Family medicine, for everyone
Family medicine is a specialty that emerged in the 1960s in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. It focuses on the discipline of care provided by family physicians and primary care teams. In 1972, the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) was founded to promote the global expansion of family medicine. The slogan of the American Academy of Family Physicians is "I am specialized in you," emphasizing the ability to address a wide range of health issues regardless of age, gender, organ, or disease. It also underscores family physicians’ commitment to improving the health of families and communities.
ABOUT US
As societies age and birth rates decline, health issues have become more complex, encompassing palliative and end-of-life care at home, frailty, community-based integrative care systems, caregiving challenges, mental health and psychosomatic issues, women's health, and social determinants of health. These challenges cannot be adequately addressed and managed by traditional specialized medical care alone.
Our department is dedicated to education and research in family medicine and primary care, and to contributing to the improvement and development of local health care in Shizuoka Prefecture by training certified "family medicine specialists" who play an active role in the community.
STAFF
Machiko Inoue, MD, MPH, PhDProfessor
Dr. Inoue is a dedicated advocate for family medicine education and research, with a strong commitment to advancing academic development in primary care. Her diverse academic activities encompass a wide range of critical health care issues, including physician career development and well-being, and effective health communication. Dr. Inoue's interests include, but are not limited to, advance care planning (ACP) and women's health across the lifespan. Her research methodology includes quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research. She welcomes those interested in pursuing a career in family medicine to contact her.
Keiichiro Narumoto, MD, MPH, PhDAssociate Professor
Dr. Narumoto is a family physician with a strong focus on women's health in family medicine. His research efforts focus on uncovering the critical role of family physicians in women's health. In addition, Dr. Narumoto is spearheading the development of a web-based cancer risk assessment system tailored to the field of primary care clinical genetics. His passion extends to multiple aspects of his profession, encompassing clinical care including obstetrics, medical education, and ongoing research. His efforts are aimed at recognizing and enhancing the expertise and role of primary care physicians within the healthcare system in Japan.
Tomoko Matsui, MD, PhDSenior Assistant Professor
Dr. Matsui is a dedicated family physician with a deep passion for continuous patient care. She believes in the importance of family physicians as the closest medical partners to their patients, providing ongoing support and understanding. Dr. Matsui's research focuses on gender issues and physician career development in medical education. Her goal is to empower every physician to maintain their enthusiasm and commitment to the field of medicine.
Tomohiro Arai, MD, PGDipSenior Assistant Professor
Dr. Arai is a dedicated family physician with a strong commitment to advancing primary care education while maintaining a harmonious balance between clinical care, education, and research. Dr. Arai is committed to nurturing and supporting the aspirations of younger generations who wish to study abroad by offering online medical education in English with a focus on essential exams such as USMLE, OET, and IELTS.
Tomoya Higuchi, MDAssistant Professor
Dr. Higuchi is passionate about the broad spectrum of medical care that family physicians can provide. The Shizuoka Family Medicine Program offers residents the opportunity to expand their skills and develop into well-rounded physicians, so that those who graduate will have the confidence and expertise to provide holistic medical care and effectively address the diverse needs of their patients.
Tomoko Ito, MD, MScResearcher
Dr. Ito is a family physician with a unique background in primary care sports medicine. Dr. Ito pursued further education overseas, earning a Master’s degree in Sports Medicine from University College London in the United Kingdom. Her primary focus is on health promotion through exercise for the benefit of the general population, in addition to addressing health issues in athletes. Dr. Ito's goal is to create a system that empowers individuals to achieve better health through exercise.
Michiko Abe, MAResearcher
Ms. Abe holds a Master’s degree in International Communication. She is a qualitative and mixed methods researcher, and her research interests include older adults and dementia care, communication of dementia diagnosis and disclosure, and the use of drama activities in care facilities for older adults. She has also been involved in community theatre projects in Japan for over 25 years and enjoys facilitating workshops and international exchanges through Shakespeare adaptations.
