Inland Imaging in Japan: The Conclusion
February 8th, 2010We concluded the procedure training with the physicians continuing to improve their venous access skills and understanding of chronic venous insufficiency. We were joined by a new physician Yukihisa Ogawa, “Yuki” for short, pronounced; (u-key). He was a great addition; very productive and with good ultrasound skills. He seemed very young but they all look that way. This last segment concludes the training. I am relieved the 11 hour days have come to an end.
I mentioned in previous entries Dr. Katayama who owns and runs the largest imaging center in Japan; he insisted we come see his center. They have 4 PET CT, 1 mamm PET CT, 2 MRI and assorted other modalities. The building is rather large with 5 floors. They employ 110 employees throughout the imaging center and have PACS/RIS, etc. I don’t believe the Inland radiologists would like the reading rooms/areas. They all sit in one large room with 2 monitors and read. No barriers or privacy at all. In certain areas you have to switch from your street shoes into the customary Japanese slippers.
The imaging center sees 1000 patients per month who are referred to it. The center is rather stark and sterile looking, but certainly functional. We had the tour at 6pm and the whole center was closed. They conclude business promptly at 5pm. Even though this is a private pay center, the social aspect of their medicine still has an impression.
As usual we then proceed to dinner. This time we went to an area in Tokyo which is popular with foreigners named Rowpunga. The menu is very diverse. After dinner we proceed to a Jazz Bar which is probably the smallest bar I have ever been in. In order to get to some of the seating you have to walk behind the bar. We met up with former Gonzaga player Cory Violette and his girlfriend Beatrice. They seemed to enjoy talking with Americans for a change. Cory plays for Team Toshiba. The team’s name is called “The Brave Thunders“. No one knows what a Brave Thunder is, Cory got a great laugh out of this. Cory really didn’t fit in this bar as he is 6′9″. He is quite the spectacle amongst the Japanese population.
The next morning we traveled to St. Mariana University Hospital to tour the radiology department. My battery died on my camera so, unfortunately, I didn’t get many pictures. The hospital is huge and I was shocked by how many patients are waiting. Chairs line most hallways and are nearly all full with people waiting. We got to meet many physicians and technologists and saw many of the same technology we use in the U.S. It is a rather stark and aged environment.
Our hosts invited us to travel to Hokane which is a mountain town near Mt. Fuji. We stayed here one night and enjoyed the traditional Japanese baths and an immersion in Japanese customs. The first order upon arriving is changing into a Yutawka which is a casual kimono. Yes, we left on our boxers. You also have to wear these sandals which are made out of hardwood and were treacherous to walk in. I never did figure out the technique. Of course once again we eat a meal which had amazing sushi, sashimi, and other bizarre offerings.
All of this travel was done by train including a switchback train which goes up a series of tracks then backs up a switchback, so on and so forth until reaching the top. It was quite snowy and cold up here. The next morning we traveled up a cable car to a view point for Mt Fuji. It was a very clear day and we got a fantastic view of Mt. Fuji.
We boarded one of the bullet trains for our trip back to Tokyo. These babies cruise at 200 mph and ride really smooth. Watching them go by the station was incredible. As you just start to hear one it hauls by and is gone!
We are now back in Tokyo at a great hotel next to the train station, which is always important as the train is the best way to commute and get around. The difficulty with the train is the intricacy of getting the right ticket and then figuring out where to catch your train. There are 4-5 levels of basement involved in the maze of Tokyo Station. Cory Violette invited us to attend his game in Tokyo for tonight. So again we board the train with Dr. Takazawa and head to a gym somewhere in Tokyo. This was a good time, mainly watching how the game is played. They can only have 1 American on the floor at any one time, so Cory shares play time with Tyler Newton who played college ball at University of the Pacific Stockton. Tyler is 6′11″ so he and Cory walking down the streets of Tokyo is quite the spectacle. The best part of this night is eating dinner at Outback Steakhouse in Sheboyen. I am not a big fan of Outback in Spokane, but tonight it is awesome to have some American food!!
We fly back on Saturday which since you fly east there is generally a tail wind and the flight will only be 9 hours.
Thanks for reading,
-Monte



























The Holy Family Foundation recently received a donation from Inland Imaging to upgrade to a new portable digital x-ray system, purchased through Core Medical Systems. The upgrade allows digital radiography to be used throughout Holy Family Hospital.
We would like to take a moment to congratulate the breast imaging section at Inland Imaging. We have just received notification that we are breast ultrasound and breast ultrasound biopsy accredited at our imaging center located in the Sacred Heart Doctor’s Building. Inland staff members Rosemary, John, and Penny worked diligently to achieve this honor.



