Hiroshima International Council for Health Care of the Radiation-exposed

Impressions:
In spite of such short training period, I was privileged to study a variety of topics. Before I came to Hiroshima, I never imagined how dreadful A-bombing was. It grieved me to know that the number of student victims in particular was larger than I had initially thought. I couldn’t help but feel anger towards the warring parties, the cause of the destruction and yet escaping from the tragic consequences themselves.
I am impressed by the efforts of HICARE and related organizations providing medical aid and activities for the long-term aftereffects, as well as acute syndromes, casued by radiation and the A-bombing.

Impressions:
It was my first time to Japan. When it came to Hiroshima, I knew only that it was where the atomic bomb had been dropped. I furthermore did not have a particularly favorable impressions of Japan, particularly the Japanese Government. However, reality was quite different from my impressions, and I found that when I stayed in Hiroshima I knew very little about Japan.

I felt that I got touch with different aspects of Japan: HICARE's activities, the citizen's who reconstructed a beautiful city from tragic devastation, and overcoming the tragedy itself working to prevent a similar event in the future.

Additionally, I had much to learn from the "Total Nursing Care" system as conducted by Japanese nurses. I was happy to see a different side of things, the news in Japan differing from that in Korea. I was also impressed with all the medical staff, making only the sincerest efforts to introduce to us their knowledge.

Impressions:
Having the trained with HICARE and being provided the opportunities I have, the completion of training makes me feel sad. The A-bombing damage in Hiroshima I observed at the Peace Memorial Museum was much crueler than I imagined in Seoul; the destructive power of A-bombing was beyond my imagination.

However, I was deeply moved by and learned much from efforts of Hiroshima, reconstructing the city and aiming for the world peace, as well as with HICARE's activities.

Using experience gained in Hiroshima, I would like to make an effort to support A-bomb survivors more. I think the experience acquired by both observations and lectures by the director of the Nursing Dept., the Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital and A-bomb Survivors Hospital, will contribute greatly to my future nursing activities.

I hoping more of the medical community can receive this training, and I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to the people involved including Dr. Dohy, HICARE President, Dr. Sasaki, Director of the Hiroshima Atomic-bomb Survivors Council, Ms. Abe, Nursing Director of the Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital and A-bomb Survivors Hospital, and the HICARE secretariat.

Impressions:
I was honored to participate in this training. Presently, I am interested in HICARE's activities.

During the lecture "A-bomb Survivors" Health Management Allowance" by Dr. Hideo Sasaki, I wished for the earlier receipt of A-bomb survivors allowances. Through the lecture "Effects of A-bomb Radiation on the Human Body" by Dr. Kazuo Neriishi, I began to understand for the first time how to measure radiation exposure from teeth enamel. More than anything else, the visit of the Peace Memorial Museum moved me. I was shocked the instant I saw the diorama showing the city area before and after A-bombing, a lesson that best be remembered.

Lastly, I sincerely appreciate what HICARE has provided for our delegation: the opportunity to exchange information as well as to deepen mutual friendship.

Impressions:
I felt quite envious of doctors able to combat the real situation regarding the A-bombing, and accordingly participating in the development of further medical treatment.

When I saw A-bomb survivors visiting my hospitals, I thought they were poor people who had received neither compensation nor support by anyone. However, seeing the HICARE-related and staff of the Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital and A-bomb Survivors Hospital work, I began to see clearly my misunderstandings.

I wish both peace and health upon both the survivors and second generations of the A-bomb, expecially given that there may be worry regarding genetic disease (caused by radiation) that may be transmitted to the later generations.

Impressions:
Although I participated in the training with little knowledge on HICARE's activities, I learned a lot in Hiroshima. I found that HICARE has the ability to effectively use the information gathered by supporting institutes/hospitals for the medical treatment of radiation victims. Moreover, after the visit of the Radiation Effects Research Foundation and the Hiroshima Atomic-bomb Casualty Council, I found that each institute/hospital is promoting medical studies for such patients all over the world.
I hope that the results produced by these studies contribute to A-bomb survivors' health. I feel that I could in some small way help.

Lastly, I would like to thank all people concerned for their continuous research and effort.