From 2001 to 2003, I worked at Nakatsu Saiseikai Hospital.

This week, I returned there for the first time in 22 years to assist with a surgery on a temporary basis.

I was able to greet a nurse who had taken care of me back then, and memories from those days came flooding back.

It was at this hospital, under the guidance of a department head who was both strict and kind, that I grew as a physician and as a member of society during my formative years.

Back then, I was young and hot-headed, often talking back and even getting scolded by the nurses (>_<).

Today, I couldn’t help but feel that this day was made possible by the late Dr. Kirime, who I owe so much to.

He trained me intensely for two years, and even after I transferred to Shizuoka Saiseikai General Hospital, he traveled all the way from Osaka to Shizuoka to help me deal with a difficult case.

Today’s surgery was for a recurrent cervical cancer case.

After the gynecologists had resected the recurrent tumor, the patient developed a vesicovaginal fistula.

With a clear image of how to manage the remaining tumor and repair the fistula, I approached the case.

A part of me wished the patient could have been referred to Kameda General Hospital, my home base, where surgery would have been more comfortable for me.

But I couldn’t help wondering what Dr. Kirime would have thought about me choosing the easier path. I felt a bit ashamed.

The procedure involved three major components:

Removal of the residual tumor Radical repair of the vesicovaginal fistula Ureteroneocystostomy, due to ureteral involvement

And with the extensive adhesiolysis from two prior surgeries, it felt like four operations in one.

I completed every single task.

Seeing the reactions from my younger colleagues from Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University reminded me—there is still hope in this world!

I was deeply moved by the fact that the culture of hands-on clinical medicine is being carried forward.

I’m grateful to Dr. Uehara from the butcher’s shop, Dr. Fujiwara who stood by my side through the long surgery, Dr. Kuwata who came from Daiichi Towakai Hospital, and Dr. Doi who also rushed over.

Above all, thank you, Dr. Kirime. I’m filled with gratitude.

Today gave me renewed motivation to keep going.

What kind of care would I want—

if it were me,

if it were my parent,

if it were my wife?

That’s the kind of medicine I want to continue practicing.