Overview

For medical students, medical research plays a role as significant as clinical practice. At Okayama University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, third-year students are assigned to a laboratory for three months, providing them with an opportunity to reflect on their career paths and their vision of becoming a physician. The assigned laboratories vary widely, ranging from those within the university to domestic and international research institutions, allowing students to experience cutting-edge medical research. Through the selection process, laboratory assignment, and reporting, students cultivate a proactive attitude towards their work. Additionally, after the assignment period, we actively support information sharing and study sessions among students.

Objectives

1. To experience activities that create new knowledge through research in medicine and life sciences.
2. To understand the significance and importance of research and to be able to discuss it effectively.
3. To learn social norms and cultivate a spirit of cooperation through laboratory activities.

List of Achievements

Fiscal Year	Within the University	Outside the University		Total
		Domestic	International
2005	75	6	13	94
2006	65	10	16	91
2007	67	11	23	101
2008	58	6	24	88
2009	81	12	0（※1）	93
2010	70	11	14	96
2011	83	10	14	107
2012	76	17	23	116
2013	83	20	15	118
2014	84	12	21	117
2015	92	10	21	123
2016	80	14	25	119
2017	93	6	16	115
2018	92	11	16	119
2019	98	6	22	126
2020	118	0（※2）	0（※2）	118
2021	107	3	5	115
2022	95	3	18	116
2023	84	4	20	118
TOTAL（2001～）	1876	210	357	2453

（※1）In 2009, overseas assignments were suspended due to the outbreak of the novel influenza.
（※2）In 2020, external assignments were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Implementation Guidelines

Insurance

Participating students are required to obtain liability insurance and health insurance at their own expense during the assignment period and must submit proof of these insurances to the host institution. Therefore, the host institution will not be involved in any compensation for damages caused by accidents during the program or in the payment of medical and dental expenses for students. Additionally, both the participating students and their guardians are required to agree to act under their own responsibility for all aspects of life during the assignment period.

Confidentiality

Participating students are strictly prohibited from disclosing or leaking any information or outcomes provided or revealed by the host institution to any third party, except with prior written approval from the host institution.

Visa

Participating students must comply with visa requirements, laws, and regulations of the host country. If a student fails to comply, the host institution holds no responsibility.

Tuition and Fees

Students are required to pay the necessary tuition and fees to Okayama University, and no additional payments are required for the host institution.

Travel Expenses, Living Expenses, and Housing Costs

These expenses are the individual responsibility of the participating students.

Rules and Regulations

Participating students must comply with the laws of both the host country and Japan, as well as the regulations of the host institution and Okayama University.