My History
Maeda Orthopedic & Surgery Clinic is a long-established medical practice deeply rooted in Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture, and supported by the local community for many years. While our core specialties are orthopedics and general surgery, the clinic has grown over time to include dermatology and cosmetic surgery, evolving into a comprehensive, community-centered facility. The clinic was originally founded and operated by my cousin as an orthopedic practice. I took over in 1992, and for more than 30 years since then, I have dedicated myself to serving the people of this region with a deep sense of responsibility toward community healthcare.
If I were to describe my personality in one phrase, I would say I’m the kind of person who says “yes” a little too quickly. When the phone rings and someone makes a request, I often find myself saying “Sure!” before they’ve even finished speaking. My staff are sometimes amused, even surprised, by how readily I agree to things. Perhaps it means I lack a certain air of authority, but I believe that this openness—this willingness to say “yes”—has been the foundation for the trust and warmth we’ve built with our patients and our community.
Although we began as a purely orthopedic clinic, over time, patients began coming to us with questions unrelated to orthopedics—some even seeking advice about cosmetic concerns, such as wanting larger eyes or a higher nose. Wanting to meet those expectations, I became interested in aesthetic medicine myself. Between regular duties, I attended seminars and visited specialized hospitals to study the field firsthand. Through that learning process, we were eventually able to incorporate cosmetic surgery into our practice.
The addition of dermatology came about thanks to our deputy director—my daughter-in-law—who is a board-certified dermatologist. Her expertise allowed us to expand our services further, shaping a unique model for a local clinic: multiple specialties under one roof, offering convenience and continuity of care.
The greatest advantage of this approach is reducing the physical and emotional burden on patients.
They no longer have to visit several hospitals for different issues; instead, they can receive comprehensive, trusted care all in one place. That accessibility and sense of reassurance are what make our clinic truly valuable to the community.
The Present
Today, orthopedics remains the core of our work. Our patients span all age groups—from young adults to seniors. Many of our older patients struggle with chronic pain in the lower back, neck, shoulders, or legs—conditions that often interfere with daily life.
For that reason, we place strong emphasis on our role as a pain clinic. By confronting pain directly and providing effective treatments such as nerve block injections, we help patients regain comfort and improve their quality of life. We also specialize in varicose vein surgery, delivering reliable outcomes through years of experience and refined surgical skill. Many patients have expressed satisfaction and gratitude for the relief we’ve been able to provide.
Our guiding principle is simple: “Every patient should leave with a smile.” When patients arrive, they may be anxious or in pain, but our goal is for them to leave feeling reassured and at ease. For example, if someone calls late at night saying, “My back hurts badly—can you see me?” I usually respond without hesitation, “Of course, come in.” Depending on the situation, treatment can bring immediate relief, and seeing patients smile as they head home is the greatest reward.
That, to me, is what a true pain clinic should be—not just providing medical care, but ensuring that each patient leaves feeling comforted and cared for. As a community-based clinic, we are committed to continuing this kind of patient-centered medicine, one person at a time.
For the Future
Looking to the future, I also serve as the director of a vocational school dedicated to training licensed practical nurses. Healthcare simply cannot function without skilled professionals. In rural areas in particular, the shortage of healthcare workers is becoming critical. Educating and nurturing the next generation is essential to sustaining regional medical care. Standing in front of students and sharing real-world clinical experience has become one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
In addition, I devote much of my time to community service through the Rotary Club, which has become an important part of my life’s work. Among these efforts, the End Polio campaign holds special meaning for me. Polio was once a devastating infectious disease, but thanks to vaccinations and persistent international efforts, its eradication is now within reach. Still, that final step requires continuous effort and global cooperation. Through donations and advocacy, I intend to keep supporting this cause. As a local physician, I feel a strong responsibility not only to care for my community but also to contribute to global health challenges.
At the same time, our region faces pressing issues such as a declining birthrate, an aging population, and workforce shortages. In this environment, embracing diversity and promoting coexistence with people from different cultural and social backgrounds—especially foreign residents—is vital for revitalizing our communities and passing on a more inclusive society to the next generation.
As the Director of the Shikoku Chapter and a Board Member of NAGOMi (the National Association for Global and Open minded Communities), as well as Chairman of the Medical Care Environment Cooperative Association, I am committed to promoting mutual coexistence with foreign workers throughout the Shikoku region and to building a society where everyone can live safely and with dignity.
Moving forward, I will continue to fulfill my roles—as President of a clinic rooted in Sakaide City, as an educator shaping future healthcare professionals, and as an active participant in global and community service. My mission is built on three pillars: to provide compassionate medical care that makes patients feel truly glad they came, to nurture the next generation of healthcare talent, and to contribute to solving global health challenges. With these guiding principles, I will continue to move forward with dedication and purpose.