Japanese Delegation Arrives at Navicent Health
Guests to Share Best Practices, Innovative Healthcare Techniques
Atrium Health Navicent welcomed a delegation from Kurobe Municipal Hospital (KMH) in Kurobe, Japan to The Medical Center, Navicent Health on Wednesday, October 19. The delegation from Macon's sister city includes physicians, registered nurses and representatives of KMH's pharmacy, education and residency training programs.
Atrium Health Navicent and KMH have enjoyed a sister hospital exchange program for more than a decade. Each year, one hospital sends clinicians and physicians to visit the other in an effort to share best practices, learn innovative techniques, and build relations between the two sister cities.
"This has been a long-time partnership and exchange built on knowledge transfer for the mutual benefit of both partners. Beyond the formal goals of this partnership is a special bond which connects us with each other, a profound and meaningful cultural exchange," said Dr. Ninfa M. Saunders, President and CEO of Atrium Health Navicent.
"Our residents, nurses and faculty were greatly inspired by your visit. When we started this program in 2003, the major purpose was to give assistance to our residents. That was the start of this exchange. Later, we expanded this program to the nurses and also the doctors. Now we are expanding this program to other providers such as pharmacists, medical engineers and therapists. We appreciate both Atrium Health Navicent and Mercer University," said Dr. Hiroshi Tsuji of KMH, who accompanies the delegations on each visit as they commence their training and continue their education.
Representatives of Atrium Health Navicent and KMH honored the legacy of Dr. TJ Lin during Wednesday's reception. Dr. Lin, who was very instrumental in the creation of the exchange program, passed away earlier this year. Special thanks was also given to YKK USA's Macon facility for their continued support of the exchange throughout the years.
KMH is licensed for 405 beds, employs approximately 600 staff members and serves the mountainous Toyama region of northern Japan.