Cardiovascular and Chest Surgery Observership (IPOP)

Programme overview

An observation-only physician attachment at Omori Hospital, with Cardiovascular Surgery and Chest Surgery among the listed departments. Each department decides whether it can accept the proposed visit.

Programme details

Eligibility

International physicians licensed and practising outside Japan, or full-time residency/fellowship trainees at a foreign medical institution; host-department review is required.

Required prior training

International physicians licensed and practising outside Japan, or full-time residency/fellowship trainees at a foreign medical institution; host-department review is required.

Participation

Observation only: surgeries, procedures, rounds and conferences; no hands-on patient care.

Funding

Self-funded: JPY 15,000 non-refundable application fee and JPY 25,000 per week programme fee. MOU fee waivers require prior institutional approval.

Accommodation

Limited dormitory availability: JPY 20,000 per room per week plus JPY 5,000 cleaning/linen fee.

Language

Teaching is primarily Japanese; English instruction or interpretation is not guaranteed. Published English/Japanese proficiency documentation rules apply.

Insurance

Overseas travel insurance must cover medical/rescue and personal liability expenses of at least JPY 100 million each.

Training site

Omori Hospital only; Ohashi and Sakura hospitals are not currently offered.

Schedule

Monday start, with mandatory first-Monday orientation at Omori campus.

Visa information

Applicants arrange the appropriate visa themselves.

Application documents

Direct application form, hospital/university director recommendation, passport, medical licence, short CV, recent face photo, required language-test proof when applicable, and completed immunisation record with titres and IGRA results. After acceptance, provide chest-X-ray assessment and an image taken within two months. Use the official IPOP checklist for exact requirements.

Official contact

Apply directly through Toho’s official IPOP form: https://form.jotform.com/TOHO/ipop_application . The programme directs enquiries to its Center for Global Initiatives but does not publish a separate CTS application email on this page; intermediaries are not accepted.

How to apply

Apply personally through the official IPOP form, selecting Cardiovascular Surgery or Chest Surgery. Submit the medical licence, CV, passport, director recommendation, language evidence, photograph and required health documents; pay the application fee. Agencies are not accepted.

Confirm operative privileges with the host. Participation depends on licensing, credentialing, immigration status and institutional approval.