TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Training Program 2023:Final Presentation

The final presentation of the TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Training Program was held online on December 11th, 2023.

Opening remarks were made by Mark Ikeno, Executive Director of the U.S.-Japan Council (Japan). Participants Tsubasa Eshima, Maho Furukawa, Daisuke Homon, and Mayu Yoneyama presented the flow of the program over the six-month period and what they learned at each training session. In addition, on behalf of the participants, Mao Ishizu and Yurika Imai gave a presentation on their personal growth through the program.

One of the participants, Mao Ishizu, reflected “the final debriefing session allowed us to look back and verbalize the past six months and integrate our learning to this point. In addition to acquiring knowledge and skills related to disaster nursing, this program has allowed me to hone my communication and leadership skills. As I gained new perspectives through various experiences, I was able to enrich my insight on disaster nursing and think about my own future direction and personal growth. In addition, I have also encountered wonderful colleagues, whom I consider the most precious treasure of all.”

The faculty members of the nursing college who have witnessed the students’ progress as advisors and mentors also offered words of encouragement to the participants and the impact this program can have on the field of disaster nursing. Chikage Kida, a 6th year cohort and alumna of this program, is currently a university faculty member at Keio University’s School of Nursing and Medical Care. Ms. Kida spoke about what she learned through the program and the impact it had on the research she conducted after completing the program. After completing the six-month program, the participants said that they had met irreplaceable friends.