Voices of Current Students (Master's Program)

・Brief Self-introduction

I belong to the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Keio University Graduate School of Medicine. My current research focuses on gut microbiota and its interactions with human health. Through my work, I aim to better understand how microbial communities and their metabolites may influence disease mechanisms, including those involved in Parkinson’s disease.

・Reasons for applying to the Master's Program at Keio University Graduate School of Medicine

The main reason I applied to Keio University was my strong interest in joining my current professor’s laboratory. I was particularly attracted by the research focus on gut microbiota, as well as the opportunity to conduct advanced research in a well-established academic environment. Keio University’s reputation for excellence in medical research and its collaborative atmosphere made it an ideal place for me to pursue my master’s degree.

・Concerns before enrollment / What I was looking forward to

Before enrolling, I was concerned about adapting to a new academic system, especially in a language that I had not yet fully mastered. I was unsure whether the language barrier would affect my academic performance or daily communication. However, once I started the program, I realized that the environment was very supportive, and I could use English for almost everything. Through daily interactions in the laboratory and classes, I gradually gained confidence, and the language barrier became much less of a concern than I had initially expected.

・Daily weekday schedule (Research and Classes)

On weekdays, I typically spend most of my time in the laboratory conducting experiments, analyzing data, and planning future studies. During the first year, there are several mandatory classes and seminars. However, the schedule is relatively flexible, allowing us to focus primarily on our research projects or work if your research is more theoretical and does not require laboratory experiments.

・Interaction with other students and other professions

One of the most valuable aspects of the program is the interaction with other graduate students, researchers, and professionals from different fields. In the laboratory, we frequently discuss experimental designs and results, which helps broaden our perspectives. Additionally, interactions with clinicians and researchers from various specialties allow us to better understand how basic research in medicine can connect to clinical applications. These exchanges have enriched my academic experience and improved my communication skills.

・Career path and future dreams after completing the Master's Program

After completing the master’s program, I hope to continue my academic journey by entering the PhD program at Keio University. I would like to further deepen my research on gut microbiota and its role in human disease and ultimately contribute to meaningful scientific discoveries in the field of medical science.

・Balance between research and private life

Research can be demanding, especially when conducting laboratory experiments that require careful planning and long hours. However, I believe that maintaining a balance between research and private life is essential. Taking time to rest, reflect, and engage in personal activities helps maintain motivation and productivity. This balance allows me to approach my research with renewed focus and creativity.

・Message to those considering the Master's Program

A master’s program is both challenging and rewarding. It requires independence, persistence, and curiosity. However, it also provides a unique opportunity to grow academically and personally. If you are passionate about research and willing to work alongside with world-class researchers, pursuing a master’s degree at Keio University Graduate School of Medicine can be a meaningful and transformative experience.

・Brief Self-introduction

I came to Japan to study after graduating from a medical school in Thailand. Currently, I belong to the Division of Cancer Immunotherapy at the Keio University Graduate School of Medicine, where I am working on research in cancer immunotherapy.

・Reasons for applying to the Master's Program at Keio University Graduate School of Medicine

As a leading research university in Japan, Keio University has a sophisticated research system and advanced research facilities that integrate everything from basic to clinical research. In particular, top-level research in Japan is being conducted in the field of cancer immunity and CAR-T cell therapy, which I am interested in. I applied to the Master's Program because I wanted to learn in such an environment.

...Concerns before enrollment / What I was looking forward to

I was anxious because I had almost no experience in basic research, but in addition to the kind guidance from the professors and seniors in the laboratory, the training and instruction systems for research equipment at the Collaborative Research Resources are excellent, allowing me to acquire skills step-by-step from the basics.

・Daily weekday schedule (Research and Classes)

On weekdays, I mainly conduct research from 8:30 to 18:00, working on experiments and data analysis during the day. Classes are often held in the evening or later, so I can balance them with my research without difficulty.

・Interaction with other students and other professions

There are exchange events between laboratories and social gatherings with alumni, allowing for the building of connections across fields. In Bio2Q activities, there are also interactions with international students and students from other fields, providing an environment where I can be exposed to diverse perspectives.

・Career path and future dreams after completing the Master's Program

My goal is to proceed to the Doctoral Programs and further develop my research in cancer immunotherapy. In the future, I want to become a researcher who can contribute to the development of new treatments.

・Balance between research and private life

While focusing on research, I am conscious of time management to maintain a clear distinction between work and life. By working efficiently, I also value time for refreshing activities such as reading and exercise.

・Message to those considering the Master's Program

At Keio, in addition to classes, seminars featuring prominent domestic and international researchers are held about two to three times a month. Having the opportunity to directly hear lectures from researchers active worldwide broadens my perspective on research and serves as a great encouragement. I believe it is a place where you can grow significantly if you take the initiative to challenge yourself.

・Brief Self-introduction

I am currently working as a physical therapist in the Department of Rehabilitation at the National Cancer Center Hospital East. Since the 2025 academic year, I have been enrolled in the Master's Program at the Keio University Graduate School of Medicine (Department of Rehabilitation Medicine), conducting clinical research on the relationship between changes in skeletal muscle mass and prognosis in patients with unresectable gastric cancer.

