I wrote a reflective review of time away and was inspired to think about healthcare in the UK, particularly primary care, with a new lens.
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – very grateful to all the people who put so much work into this trip, both in Japan and Wales.
The similarities between our two communities allowed me and my colleagues in Japan to compare solutions and explore what it means to be a family medicine doctor.
I was given time and encouragement to explore local areas. At least once a week I was taken sight-seeing and to try a local delicacy.
My hosts were friendly and welcoming. I attended the Japan Primary Care Association's annual conference. I hope to keep in touch with some colleagues from the trip and I have hosted some friends I made when they visited the UK.
The trip challenged me and improved my confidence. Travelling around Japan on my own - planning my own accommodation and travel - was a fun adventure and I was challenged to try new things while I was there.
I spent the first 4 weeks moving to a new area of the Fukushima prefecture each week, which allowed me to see primary care in both rural and urban settings, as well as enjoy many beautiful train rides through the mountains.
I spent the second month in Fukuoka and felt the overall program was well planned; the host organisations went out of their way to look after me and show me different parts of their communities, and I was invited to forums and social gatherings with other family doctors and family medicine trainees throughout my time there.