I would like to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to the Japan Bangladesh Medical Association for giving me the opportunity to participate in a three-month fellowship program under the supervision of the respected Professor Hiroyuki Sakurai at Tokyo Women’s Medical University (TWMU).
I am currently working as a Plastic Surgeon at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Dhaka. I came to Japan with the hope of expanding my knowledge and skills in burn reconstruction and microsurgery. Looking back on the last three months, I feel deeply privileged to have had this opportunity and to have learned from some of the most experienced and dedicated surgeons in the field.
I arrived in Japan on 2 July through Narita International Airport. Dr Aleemuzzaman Sensei kindly arranged taxi transportation for us from the airport to our residence. We stayed in Hirai, Edogawa-ku, approximately 50 minutes from TWMU by commute. On our first day at the university, Ms Maiko Kunimi kindly helped us reach the hospital, familiarized us with the hospital environment and introduced us to the faculty members of the Department of Plastic Surgery.
I am immensely grateful to Professor Hiroyuki Sakurai and all the members of his department for their guidance, teaching, and continuous support throughout these three months. I regularly attended the operating theatres, outpatient clinics and, on occasion, clinical rounds. Every day provided a new opportunity to observe different surgical techniques and to understand the importance of meticulous planning, precision, teamwork and patient-centered care.
Associate Professor Matsumine Sensei taught us about microsurgical breast reconstruction, particularly DIEP and PAP free-flap procedures. This was a wonderful opportunity for me to learn the principles and techniques of advanced breast reconstruction. Dr Kento Homma Sensei introduced us to various eyelid procedures, including ptosis correction. I also had the opportunity to observe different procedures for the management of maxillofacial fractures, which was a new and valuable experience for me.
Dr Chika Idzuka Sensei graciously taught us microsurgical techniques through practical training using chicken drumettes and wings. This hands-on experience was extremely valuable in developing and refining microsurgical skills.
During the fellowship, we also had the opportunity to observe a wide variety of innovative and complex procedures, including ear deformity correction, columella and soft-triangle reconstruction of the nose, lymphovenous anastomosis for lymphedema, nipple-areola complex (NAC) reconstruction, secondary breast deformity correction and the management of various malignancies, including dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP).
Major burns remain a significant challenge in our country. During this fellowship, I was particularly interested in learning about several innovative approaches to burn management, including the use of artificial dermis, RECELL, Rigenera, and MEEK micrografting. I believe that knowledge of these technologies and techniques may be highly beneficial in improving the management of major burn patients in Bangladesh and, potentially, in contributing to improved survival and functional outcomes.
I would also like to express my special gratitude to several individuals who made our stay in Japan comfortable, productive and memorable.
Dr Aleemuzzaman Sensei supported and guided us at every step of our stay in Japan. Without his kind assistance, many aspects of our fellowship would have been considerably more difficult. I would also like to sincerely thank Ms Maiko Kunimi, who was always ready to help us and who tried to resolve our problems promptly. We could approach her whenever we needed assistance, and her kindness and dedication made our stay much easier.
I would like to express my deep gratitude to Dr Akitomo Yonenaga, who guided us throughout our time at the hospital and helped us become familiar with the various aspects of our clinical activities.
I am also sincerely thankful to all the faculty members and residents of the Department of Plastic Surgery, TWMU, for their extraordinary support, kindness, hospitality and encouragement throughout the last three months. Their willingness to teach and share their knowledge made this fellowship an unforgettable learning experience.
I was also fortunate to attend the 50th anniversary celebration of the Department of Plastic Surgery at TWMU. It was a great honor to meet Professor Emeritus Motohiro Nozaki and receive his blessings. Being part of such a memorable occasion was a particularly special experience for me.
Beyond the hospital and academic environment, I was fortunate enough to explore the beautiful country of Japan. The opportunity to experience the “Land of the Rising Sun” was truly unforgettable. Wherever we travelled, we were mesmerized by the natural beauty, cultural heritage and unique character of the country.
We visited Lake Kawaguchi, Hakone, Enoshima Island, Kamakura, Odaiba Seaside Park and Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. We also travelled to Arashiyama in Kyoto and visited Hiroshima, including the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Miyajima Island was another beautiful and memorable destination. Travelling by Shinkansen was itself an unforgettable experience.
Apart from improving my surgical knowledge and technical skills, this fellowship also gave me the opportunity to learn about Japanese values and culture. I was particularly impressed by the politeness, discipline, respectfulness, punctuality, and dedication that I encountered throughout my stay. These lessons extend far beyond medicine and I hope to incorporate these values into both my professional and personal life.
This three-month fellowship has been a remarkable journey of learning, professional development, cultural exchange, and personal growth. I am deeply grateful to the Japan Bangladesh Medical Association, Professor Hiroyuki Sakurai, the Department of Plastic Surgery at Tokyo Women’s Medical University, and everyone who contributed to making this experience possible.
I sincerely hope that I will be able to apply the knowledge, skills, and experiences I have gained during these three months to improve my professional practice and provide better surgical care to the people of Bangladesh. I also hope that the knowledge I have gained, particularly in burn reconstruction and microsurgery, will contribute in some small way to improving the treatment of patients in my country and bringing meaningful change to their lives.
With profound gratitude and respect,