・Reasons for applying to the Master's Program at Keio University Graduate School of Medicine

I applied to this program because I wanted to systematically verify the challenges I face in daily clinical practice using academic methods, disseminate the results as evidence with high social significance, and ultimately lead to the implementation of medical care that can be returned to patients. Furthermore, I had a strong desire to contribute to the development of new supportive therapies and the construction of treatment strategies by working on research under Professor Tetsuya Tsuji, who leads the field of cancer rehabilitation, which led to my decision to enroll.

・Concerns before enrollment / What I was looking forward to

My biggest concern before enrollment was balancing clinical work with my studies, especially coordinating with the lecture schedule. On the other hand, I had great expectations for an environment where I could develop questions arising in clinical practice directly into research themes. In this Graduate School of Medicine, I can acquire multifaceted knowledge through highly specialized lectures such as oncology and advanced genomics, and be exposed to the latest medical findings. I also feel that by systematically learning medical statistics, I am developing the foundational skills necessary for research design and analysis.

・Daily weekday schedule (Research and Classes)

From April to June, there were in-person lectures about three times a week, and I attended them while adjusting my working hours. There are days when I attend lectures in the morning and work from the afternoon, and days when I participate in evening lectures after work. When there are lectures during the day, I utilize paid leave to continue my coursework. From July onwards, lectures are mainly in an on-demand format, and I watch them using time before or after work. Research activities are mainly carried out outside of lecture and working hours, and I receive progress checks and professional guidance through monthly meetings with my supervising professor.

・Interaction with other students and other professions

This program includes international students and graduates from non-medical departments, bringing together students with diverse backgrounds. Research themes also range widely from basic to clinical research, and the ability to obtain discussions and advice across specialized fields is a major attraction. Additionally, the "Research Clinical Experience Program" provides opportunities to interact with students from the Faculty of Pharmacy, making it a valuable learning environment for deepening perspectives on multidisciplinary collaboration.

・Career path and future dreams after completing the Master's Program

In the future, my goal is to further enhance my expertise in the field of cancer rehabilitation as a researcher and become a person who supports the next generation of cancer medicine. I hope to contribute to the construction of practical and advanced evidence through the dual wheels of clinical practice and research.

・Balance between research and private life

As a working graduate student, time management is a critical issue. I strive to balance everything by systematically adjusting my schedule and clarifying the priorities of research, lectures, and clinical work. I feel that my awareness of using limited time effectively has increased, leading to an improvement in my self-management skills.

・Message to those considering the Master's Program

A major attraction of this Graduate School of Medicine is the ability to directly attend advanced and practical lectures by the School of Medicine faculty. The research facilities and support systems are also excellent, providing an environment where you can challenge yourself with medical research of high social value. A thorough guidance system is in place even for those from non-medical backgrounds, allowing them to work on research with peace of mind.

Conducting research activities while continuing to work is by no means easy, but this program offers opportunities for learning and growth that far outweigh the difficulties. For those who aspire to sublimate clinical challenges into academic inquiry and provide medical care that can be returned to patients, I feel that this program is a very meaningful environment.

・Brief Self-introduction

Currently, while belonging to the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, I also belong to the RIKEN Hakubi Team (Laboratory for Cognitive Sleep Science) at the RIKEN Center for Brain Science, where I conduct research on sleep in humans.

・Reasons for applying to the Master's Program at Keio University Graduate School of Medicine

When I was a fourth-year undergraduate, I consulted with Dr. Tamaki, a teacher in my current laboratory, about wanting to conduct research on sleep in humans. At that time, since she was conducting joint research with Dr. Kawakami of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Keio University, I consulted with my current supervisors, Dr. Tsuji and Dr. Kawakami, about whether I could enroll in a form similar to the affiliated graduate school system (as it does not exist for Master's). They readily agreed, and I decided to take the exam.

・Concerns before enrollment / What I was looking forward to

Since I would be conducting research at an external research institution rather than Keio, I was anxious about what my research and student life would be like, and whether I would be able to understand the classes since I did not have a background in medical sciences myself. Before enrolling, I had been told that most classes would end in the first semester of the first year, so I was looking forward to an environment where I could concentrate on my research.

・Daily weekday schedule (Research and Classes)

I arrive at the laboratory around 10:00 to 11:00 AM, finish experiment preparations, and then perform data analysis or experiments (on days when there are experiments) until around 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

・Interaction with other students and other professions

Although I only have limited time to meet people in the same grade, such as during classes, we are very close. The other day, we all went on a trip to Kamakura. Also, there are many students in the same grade with various backgrounds, such as working adults, international students, and Japanese graduates of overseas universities, and we enjoy interacting with each other.

・Career path and future dreams after completing the Master's Program

After completing the Master's Program, I intend to continue to the Doctoral Programs and keep pursuing sleep research.

・Balance between research and private life

Unless it is before a conference presentation, I basically try to conduct research only during daily activities within the laboratory. Therefore, I basically spend around 30 hours a week on research-related activities, and for the rest of the time, I freely engage in activities I want to do at that moment.

・Message to those considering the Master's Program

There is a wonderful environment where you can truly immerse yourself in research! Even if you don't have a background in medical sciences, if there is any research you are even slightly interested in, please try to contact a professor!