A ceremony to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the Okayama University Medical School was held on November 3 in Okayama, attended by some 500 people including faculty members, graduates and medical professionals. They looked back on the past 140 years and pledged themselves to further the development of the Medical School.

　Dr. Nam-ho Huh, Dean of the Medical School, reminded those gathered “Many people are suffering and looking for better medicine as we speak. We need, therefore, to interpret creatively the history and tradition of the medical school to renew our mission and address social needs at an even higher level.” The president of Okayama University, Kyozo Chiba, stated “We look to the Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences for vigor as it is a critical factor in the recognition of the strengths of the university.” Guests of Honor Mr. Kazuhiro Araki, Director, Medical Education Division of Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Governor Masahiro Ishii of Okayama Prefecture and Mayor Tadatoshi Akiba of Hiroshima delivered their congratulatory remarks.

　Prof. Hirofumi Makino, Dean of the Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Dr. Kiyoshi Morita, Director of the Okayama University Hospital, gave presentations on the histories of the Medical School and the hospital. Following was a presentation by Dr. Nam-ho Huh, Dean of the Medical School explaining the initiatives leading towards the 150th anniversary including a long term campus development plan.

　A commemorative speech was given by Mr. Yasuhiko Egusa, Honorary President of the Asahigawasou Medical Welfare Academy. Mr Egusa reviewed the outstanding achievements of graduates of the medical school under the title of “Forefathers of medicine and welfare: graduates of Okayama University.” After Mayor Shigeo Takaya of Okayama delivered a congratulatory address during the reception.

　The Okayama University Medical School has evolved over its 140 years making significant contributions to medicine and welfare in Japan. In 1870 the Okayama Clan Medical School was founded becoming the Okayama Prefectural Medical School, the Third Higher Middle School Medical Faculty and then the Okayama Medical College. The Okayama Medical College assumed its present name, the Okayama University Medical School, based upon the education system reform implemented in 1949. Throughout its 140 year history the Okayama University Medical School has produced 12,000 graduates: illustrious physicians, outstanding researchers and educators as well as pioneers in social welfare.

Photograph: the ceremony to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the medical school attended by some 500 people.

[Contact] General Affairs Section, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Phone: 086-235-7004