①Cross-Organ Medical Care We respond to consultations from all departments and provide medical care for infections affecting all organs. Even in cases where a patient does not ultimately have an infectious disease, we aim to contribute to the quality of care. The goal is not solely to treat infections, but to strive for the best possible outcome for each individual patient.
②Clinical Microbiology Since infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms, understanding them is essential. You will acquire clinically important microbiological knowledge, such as identifying the causative microorganism, methods of identification and their uncertainties, and what to do when identification is not possible. This competency also includes interpreting Gram-stained smears of clinical specimens. The training is conducted in collaboration with the Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine at Keio University Hospital.
③Pharmacokinetics There are various drugs used to treat infectious diseases, and their appropriate use requires proficiency. Proper use of antimicrobial agents is crucial to suppress the development of drug-resistant bacteria. You will gain knowledge and skills akin to an "antibiotic sommelier," including how to select the right antimicrobial agent, different methods of administration, side effects, drug interactions, and alternative treatments when first-line drugs cannot be used.
④Ethics in Infectious Diseases Infectious diseases raise numerous ethical issues, such as the necessity of isolation to prevent disease spread or the disclosure of HIV or drug-resistant bacteria carriage. Isolation can limit individual rights, and Japan has a history of prejudice and discrimination related to infectious diseases such as Hansen's disease and HIV. You will learn to develop an ethical perspective that balances public health with the human rights of individual patients.
⑤Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Disease Countermeasures Globally, various emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, such as novel influenza, Zika virus, COVID-19, and monkeypox, continue to arise. You will acquire the ability to understand global epidemiological trends and develop necessary countermeasures for Japan and hospitals. Additionally, you will cultivate the skills to stay current with the latest medical information, thoroughly review relevant literature, and independently consider the best treatment and infection control measures.
⑥Infectious Disease Crisis Management Infectious disease control involves both routine measures, such as hospital facility management, surveillance, hand hygiene, and adherence to PPE usage, and outbreak-specific responses, such as patient isolation, active epidemiological investigation, and ward closures. Crisis management also includes handling media communication during hospital outbreaks. While most hospitals have infection control departments, you will learn how infectious disease specialists can play a vital role in infection control.
