(far right)
I joined graduate school of Tropical Medicine and Global Health (TMGH) as a member of the MSc family – Innovative course. For two years, I have been learning the latest sciences in Global Health and medical sciences. I applied my gained knowledge to support and develop electronic health system in Egypt (my hometown country). All professors, colleagues and administrative staff supported us as students and as member of TMGH family. The learning experience in TMGH was professional, motivated, and inspiring as it enhanced my skills and abilities to think globally and in a comprehensive manner.
During my study, Professor Satoshi Kaneko (my supervisor) taught me a lot, not only science but also manners and way of thinking. Really, I am honored to learn from him a lot and to be one of the MSc graduates in TMGH. Such mixed educative family environment makes TMGH as a unique graduate school for Global Health pioneers.
(far left)
As an experienced humanitarian worker, the global health remains one of my major concerns to improve life of people facing disaster and conflict in the world. The TMGH program of Nagasaki University provides an opportunity to learn basic skills covering wide topics in the area of communicable and non-communicable diseases which is beyond the limits of geographical and/or economic boundaries.
During the two years’ course, I was provided with a great opportunity through impressive lectures and laboratory practices to learn different aspect of Tropical Medicine and Global Health. This helped to develop a bridge between research and field work to improve the impact of intervention in vulnerable populations. Apart from this, I acquired knowledge in multicultural awareness which helps to take different approaches to problem solving and also creates valuable new skills and behaviors required in the field.
I believe, I am fully armed with the required skills and certainly use them in my humanitarian field. Also, this will be a significant asset not only for my career but for my organization and for the vulnerable population receiving our interventions globally.
Hello, my name is Takuya Shizume (right). I am a 1st batch, Master of Public Health candidate, Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University.
I entered this Master of Public Health course to study disease prevention after working in the Solomon Islands as a Physiotherapist and a Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer for 2 years. After the completion of this master degree, I am going to work in WHO/WPRO as a short-term consultant, and then in JICA as a full-time employee.
The most interesting part of this course is 5-month internship and 3-month research overseas (i.e. long term overseas practicum). In my case, I conducted 2-month internship in Asia Pacific Development center on Disability and 3-month internship in WHO Lao PDR country office. Regarding on my research, I conducted field survey on Schistosomiasis in southern Lao PDR in cooperation with Ministry of Health, Lao PDR.
I practically applied the acquired knowledge on statistics, epidemiology and data management etc to my field work during the internship and research. By doing so, I could have great field experiences and improve my skills in the field.
This study also enabled me to have good relationship with those who work in JICA, UN, Consultant company and NGOs. It also helped me to think about my future career.
In this 2-year course, you can spend precious time with precious friends and professors who have different expertise.
The experiences I went through as a 1st batch student of TMGH were more than what I had expected before I entered the School. Specialized lectures such as Tropical Medicine and Global Health, the practical skills gained through the long-term internship, and research activities which allowed me to pursue what I had wanted to demonstrate were every feature of my TMGH achievements. Every lecture held during the 1st year was essential to my internship and research activities conducted in the 2nd year, therefore, the learning process of TMGH which allowed students to gain knowledge and also practical skills is reasonable and rational.
The most distinguished feature of TMGH is the close guidance of the faculty staff. Many students had difficulties in the Statistics and Epidemiology modules, reading scientific papers, and developing their research, however, with the help of the faculty staff we could overcome those difficulties. Students could have fruitful discussions and receive advice from the professors at any time. TMGH considers every student important, respects their will, and helps them find a path which is suitable for them.
My classmates from all over the world have now become wonderful colleagues who I can rely on for support when I experience difficulties or anxieties. I would like to be a part of Global Health development to make the most of what I learned at TMGH.
MY name’s Gavicho Lindo Celestino, from Mozambique.After graduated at Faculty of Medicine, I worked as clinician at districtal hospital and simultaneously as administrative manager of the hospital and as clinical director, coordinating clinical activities all over the district with 15 health centers. I entered in Nagasaki University supported by ABE Initiative (African Business and Education for youth Initiative).
As MTM (Master of Tropical Medicine) I experienced four main pillars:
1. View of global medicine
2. As clinician how to conduct clinical cases focused in tropical or infectious disease.
3. Introduction of research, it was first experience and it motivate me to continue doing research as clinician.
4. Laboratory work for diagnosis.
I hope that from this very important experience and learning I achieved I’ll continue to combine clinical and research to meet the needs of health in the community.
Really the Nagasaki University – TMGH, is a Center of Human Building for Tomorrow.
(MINISTRY OF HEALTH, Provincial Directorate of Health in Zambézia- Mozambique)
What attracted me to TMGH then, after scouring the internet for graduate schools of medicine within Japan, were the MTM course’s flexible timetable, its use of English as the medium of instruction, its roster of high caliber faculty, its close collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and other prominent organizations, and my general perception of the school as a nurturing community.
My one year stay in TMGH as an MTM graduate student did not disappoint. I expected the coursework to be challenging and intensive, and it was. In retrospect, I think I enjoyed spring quarter the most, albeit having a hectic schedule. Sessions in tropical medicine, epidemiology and statistics equipped me with the right knowledge and skills to successfully carry out my master’s thesis with the guidance of my supportive research supervisors. Overall, there was a palpable intention to contribute solutions to global health issues within the school atmosphere that could easily rub off on students. Taking this course changed my perspective towards research, inspired me to aim for higher studies, and rekindled my childhood dream of making a difference.
I have been working as a project manager as part of an NGO for the Community Development with Indigenous Children in Mindanao project in the Philippines for one year. I have experienced a lot such as going to the project area, which was on a mountain, by motorbike, participating in discussions with stakeholders such as the Department of Education, and having long staff meetings at the office.
This is a comprehensive project containing three aspects, education, health, and livelihood. I am in charge of ‘livelihood’, but sometimes I feel anxious because it is the difficult to figure out how to ensure the sustainability of the project and produce results. In those times, however, I am encouraged by the team work of the Filipino staff and the mothers working hard for the group. They learn from this program and are optimistic, believing that, “We can find a way by continuing to learn”.
Even though I have gained a lot of experience from this project, this was only one step. I hope to keep learning about both health and community development in order to pursue a more effective approach to people-centered health projects.
(International Children’s Action Network (ICAN)(Philippines, Mindanao) )