News Story

The study tour looks at how Pathology is taught, researched and operates in the Australian setting. This year 28 students and three lecturers from the College took part in the visit to the UNSW campus and the Prince of Wales Hospital in what has become an annual event now in its fourth year.

As most of the students are only fluent in Japanese, three interpreters, with high level ability to interpret quite difficult technical terms, were required during the two hour guided tour through the units of Haematology, Anatomical Pathology, Clinical Chemistry and Microbiology at the Prince of Wales Pathology Department (S.E.A.L.S).

Fumiyo Sato, a Japanese-speaking member at one of the units, has lent invaluable assistance to this program since its inception, both with her professional expertise as well as her interpretative abilities. Coordinated by Gillian Rosenberg, staff members in these units give practical demonstrations and guidance illustrating their respective skills and work practices. Individual workers explain, through the interpreters, all aspects of their work, some of which will be similar to that encountered by the students in their chosen field in Japan or elsewhere around the globe.

Professor Rakesh Kumar from the Department of Pathology presented a lecture titled “Pathology in Australia”. This was followed by a fully guided Pathology Museum tour.

It was not all work, with the students enjoying lunch and a quick tour of the campus, taking advantage of the glorious summer day to get some great photo opportunities. Lunch, at Esme’s Café, was an interesting experience. Although they all appeared to enjoy their food, the choices were mystifying for some, all adding to the Australian/Japanese cultural exchange.

Arrangements for these tours are made through Pathology Museum Manager and Programs Director, Jenny Horder, from the School of Medical Sciences.

Congratulations, to all involved in the success of this study tour and the continued relationship between Tokyo Bunka College and UNSW.