Kameda International Fellowship in Urologic Surgery

Program Overview
Who Should Apply
Program Objectives
Program Structure
Application guidelines
Current International Fellow Testimonial
Past Fellow Testimonial
Contact Information

News & Updates

2026-09  The fellowship guidelines and application forms have been updated. The program will now be offered exclusively as a 12-month track. The next call for applications is for the April 2028 start; applications will be accepted April 1–30, 2027.
2026-07  Applications for the April 2027 start have closed. Information on the next call for applications will be posted in September 2026.
2026-06  The application webpage for the UAA × Kameda International Fellowship program has been published.

Program Overview

The Kameda International Fellowship in Urologic Surgery is a specialized 12-month training program designed to develop the next generation of urological leaders in Asia. It is intended for early- to mid-career international urologists seeking advanced laparoscopic surgical expertise. Hosted at Kameda Medical Center in Kamogawa, Chiba, the fellowship provides hands-on clinical training, research opportunities, and structured didactic education under the mentorship of experienced faculty surgeons.
The program centers on minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery) for urologic oncology and urinary tract reconstruction. Training begins with observation and assistance in surgical procedures. Depending on demonstrated proficiency and motivation, fellows may gradually progress to performing selected steps of laparoscopic procedures under direct supervision. All clinical activities are conducted under the supervision of faculty surgeons and within the scope permitted by Japanese law and institutional policy.

Who Should Apply

Hold a valid medical license in their home country
Have completed urology residency training
Are able to independently perform routine general urological procedures
Have a strong interest in laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery and academic activities
Are able to conduct clinical and academic work in English
Are an individual member of the Urological Association of Asia (UAA), or have a membership application pending
Are eligible for Japan's Clinical Training Program for Foreign Medical Practitioners (Rinsho Shuren), designated by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

See Eligibility Criteria below for full details.

Program Objectives

Provide hands-on training in laparoscopic surgery
Advance expertise in minimally invasive surgery for urologic tumors and urinary tract reconstruction
Foster international collaboration and academic development
Prepare fellows to lead surgical teams and training programs in their home countries

Program Structure

1. Clinical Training

Minimally Invasive and Reconstructive Urologic Surgery (Core Training: progressing from observation/assisting to performing selected steps of surgery)

Laparoscopic surgery for urologic tumors (kidney/ureter, adrenal gland, prostate, bladder, retroperitoneum)
Laparoscopic urinary tract reconstruction: ureteral reimplantation, Boari flap, ileal ureter reconstruction

Important — About Robot-Assisted Surgery

Fellows wishing to perform selected steps of robot-assisted procedures as a console surgeon must hold valid robotic surgery console certification obtained in their home country prior to the start of the fellowship. Fellows wishing to serve as first assistant must hold either console certification or valid robotic surgery assistant certification obtained in their home country prior to the start of the fellowship. Fellows without either certification may participate in robot-assisted procedures as second assistant only.

Additional Areas of Learning (assisting or observation only)

Endoscopic surgery for urinary stones (PCNL, URS)
Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Kidney transplantation (including autotransplantation for urinary tract reconstruction) and laparoscopic donor nephrectomy
Retroperitoneal sarcoma surgery (performed by the same surgical group): open reconstruction of the urinary tract and bowel
Microsurgery for varicocele

2. Didactic Training

Structured educational activities include:

Weekly surgical conferences and case-based discussions
Biweekly medical oncology conferences
Monthly clinicopathological conferences
Simulation-based training

3. Academic & Research Activities

Participation in clinical research projects
Opportunities for publication and international presentations
Attendance at academic conferences

4. Evaluation and Feedback

Regular assessment: Fellows are evaluated every six (6) months by supervising faculty, with feedback sessions conducted by the Chief of Urology and the Program Director.

5. Weekly Curriculum

Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (including breaks).

