Medical Student Life in JAPAN

In this episode, there are two parts. In the first part, Michael and Yuriko discuss their recent presentation at a national (online) conference. Michael and Yuriko presented about creating a podcast as a class during the pandemic. In the second part, Taika (2nd year student) and Taiga (2nd year student) introduce themselves to our audience. They share why they became medical students and discussed...

In this episode, the students discuss the recent Weekend Intensive English Program that they attended. There were 6 different classes with 6 different themes. The classes were designed to give the students a chance to have some fun while using English. They did all kinds of activities and recap their fun here. Enjoy!

With the 2021 school year starting, we have opened up the class to new members.  Koshiro (1st year medical student) and Yuriko ( 3rd year medical student) interview two of those new members in this episode: Gento and Koichi Enjoy!

In this episode, Yuriko (3rd-year student) and I (Michael the teacher) talk about the start of rainy season (Tsuyu). Yuriko then leads a discussion with Taiga (2nd-year student) and Koshiro (1st-year student) about the recent start of  the Coronavirus vaccinations at our university and in Japan.  About "Tsuyu" - rainy season: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2277.html intro. music:  h...

With the 2021 school year starting, we have opened up the class to new members.  Yuriko (3rd year medical student) and I (Michael the teacher) interview four of those new members in this episode: Yuka, Suguru, Misaki, and Koshiro. Enjoy! About "Kakizome" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kakizome

In this episode, Michael & Yuriko have a quick chat about adding new members to our podcast team and discuss the upcoming Golden Week holidays in Japan. About Golden Week: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Week_(Japan)

In this episode, Michael and Yuriko catch up after a 3-week break. We talk about spring break and some trips we took. We also talk about starting the school year (school starts in April in Japan), online classes, the corona virus vaccine, and more. And with a new school year, we have added several new students to our podcast team. You will start to hear some fresh voices in the coming weeks! ...

In this episode, Yuriko takes over the interviewer role and welcomes 4th-Year Student Yu to the podcast. They talk about all kinds of interesting things including: club activities, English activities, research, study, and more! We hope you enjoy it!  We also have started a Youtube channel to increase our listenership. Please feel free to listen there. We also welcome encouraging comments and...

After a break, we are back!  Yuriko (Nara Medical University student) and I (Michael the English Instructor) are excited to start the 2nd season of Medical Student Life in JAPAN.  In this episode we catch up after our break, talk about our plans for the 2nd season, and even brainstorm some interesting topics to discuss going forward. We appreciate all of you listeners!

This is our Season 1 finale episode!  Yuriko (medical student) and I (Michael the teacher)  talk about New Year's traditions in Japan, details about how Yuriko spent her New Year's Day, Karuta (Japanese card game), new year resolutions, and the Coming-of-Age holiday in Japan.   We will take a short break (a month or so) to recharge, and then will be back with Season 2.  Thanks...

We made it to 10 episodes! Thanks to all our listeners! In this special holiday episode, Yuriko and I (Michael) discuss Christmas and Oshogatsu (New Year's Day) in Japan. We hope you enjoy it! 

In our 9th episode, I (Michael) continue my interview with 3rd year medical student Itsuki.  We talk about several topics including:  research clerkships, continued research in the lab., club activities such as ESS (English Speaking Society), and his plans for the upcoming winter holiday season.  Enjoy!

In our 8th episode, I (Michael) welcome a special guest to the podcast.  The guest is 3rd year medical student Itsuki. He is an incredible young man who not only studies hard, but also tells great stories. We talk about several topics including:  3rd year studies, research in the laboratory, human dissection, and parasitic worms in the BRAIN!  This is part 1 of a two-part interview....

In our 7th episode, we start with some small talk about Yuriko's winter vacation after some hard exams.  Following that,  we decided to try something different this week. We talk about vending machines in Japan and then sample several interesting items and give our reviews. Enjoy!

In our 6th episode, we start with some small talk about an interesting art exhibit in Kyoto and what Yuriko has been up to recently.  Following that, Yuriko goes into detail about what kind of part-time jobs medical collage students have. She also shares her volunteering experience at the hospital. Enjoy!

In our 5th episode, I (Michael the English instructor) interview Yuriko (Nara Medical University student) about the purpose and benefits of joining club activities at medical college.  Yuriko shares all kinds of fun and interesting information. Thanks for listening! 

In our 4th episode, I (Michael the English instructor) interview Yuriko ( Nara Medical University student) about the start to her medical college life. We talk about the entrance ceremony (unique to Japan?), 1st year classes, clubs, and welcome parties.  

In our 3rd episode, I (Michael the English instructor) interview Yuriko ( Nara Medical University student) about the path to medical college. She gives insightful answers into cram schools, the Center Test (imagine the Japanese version of the SAT), entrance exams, and getting accepted to medical school. Enjoy!

In our 2nd episode, I ask Yuriko about how she first decided that she wanted to be a doctor. We also discuss the Japanese educator system, cram schools, and the path to medical college in Japan. 

In our first episode, we introduce ourselves and our podcast. I am Michael Blodgett, an English Instructor at Nara Medical University. And Yuriko is a current student at Nara Medical University.