お知らせ

The 10th West Japan Medical Students Academic Forum to Be Held on Saturday, December 20 at the Mie Prefectural Cultural Center!

The West Japan Medical Students Academic Forum brings together medical students from more than 12 universities across western Japan, providing a platform for academic exchange through the presentation of research findings and active discussion. Since the first forum was held at Okayama University in 2016, it has grown into an important academic meeting for research-oriented medical students.

In the current academic year, nine medical students from Okayama University—the largest number among all participating institutions—participated in the forum (two third-year students, four fourth-year students, two fifth-year students, and one sixth-year student). Among them, two students delivered oral presentations and four presented posters, sharing the results of their ongoing research.

In addition, Dr. Yuki Otsuka, one of the founders of the first West Japan Medical Students Academic Forum and an Assistant Professor in the Department of General Internal Medicine and General Practice at Okayama University Hospital, participated as a supervising faculty member and appeared in a special video message. Dr. Otsuka began his research activities as a Pre-ART student during his undergraduate years and later joined the ART Program in graduate school. He has since built his career by applying the knowledge and experience gained through graduate studies, serving as a role model for current students.

Interaction with medical students and faculty members from other universities provided strong motivation and valuable insights into research activities and career development, making the forum a highly meaningful experience for all participants.

The next forum is scheduled to be held at Nara Medical University. Students with an interest in research are strongly encouraged to take on the challenge.
The Pre-ART Program of the Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences allows medical students to take graduate-level courses in advance and engage in research activities during their undergraduate studies, leading to opportunities such as presenting at academic forums like this one.

Why not join the next forum as a Pre-ART student and present your own research?
Applications for the 2026 Pre-ART Program are scheduled to open in mid-February. We look forward to receiving applications from motivated medical students with a strong interest in research.

West Japan Medical Students Academic Forum
https://www.m.ehime-u.ac.jp/sfmswj/

West Japan Medical Students Academic Forum 2025 – Mie University Secretariat
https://wjmsf2025.jp/