INTERNATIONAL PHYSICIAN OBSERVERSHIP PROGRAM
INTERNATIONAL PHYSICIAN OBSERVERSHIP PROGRAM
INTERNATIONAL PHYSICIAN OBSERVERSHIP PROGRAM
Toho University Faculty of Medicine International Physician Observership Program (IPOP) is an informal observational experience that enables participants to learn procedures and observe surgeries as well as to attend patient rounds and teaching conferences.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
Admission Calendar 2024-2025
| Term | Date of Elective | Application Deadline | Application Result |
| 1st | January – March | July 31 of the prior year | Around September 1st |
| 2nd | April – June | October 31 of the prior year | Around December 1st |
| 3rd | July – September | January 31 of the elective year | Around March 1st |
| 4th | October – December | April 30 of the elective year | Around June 1st |
Individuals affiliated with institutions that do not have agreements with Toho University are kindly requested to carefully read the General Information, Required documents, Fees and Specialties written here before making inquiries.
IPOP is open to international physicians holding a valid medical license and practicing outside of Japan as well as to those who are enrolled full-time in a residency/fellowship program at a foreign medical institution.
- IPOP is observation-style training with no hands-on component.
- The length of IPOP is two (2) – twelve (12) weeks.
- IPOP commences on a Monday. Participants are required to attend an orientation at Omori Campus on the first Monday of the program or they will not be permitted to participate in the program.
- There are certain months or periods we do not place international visiting physicians. Please review the calendar or consult International Communication Center before applying.
- It is each participant’s responsibility to prepare and apply for an appropriate visa to enter Japan.
- Participants must purchase their overseas travel health insurance, which is enough to cover medical expenses for accidents and sickness, on their own before they come to Japan.
- TFMU will not issue a certificate of completion if participants miss any scheduled training unless there is a valid reason.
- Application Form
- Recommendation letter from Director of hospital or university
- Required Supporting Documentation
- Immunization Record
- Assessment of chest X-ray (after your admission confirmed)
- Image of chest X-ray taken within the last two months (after your admission confirmed)
- Copy of passport
- Proof of English or Japanese proficiency (if English is not an applicant’s first language) Only score of TOEFL, IELTS, or CEFR accepted. This cannot be waived.
- Face photo: taken within 6 months of application date, no hat (*except for religious reasons), no background. Face should be in front of the applicant. Clear image quality
- Copy of medical license
- Short CV
– Application fee
*10,000 JPY (Non-refundable and will be taken as part of the application process. )
– Program fee
*20,000 JPY per week
– Accommodation fee (only for those who are confirmed to stay in the university dormitory)
*20,000 JPY per room per week + 5,000 JPY for room cleaning and bed linen, utilities included.
TUFM will consider the application submission incomplete and will not begin the review of your application until the application fee is paid in full unless otherwise stipulated in an official document as Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Applicants will receive the online payment information after submitting the application form.
| General Medicine | Breast and Endocrine Surgery |
| Emergency Care | Neurosurgery |
| Gastroenterology | Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Cardiovascular Medicine | Pediatrics |
| Respiratory Medicine | Orthopedic Surgery |
| Diabetes Metabolism and Endocrinology | Urology |
| Neurology | Otolaryngology |
| Hematology and Oncology | Ophthalmology |
| Rheumatology | Dermatology |
| Nephrology | Anesthesiology |
| Gastroenterological Surgery | Radiology |
| Cardiovascular Surgery | Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery |
| Chest Surgery | Laboratory Medicine |
| Pediatric Surgery | Pathology |
TEACHING HOSPITAL
Placements are undertaken at one of our teaching hospitals – Toho University Medical Center Omori Hospital. The hospital is located right next to Omori campus, Home of the Faculty of Medicine, and easy access to downtown Tokyo and Tokyo International Airport. Please note that currently, we are not offering IPOP at Ohashi Hospital and Sakura Hospital.
HOUSING
TUFM dormitory locates within a walking distance of Omori Hospital; however, only a limited number of rooms is available for foreign visitors. Unless you have reserved a room in the TUFM dormitory, you will need to arrange accommodation in Tokyo on your own. Please note that Toho University is unable to provide recommendations for any particular private housing facility around the campus and is not responsible for the contents of external websites linked to these facilities. Students and visitors are advised to examine the terms and conditions of a contract carefully before making reservations.
HOW TO APPLY
If one month passes after submitting your application and the review fee has not been paid (i.e., no payment receipts have been provided), your application will be automatically canceled. If you participate in the program under the MOU between your institution and Toho University Faculty of Medicine, fees are waived, but be sure to check with your institution’s representative in advance (prior approval is required).
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