USNH Yokosuka Strengthens Alliances with Host Nation Japan in Joint Efforts

U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (USNMRTC) Yokosuka recently hosted a nursing student exchange with Yokohama City University at U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Yokosuka to bolster medical partnerships with their Japanese counterparts. The event took place on August 7 and focused on fostering collaboration and shared learning between U.S. and Japanese medical professionals.

Nurses from USNH Yokosuka provided a comprehensive tour of the hospital’s key areas, including the emergency room, maternal infant unit, and multi-service unit. This tour aimed to showcase the daily operations and standards of Navy nurses to the visiting Japanese nursing students and faculty members.

“Having the students see and hear how our Navy nurses perform daily demonstrates not only the differences between U.S. and Japanese nursing standards but also highlights our shared qualities and how we care for our patients,” stated Capt. Protegenie Reed, Chief Nursing Officer and Director of Nursing Services at USNH Yokosuka.

Following the tour, the students attended lectures on hospital philosophy, policies, and the career trajectory of a Navy nurse. They also participated in breakout sessions, including a lecture on the practice and transportation of Navy patients to Yokohama City University Hospital. This session emphasized the importance of collaboration between USNH Yokosuka and local medical facilities.

“It is important for these future nurses to understand how important they are to us,” said Reed. “Relationships matter. These tours, seminars, and symposiums we take part in with our Japanese counterparts are vital to us taking care of our patients, our community, and our mission.”

This exchange was the latest in a series of recent partnership events hosted by USNH Yokosuka. On July 15, the hospital organized a joint nursing symposium at the Central Hotel in Yokosuka, featuring attendees and guest lecturers from various Japanese medical institutions. The symposium provided a platform for knowledge exchange and professional development.

Ms. Keiko Sugihara, Director of Nursing Services at JSDF Yokosuka Hospital, expressed her satisfaction with the symposium. “The nurses at my hospital were very impressed and said it was a great experience. It was an inspiring day for everyone, whether they wanted to study English or deepen their specialized knowledge.”

Additionally, a joint medical conference was held on July 31, focusing on unique medical cases and fostering discussions between JSDF Hospital Yokosuka and USNH Yokosuka medical professionals.

“I am extremely pleased by my staff’s effort to foster professional and personal relationships with our Japanese partners,” said Capt. Torrin Velazquez, Commanding Officer of USNMRTC Yokosuka. “These friendships pay dividends when it comes to taking care of our patients. I look forward to our continued collaborations in 2024.”

Looking ahead, USNMRTC Yokosuka plans to engage in further collaborative events, including the annual Big Rescue Kanagawa joint disaster drill this fall and other mass casualty drills later this year.

Story originally posted on DVIDS: USNH Yokosuka Fosters Joint Partnerships with Host Nation Japan.