Mon: Laparoscopic and robotic surgery; endourology procedures (TUR, stone surgery, HoLEP)
Tue: Laparoscopic and robotic surgery; endourology procedures; sarcoma and retroperitoneal surgery
Wed: Laparoscopic and robotic surgery; endourology procedures; departmental conference
Thu: Laparoscopic and robotic surgery; endourology procedures; andrology procedures; sarcoma and retroperitoneal surgery
Fri: Endourology procedures; andrology procedures; sarcoma and retroperitoneal surgery
Kidney transplantation: approximately once a month
Weekends: Rest (to support work-life balance)

6. Facilities & Resources

Operating rooms: Equipped for open, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted surgery (da Vinci Xi® [Intuitive Surgical], hinotori™ Surgical Robot System [Medicaroid], and Hugo™ RAS System [Medtronic]), with surgical microscopy, flexible/rigid endoscopy, Holmium lasers, and ESWL
Clinical Skills & Simulation Center: laparoscopic training boxes and a robotic surgery simulator

Application guidelines

1. Recruitment and Key Dates

This is a 12-month program. Applications are accepted twice a year, for an April start and an October start. Full dates are shown in the table below. As no more than two (2) fellows may be enrolled at any given time, the number accepted in each recruitment cycle ranges from zero (0) to two (2). Current openings are announced in the News & Updates section on this page.

	April intake	October intake
Application period	April 1 – April 30	October 1 – October 31
Document review	May	November
Online interview	June – July	December – January
Final selection	August	February
Fellowship start	April, the year after application	October, the year after application

The interval between final selection and the start date provides the eight (8) months required to complete regulatory and administrative procedures.

2. Eligibility Criteria

This fellowship is intended for early- to mid-career urologists who can already independently perform routine general urological procedures, and who wish to further develop their surgical skills in a high-volume environment. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Valid medical license in the applicant's home country
Completion of urology residency training and the ability to independently perform routine general urological procedures.
Sufficient English proficiency for clinical and academic activities. As a general guideline, a level equivalent to IELTS 6.0 is expected; no test certificate is required, as proficiency is self-declared in the Application Form and assessed at the online interview.
Demonstrated interest in advanced urologic surgery and academic collaboration
Individual membership in the Urological Association of Asia (UAA). Applicants whose membership application is pending may apply; membership must be finalized before the fellowship begins.
Eligibility for the Japanese Clinical Training Program for Foreign Medical Practitioners (Rinsho Shuren), designated by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan. The hospital assists with this application.

3. Required Application Documents

Application Forms Download

Form 1: Application Form
Form 2: Surgical Case Log
Form 3: Application Checklist

Please download and complete these forms at the time of application.

Submission Method

All application materials must be compiled into a single PDF file, arranged in the numbered order below, and submitted by email to urology.fellowship@kameda.jp.

File name: Application_[Family Name]_[Given Name].pdf (e.g., Application_Tanaka_Taro.pdf)
All documents, including the letter of recommendation, must be included in this single PDF.
Documents submitted separately will not be accepted.
The completed Application Checklist must be placed as the final page of the PDF.
Documents not originally issued in English may be submitted in their original language at the application stage. Certified translations may be required after selection, for visa procedures and to obtain a Clinical Training (Rinsho Shuren) permit.
Scanned pages must be legible, in color, and complete.

Document List

1. Application Form (Form 1)

Complete the official form provided by Kameda Medical Center.
Indicate whether you are applying for the April or October start.
English proficiency is self-declared within this form; no separate certificate is required.
Must be signed and dated by the applicant.

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

No designated form is required; the applicant's own CV format is acceptable, provided it includes the items below.
In English, in reverse chronological order, with a recent photograph (taken within the last six months).
Must include: contact information; current position and affiliation; work experience; education (including residency training and relevant certifications); academic activities (lectures, presentations, publications); honors and awards; professional affiliations; skills.

3. Personal Statement

In English, 1–2 pages (A4, 11-point font or larger).
Must address: motivation for applying; career goals; relevant clinical experience; reasons for choosing this program; how the experience will be applied upon return to the home country; and other relevant information (e.g., research interests, special circumstances).

4. Copy of Valid Medical License

Must be valid at the time of application and throughout the fellowship period.

5. Educational and Professional Certificates

Medical degree certificate (MD) — required
Urology residency completion certificate — required
Board certification in urology — submit if obtained; not required

6. Copy of Passport

Photo page and signature page (a single page is acceptable if both appear on the same page).
The passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond the planned end of the fellowship. Applicants whose passport does not meet this requirement may still apply, but must renew it before the fellowship begins.

7. Surgical Case Log (Last Three Years, Form 2)

Complete the official form provided by Kameda Medical Center.
Neither a signature nor an institutional stamp is required.
The reporting period must be stated on the form.

