Learning japanese to become a doctor

Japanese Language
1

Hello
To everyone
I am an Iranian student that I study medicine and surgery in Italy in English language. I finish my 6 years medicine and surgery general course at age of 42.

I started too late study medicine because of my personal situation but it’s my long dream and I never give up on my dream.

This time I want to pursue my second dream and that’s working and living in Japan,I am so so much passionate about Japan and Japanese culture and Japanese language, about having a healthy life and live longer and research about it that’s why I want to do my residency in medicine in Japan and work and live there .

I started to learning Japanese language very passionately and I have confidence to learn Japanese language because I am smart and I like to read and learn specially languages, I want to know about the possibility of my eligibility for doing residency in medicine in Japan.

I want to know about Japanese society, how much they are open to foreigners to work there as a doctor, what would be struggles for foreigner to live among japanese specially for a smart and handsome foreigner?ha ha
My age would not be a problem to get accepted ?

If anyone one here has information related, I appreciate for sharing and guiding me in this important matter of my life.
If any foreigner doing residency in medicine in Japan or working as a doctor also I would like to talk about details of this path with that person.
Kind regards to all

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Not too long ago there was a post on a similar topic, but without any responses - but maybe that one might be worth commenting on.

https://community.wanikani.com/t/working-as-a-foreign-doctor-in-japan/68952

There was also this post, which did get some discussion:

And an even older one:

https://community.wanikani.com/t/practising-as-a-foreign-doctor-in-japan/24895/3

And possibly others.

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Surely you will understand that general Japanese and medical Japanese are two different beasts? There was a time when they tried to get Filipino nurses to Japan. So, they taught experienced nurses up to N1 in the Philippines and then brought them over. They could hardly work apparently initially, as they lacked the medical vocabulary and there was not really time in a professional medical setting to teach them the terms quickly.

Culturally, I think unless you have a specific speciality that your home country or yourself is famous for, I think you will find that Japanese people will be very reluctant to visit a non-Japanese doctor. Not just the skin colour / language issues, but also cultural differences. There are several taboos especially when it comes to body/medical/death issues. Do not expect any Japanese person will teach you about these, unless you have a close relationship to that person.

In the end if you are eligible or not depends on the general visa situation and if you can find an institution that will accept you. To find one that will accept you, I would imagine that at a minimum you will need to be N1 and well versed in medical Japanese to begin with.

edit: it may also be the case, that you need to obtain a license to work as a doctor.

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Hi
Thank you for suggestions
Yes I already saw those posts but nothing really get from them.
I already have information about processing and I also get some positive answers from japanese organizations, I am looking for information like those who are in the process and their experience, those who are living there and their experience and the last finding language buddy to learn together.
Thank you again for being kind and nice to me.

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Hi
Thank you for information.
I don’t see the language problem for myself as I said I am smart and like learning languages.As I said in another reply I already have information about processing and I also get some positive answers from japanese organizations, I am looking for information like those who are in the process and their experience, those who are living there and their experience as you mentioned one and the last finding language buddy to learn together.
I already started to learning kanji and Japanese medical terminology
Thank you again for being kind and nice to me.

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As a fellow European doctor (German) and being the OP of the linked post, I’d love to hear which institutions you are in the process with. Maybe it is something that could help me as well?

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What is your current Japanese level? To become a doctor in Japan, you would need to pass the Japanese Medical Licensing Exam (医師国家試験), which requires a high level of Japanese, ideally JLPT N1. Also, when do you plan on moving to Japan?

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Hello,

If you have already graduated and are working, I want to say that I am still a student and have not yet started the process. I have only emailed and received some information regarding my concern about my age from the embassy, some hospitals, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare. They informed me that my age is irrelevant as long as I can pass the exams and interviews and secure a position in a hospital. In that case, moving to and working in Japan would be possible.

I still have a few years before graduation, so for now, I am focusing on learning Japanese. When I get closer to graduation, I will start the application process.

The process is quite clear: First, you need to send your documents to the ministry to obtain an eligibility certificate. Then, you take the national exam to obtain a medical license. After that, you enter the matching system and attend interviews with hospitals.

I think the most challenging part is mastering the language. Once you are proficient in Japanese and have a solid understanding of medical science, passing the exam should not be a major issue. You can also practice for interviews and the practical exam session.

When do you plan to apply? How serious are you about pursuing this process? Have you started learning Japanese?

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Hello,

Thank you for the information and for being kind to me.

In the past, I watched many anime, so I am somewhat familiar with the language. However, I officially started learning Japanese recently, and my current level is around N5–N4. I have learned Hiragana and Katakana, and now I am studying grammar, vocabulary, and memorizing kanji. Since I still have about four years until my graduation, I believe I have plenty of time to master the language.

May I ask how you are related to this topic? Are you involved in medicine, and if so, in what way? Or are you only connected to the Japanese language?

Kind regards,

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Thank you for your reply! I’m already specialized in neurology, I graduated university 14 years ago. So of course I can do an examination in my field and in general medicine, but a lot of the obscure knowledge you learn in university and never need again, I’ve already forgotten.
Plus, I only wanna stay for 1-2 years, not forever. Thus, I’d prefer to find a solution without going through the national exam.
I passed N2, so studying for N1 would not be an issue, but even N1 won’t nearly be enough to practice fully in Japanese I assume.

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I think you’ll find a few people will comment on the language skills required, and that’s fair. From my perspective, I’ve been learning Japanese for 5 years, and can hold a conversation, but would not be able to practice medicine. I say that as a doctor.

