My History
My initial career was as a surgeon, and during my daily routine of performing surgeries, I realized that my goal was not just the "success of the operation," but also "the recovery of the patient." Even if a gastric surgery is successful, if the patient later develops depression, I haven’t truly safeguarded their health. This realization led me to actively learn about fields beyond surgery.
In Japan, medical institutions are primarily specialized clinics, with a strong focus on specific medical fields. Often, if tests in a specialized field show no abnormalities, patients are told, "There's nothing wrong," and are left to manage their symptoms alone, even though the issue may lie in another medical field, resulting in delayed treatment. During my time as an emergency physician, I encountered numerous patients who arrived in critical condition or whose symptoms worsened because they did not receive adequate care at other clinics. These experiences made me strongly feel the necessity for a clinic that could support patients without being tied to a specific specialty.
When I opened my clinic, the term "general medicine" was already in use, but there was hardly any concept of clinics dedicated to it. So, I introduced the idea of a "general medicine clinic," aiming to create a place where patients would think, "Let’s go there first," regardless of their symptoms or medical specialties.
Initially, I was worried about whether general medicine would take root in the community, but once I started my practice, many patients began to visit. Now, I have patients who come to see me even when they’re feeling well and others who say, "Because of you, Ayase City is the best place to live in Japan." After eight years of running my clinic, I truly feel that I have built strong relationships of trust with my patients.
The Present
Kikuchi General Medical Clinic values the importance of being the go-to physician for the local community, embodying the principle of "seeing anyone, anytime, for anything." For elderly patients, the burden of searching for a hospital each time they feel unwell and visiting multiple facilities until a diagnosis is made can be overwhelming. A clinic where they can easily seek advice allows for appropriate responses, whether it be receiving treatment there or being referred to a larger hospital. While there are many advantages to choosing healthcare providers independently, having a reliable place that patients can turn to with the mindset of "I can just go here" brings peace of mind, especially for the elderly. Having a physician they can consult regularly also contributes to early disease detection and prevention.
While tests and prescriptions are important, I believe the true role of healthcare is to be there for patients, address their symptoms, and alleviate their concerns. This perspective has strengthened, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. As many healthcare facilities became overwhelmed and patients were often turned away from their usual hospitals, our clinic saw a significant influx of patients, sometimes with lines forming outside. Witnessing this situation reinforced my belief that a general practitioner’s role is to support patients, especially during emergencies.
When interacting with patients, I strive to build a comfortable relationship where they feel free to discuss even the smallest issues. I aim to go beyond the typical doctor-patient interaction by understanding their living conditions, family dynamics, and personal beliefs. I believe that this deep understanding is a strength of community-based healthcare.
For the Future
Japan is renowned as the world’s leading country in longevity and is highly regarded for its advanced medical technologies, including surgical success rates and cancer treatments. However, the influence of a medical education system heavily focused on specialization has led to a significant underperformance of community healthcare. As a result, an increasing number of patients are unable to access appropriate medical care, becoming "medical refugees." This trend is expected to worsen in the future.
To address Japan's medical challenges, the contribution of young physicians is essential. This will likely require a fundamental reassessment of medical education. While specialized knowledge is important, I believe it is equally necessary to strengthen curricula that cultivate physicians capable of providing comprehensive care, instilling in young doctors the motivation to protect patients' health. Additionally, the risks associated with starting a practice and the responsibilities that come with being a business owner often deter many physicians from taking the leap. Therefore, enhancing support for establishing practices and developing government assistance programs will also be crucial.
As a general practitioner committed to safeguarding community healthcare, I aspire to explore ways to transform the landscape of healthcare in Japan. I hope that Kikuchi General Medical Clinic can serve as a model clinic, contributing to the nationwide proliferation of general medical clinics.