8. Proof of UAA Membership

Copy of the UAA individual membership certificate.
If the membership application is still pending, a copy of the confirmation email from the UAA is acceptable (see Eligibility Criteria for the membership finalization deadline).

9. One Letter of Recommendation

Preferably from the residency program director or head of the urology department. If unavailable, a letter from the director of the current hospital is acceptable.
In English, on institutional letterhead, signed by the recommender, and dated within six months of the application deadline.
Must include the recommender's name, title, institution, and contact information (email and telephone).

10. Robotic Surgery Console and/or Assistant Certification (Optional)

If valid robotic surgery console and/or assistant certification issued in the applicant's home country is already held, submit a copy. This document is not required to apply.

11. Application Checklist (Form 3)

Complete the checklist and place it as the final page of the PDF.

4. Selection Process

Document Review: Submitted application materials are reviewed by Kameda Medical Center.
Online Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited to an online interview.
Final Selection: Final acceptance decisions are made by the International Medical Staff Acceptance Committee of Kameda Medical Center.
Post-acceptance Procedures: Visa and Clinical Training (Rinsho Shuren) permit applications are initiated.

5. Support

Living Support: A living stipend of JPY 100,000 per month is available for fellows without external financial support. This support is not a salary; it is intended to assist with living expenses during the training period. Applicants are strongly encouraged to secure external funding or a scholarship.
Housing: A hospital apartment is available. Rent is covered by the hospital, and fellows pay a monthly utility fee of JPY 15,000.
Annual Leave: Two (2) weeks of annual leave per 12-month fellowship period
Language: Clinical work is conducted primarily in Japanese. Translation and interpretation are provided for international fellows, and Japanese language lessons are available on request.

6. Regulatory and Administrative Requirements

Compliance with Japanese medical and immigration regulations is mandatory. Kameda Medical Center provides support for visa applications and for obtaining the Clinical Training (Rinsho Shuren) permit from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan.

7. About the UAA Affiliation

This fellowship is endorsed by the Urological Association of Asia (UAA). Program administration, applicant selection, and acceptance are the responsibility of Kameda Medical Center.

Current International Fellow Testimonial

Thuchchai Pipitpanpipit, MD

Bhumirajanagarindra Kidney Institute Hospital, Thailand
Fellowship Period: From 1 October 2025

Embarking on my journey as the fellow in advanced minimally invasive and robotic surgery at Kameda Medical Center has been a profound milestone in my career. Over the past year, I have been privileged to train under world-class mentors, gaining hands-on exposure to state-of-the-art robotic systems and complex reconstructive techniques that are shaping the future of urology. What truly sets Kameda apart, however, is not just its leading-edge technology, but its deeply supportive, collaborative culture. Navigating a new clinical landscape and life in the beautiful coastal city of Kamogawa has been incredibly seamless, thanks to a team that treats you like family from day one. For any aspiring urologist seeking to push the boundaries of their surgical expertise while experiencing an incredibly enriching life in Japan, this fellowship is not just a training program—it is a life-changing gateway to global excellence.

Past Fellow Testimonial

Dollacha Vanichakarn, MD

Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand
Fellowship Period: 1 October 2017 – 31 March 2019

My time at Kameda was truly wonderful and unforgettable. I had the privilege of learning surgery step by step under world-class standards. Beyond surgical techniques, I learned the value of teamwork, professionalism, and built lasting friendships with colleagues and urologists from around the world.
This experience has helped me improve not only my surgical skills, but also my ability to teach and mentor residents at my hospital in Thailand. Even after returning home, my connection with Kameda has remained strong. We were honored to welcome Dr. Ochi as a visiting professor, and we continue to develop collaborative projects for the future.
Kameda gave me far more than surgical training—it transformed the way I practice, teach, and think. It changed my life forever.

Contact Information

Kameda Medical Center, Department of Urology
929 Higashi-cho, Kamogawa, Chiba 296-8602, Japan
Chief, Department of Urology: Hirokazu Abe, MD, PhD
Program Director: Atsuhiko Ochi, MD, PhD
E-mail: urology.fellowship@kameda.jp
Tel: (+81) 4-7092-2211
Fax: (+81) 4-7092-1191

Date: 2026/09/01

Education