Online World Cafe with Queen Mary University of London Medical Students

On April 19, medical students from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and Showa University participated in an “online world café” to promote international exchange and friendship between the two student bodies in spite of the ongoing pandemic. This event was organized by Dr. Ania Korszun (Professor, Psychiatry and Education) of QMUL and Dr. Miyuki Hashimoto (Professor) of the International Exchange Center, in collaboration with the Department of Medical Education.
During this event, 13 QMUL and 8 Showa University students answered questions about COVID-19, medical careers, and professionalism, and then formed small groups, where they discussed scenarios related to professional identity and gender equality. Dr. Shizuma Tsuchiya and Dr. Makiko Arima from Medical Education served as facilitators in these groups. Later, a discussion session was led by the event’s leader, Dr. Ali Ajaz (Senior Clinical Lecturer, Psychiatry; QMUL), and both students and supporting faculty members discussed some of the common themes that were mentioned during this event.
After COVID-19, larger events will be planned.