Kameda International Fellowship in Urologic Surgery

Program Overview
Program Objectives
Program Structure
Application guidelines
Living Information
Current International Fellow Testimonial
Contact Information

Program Overview

The Kameda International Fellowship in Urologic Surgery is a specialized training program designed for international urologists seeking advanced surgical expertise. Hosted at Kameda Medical Center in Kamogawa, Japan, the fellowship provides intensive hands-on experience, research opportunities, and structured didactic education in robotic, laparoscopic, and complex urologic procedures under the mentorship of expert surgeons. Fellows actively engage in surgical planning, execution, and postoperative care.

Program Objectives

Provide hands-on training in advanced urologic surgeries
Cultivate expertise in subspecialized areas of urology
Foster international collaboration and academic development
Promote innovation and excellence in surgical practice

Program Structure

1. Clinical Training

The clinical component is central to the fellowship, offering exposure to a wide range of urologic procedures, including:

Minimally Invasive Urologic Surgery

Robotic-assisted oncologic surgery using the Da Vinci Xi System
Advanced laparoscopic techniques for oncologic and reconstructive procedures
Enhanced recovery protocols and comprehensive perioperative management

Endourology

Management of complex urinary stone disease
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
Flexible ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy
Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP)

Andrology / Reproductive Medicine

Microsurgical techniques for varicocelectomy
Surgical management of retroperitoneal and genitourinary sarcomas
Complex resections involving adjacent organs and reconstructive procedures

Kidney Transplantation

Living and deceased donor kidney transplantation
Retroperitoneal laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy

2. Didactic Training

Structured educational activities include:

Weekly surgical conferences and case-based discussions
Biweekly medical oncology conferences
Monthly clinicopathological conferences
Monthly resident lectures reviewing current literature
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 assessments: Fellows are evaluated after each clinical rotation by supervising faculty, with formal feedback sessions conducted by the program director.
Milestone assessments: Competency-based evaluations are conducted throughout the program, focusing on clinical skills and research accomplishments.

5. Weekly Curriculum

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

Mon: Laparoscopic surgery, Endourology
Tue: Robotic Surgery, Laparoscopic surgery, Endourology, Kidney transplant
Wed: Laparoscopic surgery, Endourology, Sarcoma surgery, Conference
Thu: Robotic surgery, Laparoscopic surgery, Endourology, Varicocelectomy, Sarcoma surgery
Fri: Endourology, Varicocelectomy, Sarcoma surgery, Prostate biopsy
Weekends: Rest (to support work-life balance)

6. Facilities & Resources

Operating rooms: Equipped for open, laparoscopic, and robotic procedures (Da Vinci Xi System), surgical microscopy, flexible/rigid endoscopy, Holmium lasers, and ESWL
Clinical Skills & Simulation Center: Includes laparoscopic training boxes and Da Vinci simulator

Application guidelines

1. Fellowship Tracks

A maximum of two (2) International Fellowship positions are available. The fellowship has two tracks:

12-month Fellowship (Standard Track): A comprehensive training program covering multiple subspecialty areas. Fellows begin as surgical assistants and progress to performing designated steps of selected procedures under direct supervision, in accordance with the Clinical Training (Rinsho Shuren) framework.
6-month Fellowship (Short Track): A focused, objective-oriented training program centered on selected subspecialty areas. Fellows participate primarily as surgical assistants, with limited hands-on experience on designated procedures under direct supervision.

Based on performance evaluation, program needs, and approval of the selection committee, the fellowship may be extended up to a total of 24 months (including two weeks of annual leave).
All clinical activities are conducted under the supervision of attending surgeons and within the scope permitted by Japanese law and institutional policy. Clinical work is primarily conducted in Japanese; language support, including translation and interpretation, is available for international fellows.

2. Eligibility Criteria

Valid medical license in the applicant’s home country
Completion of a urology residency program; board certification preferred
English proficiency required if training was not conducted in an English-speaking environment
* Minimum scores: TOEFL 89 / IELTS 6.0 (equivalent exams may be considered)
Demonstrated interest in surgical innovation and academic collaboration
Individual membership in the Urological Association of Asia (UAA)
Eligibility for the Japanese Clinical Training License for Foreign Medical Practitioners (Rinsho Shuren) as designated by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan; the hospital will assist with the application process

3. Required Application Documents

All documents must be submitted in PDF format. For documents not originally issued in English, an English translation prepared by the applicant is acceptable at the application stage. Certified translations may be required after selection for visa and Clinical Training (Rinsho Shuren) License procedures.

