A Women's Experience in a Japanese Hospital

..."write your symptoms in Japanese"...

What was the reason for your visit to the hospital?

I went to the hospital for treatment for a chronic condition, soon after moving to Japan. My Japanese husband took me to the hospital to meet a doctor soon after we settled in Japan

Was there any reason you hadn't been to the hospital earlier?

Confusing, communication diffculties �/p>

Did feel that you were treated differently because you were not Japanese?

I would say the level of professionalism is about the same, but the Japanese hospitals seemed to be missing the "personal touch", meaning, although very polite, sta�f seemed to be a bit cold and reserved. This may be understandable considering I am�a foreigner.

How would you describe you relationship with the doctor?

The doctor has a kind manner, which is very important to me. However, when I return from a trip to the US with some new medication, given to me by my doctor in the US, which I think is helpful, the doctor shows little interest in helping get the same or similar medication in Japan. I think he could be offended that I got something useful from someone else.

How would you describe you relationship with the doctor?

The doctor has a kind manner, which is very important to me. However, when I return from a trip to the US with some new medication, given to me by my doctor in the US, which I think is helpful, the doctor shows little interest in helping get the same or similar medication in Japan. I think he could be offended that I got something useful from someone else.

Do you have any advice for people about to visit the hospital?

I usually prepare a written statement of my symptoms in Japanese and show this to the receptionist, nurses,and doctors rather than trying to explain everything verbally. The receptionist usually looks nervous when she sees me coming but relaxes immediately after I give her something in writing. Sometimes my husband helps me write this but sometimes I do it myself,even though my written Japanese isn't very good.