surgery:** At least 4 weeks
  – **Pediatrics:** At least 4 weeks
  – **Obstetrics and Gynecology:** At least 4 weeks
  – **Psychiatry:** At least 4 weeks
  – **Community Medicine:** At least 4 weeks (generally in the second year)
  – **General Outpatient Care:** At least 4 weeks (can be integrated during training in other clinical departments)
• **Elective Fields**
  Time periods outside of the mandatory fields can be spent in elective fields. Students have the flexibility to undertake training similar to specialized residency programs or rotate through multiple departments based on their interests, allowing for a customized training experience.
• Before starting basic medical research, the Training Management Committee will assess the student’s progress towards clinical training objectives in October of the second year to confirm that they meet the completion requirements.
• During the basic medical research period, students are also expected to cover night and weekend duties at both the main hospital and Okayama City Hospital.

For more details about this program, please refer to the link provided here.