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American Hospital of Paris (1)
Before arrival
" Dr. Kido, you built such a beautiful clinic. But what is the
weather vane on the roof? It doesn't look a cock to me."
" Thank you Mr. Tanaka, you are smart. It is a boat. The boat is a symbol
of Paris. As you know, I was practicing in Paris for 2 years. I chose
the weather vane to share the memories of Paris with you." "Hey, Dr.
Kido, I was thinking that boat-shaped weather vane was chic, although
I didn't know what it was. I was moved to hear what you told me. You
were really thinking of us patients while you were in Paris."
I came back from France in 1997. The new clinic was completed in May
1999 after 10
months of construction. The new clinic is spacious and full of natural
light. The patients, clinic staff and I, all became brighter.
It has been 20 years since three young physicians started residency
training in USA; Nobu in Omaha, Shun in San Francisco and I in New York.
All three of us were sent to U.S. by the Ministry of Health and Welfare
of Japan.
During the 3 years period, we visited each other and exchanged information.
I remember that I told them I would succeed my father's practice in
Osaka in the future. For this ultimate purpose Iwanted to experience
many things in different cultures. I would try to absorb all experiences
and apply them to my future practice in Osaka. The residency in family
practice in U.S. is just the first step of the process. I said this
very enthusiastically, and in addition I told them that I had learned
French as a medical student.
After having certified in the Family Practice Board, I came
back to Osaka, Japan, and started working at the Osaka National Hospital.
I served the National Hospital for 10 years, practicing medicine and
teaching residents. My reputation grew both in the hospital and in the
Ministry of Health and Welfare. I also built up a great network of connections
nationwide those 10 years. Nonetheless, I became frustrated little by
little, with the rigid Japanese insurance system and bureaucracy in
the national hospital. "Wasn't there anything I could do before succeeding
my father's practice? Were there any ways to experiment with"The Ideal
Practice" for a few years?" I started to make this fantasy a reality.
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E-mail:kidot@momo.so-net.ne.jp