Curriculum Vitae (CV), in English, with a recent photograph (taken within the last six months), including: contact information; current position and affiliation; work experience; education (including residency program and relevant certifications); academic activities (lectures, presentations, publications); honors and awards; professional affiliations; skills.
Personal statement (1–2 pages, in English), covering: motivation for applying; career goals; relevant clinical experience; reasons for choosing this program; how the experience will be applied upon return to your home country; and other relevant information (e.g., research interests, special circumstances).
Copy of valid medical license
Copies of the following certificates: medical degree certificate (MD); urology residency completion certificate; board certification in urology (if obtained).
Copy of passport (photo page and signature page; a single page is acceptable if both are on the same page). Note: At the time of selection, the passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond the planned end of the fellowship.
Surgical case log (last three years), including: procedure name (commonly performed urologic procedures); number of cases as primary surgeon; number of cases as assistant.
Copy of UAA membership certificate
One letter of recommendation, preferably from your residency program director or head of urology department. If not available, a letter from the director of your current hospital is acceptable.

4. Selection Process

The selection process consists of the following steps:

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: Following acceptance, Kameda Medical Center supports the candidate with visa application and Clinical Training (Rinsho Shuren) License procedures.

5. Application Timeline

12-month Fellowship (Standard Track)

Applications are accepted twice a year on the following schedule:

Cycle 1: Application deadline June 30 → Document review July →Online Interview August–September → Final selection (committee) October → Fellowship start April (following year)
Cycle 2: Application deadline December 31 → Document review January →Online Interview February–March → Final selection (committee) April → Fellowship start October (same year)

This schedule ensures a fair and comprehensive selection process and allows sufficient preparation time before the fellowship begins.

6-month Fellowship (Short Track)

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants are advised to apply at least nine (9) months prior to their intended start date to allow sufficient time for selection, visa processing, and administrative procedures.

6. Regulatory and Administrative Requirements

A minimum of six (6) months between final acceptance and the start of the fellowship is required to complete regulatory and administrative procedures, including visa application.
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) License from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan.

Living Information

Stipend: A monthly stipend of JPY 100,000 will be provided only if external scholarships cannot be secured. Applicants are strongly encouraged to seek external funding opportunities.
Housing: Hospital-provided apartments are available. Rent is covered, with a monthly utility fee of JPY 15,000.
Japanese Language Lessons: Available upon request

Current International Fellow Testimonial

Thuchchai Pipitpanpipit, MD

My Kameda International Fellowship in Urologic Surgery has been a period of significant professional growth. The fellowship provides intensive, hands-on experience with advanced surgical procedures. I was involved in surgical planning, executing complex procedures, and providing postoperative care. The curriculum exposed me to various high-level surgeries, especially robotic-assisted oncologic surgeries with the Da Vinci Xi System, and advanced laparoscopic techniques. I also participated in complex endourology, sarcoma surgery, and renal transplantation.

Beyond the operating room, the program includes weekly surgical conferences, simulation training, and clinical research, offering a comprehensive learning environment. Regular feedback from faculty and Dr. Abe supports my skill development.

As an international fellow, the support system has been excellent. Language support and interpretation services are invaluable. The program emphasizes work-life balance with a Monday–Friday schedule, and hospital accommodations help reduce stress, allowing for a focused and complete training experience.

This fellowship offers a valuable opportunity to acquire advanced surgical skills under the guidance of top surgeons and foster international collaboration. I highly recommend it to urologists aiming to improve their practice.

Contact Information

Program Director: Hirokazu Abe, MD, PhD
Email: urology.fellowship@kameda.jp
Tel: (+81) 4-7092-2211
Fax: (+81) 4-7092-1191

Notes

This fellowship is jointly endorsed by the Urological Association of Asia (UAA) and operated by Kameda Medical Center.
The scope of clinical participation is determined in accordance with Japanese law and institutional policy.
All applications are submitted directly to Kameda Medical Center, which is responsible for the selection and acceptance of fellows.

Date: 2026/06/12

Education