While you might be able to dedicate more time than I did to learning Japanese, remember that you’re also studying for your medical degree.

The thing I was wanting to ask is, at what point are you planning to move to Japan? I don’t know about the equivalency of the medical degree per se.

For example, my understanding is that Italian medical students appear to go directly into a specific field rather than doing a general internship. I might be wrong and maybe that is no longer the case. Whereas I think Japanese medical students seem to spend more time working in the wards before graduation.

My understanding of the Italian system is probably quite out of date, I did a module of medical school there in 2003!

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Good morning,

If you don’t plan to stay there for a long time (though, of course, the future is uncertain), you can directly contact foreign hospitals, have interviews with them, and start working. Due to bilateral agreements between countries, you may be able to work for a few years treating foreign patients without having to pass all the exams related to Japanese medicine. This way, you could focus solely on learning Japanese for daily life.

May I ask about your motivation for moving to Japan for one or two years? I would love to hear your story if it’s not too personal.

By the way, I’d also like to hear your opinion on how medicine is in Germany, as you graduated and are working there.

Are you German, or are you from another country?

Kind regards.

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Hello,

First of all, thank you for the information, your curiosity, and your kindness.

Regarding learning Japanese, I find it quite easy to learn and master in terms of progress. Maybe it’s because of my passion, my past experience watching a lot of anime, my intelligence, or perhaps because in a past life, I was Japanese—haha, just kidding.

About your question, I didn’t quite understand if you meant what I am planning or why I am planning. So, I’ll try to answer both.

As for why I’m planning to move to Japan, there are many reasons. The most important ones are: I love the discipline and respect among people there, the emphasis on humanity in different aspects of life—from responsibility to keeping one’s surroundings clean—the dedication to work, the harmony between different aspects of life, and living in a highly advanced society. Above all, I value the sense of security in society, and lastly, I appreciate the incredible diversity and creativity found there.

Regarding what I am planning, my goal is to finish university, master the language in the coming years, apply for a medical license, take the necessary exams, and start my residency in Japan.

Lastly, about the medical system in both countries—you’re right. In Italy, general medicine is heavily theoretical, and then you go straight into residency. But in Japan, after completing general medicine, you continue with a general residency or choose a specialty, if I’m not mistaken.

I hope I was able to answer your question.

How about you? I’d love to hear your story too. Where are you working as a doctor, and have you been learning Japanese for a few years just out of personal interest?

Have a good day!

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Apologies, I’d missed a word! I was asking at what point? So straight after medical school?

I’m UK trained but working in Australia.

Oh and I started learning Japanese because I hoped to go diving in Okinawa at some point and I knew some Japanese would be necessary. I’m there now!

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No problem, don’t worry. I am currently contacting universities and hospitals to transfer in my 5th or 6th year for medical training or, alternatively, to take the necessary steps for residency directly after graduation.

Wow, studying medicine in the UK and working as a doctor in Australia are two incredible achievements in your life—congratulations!

How has your experience been working as a doctor in Australia so far?

Diving in Okinawa sounds very interesting! Why did you choose Okinawa?

Okinawa is one of my main interests in Japan, as I am passionate about longevity research. You are truly living my dream—I envy you for that! Once again, congratulations!

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I’m German, studied medicine in Germany and worked here ever since.
My husband and me love Japan and have been there for vacation multiple times. I did a 4 week internship during university times and he lived there for 6 months (1 semester) as a student. He is a researcher though, so very different field.
We’d both love to live there for a while, but not forever. Our families are here in Germany and we have a child as well whom we don’t want to subject to Japanese school system forever.
We also really appreciate working in Germany with lots of sick leave days, vacation days, good medical insurance and all the like. Japanese work environment is a lot harsher, so we wouldn’t want that forever either.
My husband also doesn’t really speak Japanese. As a researcher, he can find work there in English for 1-2 years as an exchange scientist, but without good languag skills, it’d be impossible long-term.
But, since we love the country so much (and especially Tokyo), we still have the dream of moving there for a while.
For him it wouldn’t be a problem, but my job is the limiting factor.
I don’t think it’s as easy as to just write to hospitals and start working there, is it?

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Well, I have to congratulate both of you on the amazing jobs you have, and I wish you both the best of luck and success in your careers.

Actually, I think it’s quite easy to contact foreign hospitals, as you can work there and treat foreigners without going through the licensing and exam process—of course, only if there is a bilateral agreement, as I mentioned before. I read an article stating that doctors from the US, UK, France, and Singapore can work without a license, but regarding Germany, you might need to research whether you can work without a license or if you have to go through the licensing process. If a hospital has vacancies and is interested in hiring you, it shouldn’t be a problem for you to work there. You could try contacting foreign hospitals directly.

I’m just curious, and I hope I’m not bothering you, but I’d love to hear your perspective on Japan—why do you love Japan? Also, as a German and a doctor, I’d like to hear your thoughts on comparing Japan and Germany in terms of society, economy, culture, and future.

Thank you for sharing your experiences—it’s always interesting to hear life stories.

Kind regards.

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I’ve got a travel log currently which explains some of my travelling. But basically, there are a couple of unique places in Okinawa, particularly Yonaguni in the far west. At this time of year you can see hammerheads. There’s also the Yonaguni “monument” underwater.

https://community.wanikani.com/t/okinawa-travel-log/69309?u=cathm2