MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- When Toshihiro Takayama's grandmother was hospitalized during an illness, Takayama was so impressed by the facilities and personnel he decided to pursue a career in the medical field.
Today, Takayama is the only male in Iwakuni National Hospital's second-year nursing class. The course is difficult but rewarding, said the Fukuoka native.
Recently, Takayama, along with 55 other students, visited the Station's Branch Medical Clinic. "We want to see the differences between the American and Japanese hospitals," he said.
The group ate lunch at the Club Iwakuni ballroom before their tour of the Station's medical facilities.
"I'm happy for the opportunity for us to spend time together," said BMC's senior nursing officer, Cmdr. Rachel Cruiz, in a welcoming statement.
Cruiz emphasized the idea that medical caregivers around the globe share the same purpose, "In that respect, we are the same," she said. "Our goal is the same. We all want to continue learning, and to give our patients the best possible care."
Excitement among the group was almost palpable as they made their way to BMC.
Navy Lt. James Mickey, division officer for the urgent care clinic, met the students, and gave them an overview of what to expect during their tour.
"The purpose of your time here today is so you can see what we do, and how we do it, and will leave with a unique perspective of services provided," he said.
The nursing students toured the immunization center, the urgent care center and triage room, the X-ray lab, a patient's room, exam rooms, preventative medicine, the vision center and family services.
In addition to the tour, the group also had an opportunity to meet Navy corpsmen. "Our corpsmen are our backbone," the students were told by Mickey. "Without them, we couldn't function."
Two nurses from Iwakuni are employed by BMC, and the group broke into spontaneous applause upon meeting them.
"Perhaps someday one of you will have the chance to work here," Cruiz told the pupils.
Although many would relish such an opportunity, most students are already sure of their career paths after graduation.
Yoko Shudo, a 20-year-old student, said about 20 percent of the graduating class will stay to work at INH.
A small percentage will move to bigger hospitals for further education, and some will stay in Iwakuni and work from home.
Mickey shared with the students the invaluable services that INH provides by helping the Station with emergency situations, surgeries and the provision of lab facilities.
The third annual visit ended with a question-and-answer period.