Assistant Professor Dr. Apinya Siripitayakunkit, an Instructor from the Division of Adult and Gerontological Nursing, Ramathibodi School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, led seven postgraduate students in the Master of Nursing Science Program in Adult and Gerontological Nursing (Regular Program) for a study visit at Mie Prefectural College of Nursing, Japan, from October 7 to 9, 2025.
On October 7, 2025, the delegation visited Mie Prefectural College of Nursing (MCN) in Japan to meet with the President and faculty members and to tour the college facilities. In the afternoon, they visited NANAKURI Memorial Hospital, a hospital specializing in rehabilitation and palliative care. It served as the site for a study visit focused on understanding patient care systems, interdisciplinary collaboration, and hospital management approaches. The visit also provided an opportunity for academic and cultural exchange.
On the morning of October 8, 2025, the delegation participated in a site visit and attended lectures on the following three topics:
- Adult nursing: Acute, Chronic and Palliative Care by Professor Yuki Sekine
- Struggles of the medical insurance system in an aging society by Professor Ryuichi Morishita
- Initiatives Utilizing ICT for the elderly by Professor Katsuhiko Ishibashi
In the afternoon, the group engaged in an academic exchange focused on research activities with postgraduate students. In the evening, they took part in cultural exchange activities with undergraduate students from Mie Prefectural College of Nursing (MCN), Japan.
On October 9, 2025, the delegation visited Nomiyama Kannonji Temple and Sensoji Temple for cultural and religious exchanges. Community leaders (elderly representatives) guided the group through various locations, sharing traditions and practices based on the beliefs of the Japanese people in Mie, Japan. In the afternoon, the delegation participated in activities with the elderly at the Hotokuen Elderly Care Center. The study visit concluded with a reflection and learning summary session with the executive team from Mie Prefectural College of Nursing (MCN), Japan.
This study visit aimed to exchange knowledge and promote in-depth understanding of healthcare services across various dimensions – from acute care and chronic care to palliative care – as well as the health insurance system for patients. The experience enhances in-depth understanding, supports the development of medical personnel’s capabilities, and improves students’ learning, enabling them to apply this knowledge in their future professional practice.
Source: Ramathibodi School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University
