Hiroshima International Council for Health Care of the Radiation-exposed

Radiation exposure causes various kinds of malignant tumors and diseases in human tissues and organs. As a surgeon invited to Hiroshima to study radiology, I observed medical assistance provided for A-bomb survivors who were exposed to radiation in the August 1945 atomic bombing. I, as a surgeon, took particular note of the patients with thyroid diseases, and was able to visit various hospitals within Hiroshima.

Focusing attention on the Takeichi Clinic, I recognized that the clinic provided high quality medical treatment for patients with thyroid diseases; it was effective preventive medical treatment.

In Japan, all the conditions necessary for early tumor detection seem to be present: first, medical specialists with high level techniques and training; second, state-of-the-art medical equipment. Having finished two months of medical training under the auspices of HICARE, I feel that Japanese medicine is beginning to place more importance on preventive medicine, a policy which I consider to be of momentous importance.

I believe that the knowledge I gained in this program will be useful in medical activities for the radiation-exposed.

August 28