A day for Chengbo Tan (Doctoral Program)

Every morning, I reach my lab through the entrance to the Hokkaido University Hospital. This is my second year in Sapporo. Visiting several cities in Japan, I felt that Sapporo has a climate and environment that is almost similar to Dalian, my home town in China. In this comfortable environment, I enjoy my study and research every day. Before coming to Japan, I had learned basic Japanese, and now through everyday life and exchanges with people, I have been studying Japanese.

I work on experiments in the lab of my department. I am engaged in research into the neuranagenesis of patients with brain damage by using bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). In these experiments Rat cerebral tissue sections are used. By careful attention and work a beautiful microscopic world can finally be observed under the microscope.

After completing the first stage of the experiment scheduled for the morning, I have lunch at the cafeteria of the school of medicine. My favorite dish is Goya Chanpuru, a local specialty of Okinawa. Here in Hokkaido, there are many tasty and nutrition rich dishes.

I make preparations for experiments here. Although I had no experience of conducting basic experiments before coming to Hokkaido University, with the help of professors and researchers in my department, my research here is going smoothly.

We have an evening seminar once a week where all the members from neurosurgery participate. Today I presented my research in English for about 30 minutes. My presentation was about the safety of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-labeled bone marrow stromal cells by using a lacunar infarction rat model. I also use English in the question and answer session. Discussion with professors and researchers is helpful for me to become aware of what I should be more careful about, as well as of new ideas. I also go along with the doctor-round visits of Hokkaido University Hospital when I have no seminar.

I set aside the late hours for organizing and analyzing experimental data at the medical office. Sometimes my faculty adviser gives me advice. Also, the secretaries working at the medical office give great kind help to me.

After graduating from the university in China, I decided to broaden my international horizons, and improve my knowledge of medical technology at the Neurosurgery department of Hokkaido University. Here is a place for dreamers who have the faith and the will to make dreams come true. On the march to success I’m firmly determined to keep making efforts and spend my whole strength in contributing to patients’ health and welfare as a neurosurgeon.