第10次米国医療研修団が8月21日、熊本空港から羽田、成田空港を経由し、サンフランシスコで米国入国、そしてサン・アントニオに旅立った。熊本空港に集合した研修団23名(ガイドさんを入れて24名)は、歓迎会の時に披露する歌2曲と踊り「サンバおてもやん」の練習を行い、熊本を後にした。
On August 21th, we left for U.S and our travel was without problem before we reached to San Francisco International Airport. We made a long line in front of the immigration formalities and entered US. But one of our delegation, Mr. Ikeda did not come to our side. We were waiting so long for him, so we had little time to the connecting flight. Only five members could be at the Gate on time, other 19 members include Mr.Ikeda were too late to board. Fortunately, the flight for San Antonio was late about 50 minutes, we all could board the flight to San Antonio. The reason why Mr. Ikeda was late was a man who was just before him was restrained by officers. I did not know in detail.
At San Antonio International Airport, Dr. Godon who was a president of Bexar County Medical Society and other members were waiting for us, and we renewed our old friendship.

After we checked in the Hotel, we were invited to Stake Restaurant along the River Walk. We enjoyed Big size stake, and celebrated Ms. Mastuoka who's Birthday was today!
On August 22nd, I got up early morning and ran to the west of downtown. In the morning, we visited the Alamo it was close to our Hotel about 10 minute walk. But it was Sunday! The opening time was 10 o'clock compared 9 o'clock Mon-Sat so that we had to wait until 10 o’clock.


After lunch, we went to the Big Mall to shopping. Dr. Fukushima bought many caps with logo of San Antonio Spurs for the board members of our association.
Welcome party was held at Oak Hill Country Club, I changed my cloth to Yukata. Our delegation showed our performance, two American songs and dance SANBA OTEMOYAN. Songs were very nice compared to yesterday, I thought Piano accompaniment by Nobuko she was a professional jazz pianist was extremely wonderful. I met Dr. & Mrs. Johns, Dr. Martin and many wonderful friends. I had enjoyed to talking with them and had a good time.


On Aug. 23rd, I ran about 1 hour and saw two big hospitals just from outside. In the morning our delegation visited to City Hall and City Municipal Plaza, and had the meeting with one of the city council members, her name was Mary Alice Cisneros she was proxy for Mayor, because Mayor was out of town.

Our second destination was Brook Army Hospital, and visited to the Burn Center. Dr.Kim who was a specialist in this field and gave us a short lecture about the therapy for serious burn patients.
The third destination was UT (University of Texas) medicine San Antonio Medical Arts & Research Center. We had a power lunch and Power Point that introduce this Center. Dr. Lee was an assistant professor of anesthesiology department, she was also a runner ! She guided us around the Outpatient’s operation center and Imaging Area.

The fourth destination was Bexar County Medical Society. All staffs were welcomed us, we saw many medical antiques there. We enjoyed cakes, soft drinks and a lot of hospitality.
In the evening, we were invited to the TX Steak Restaurant along the River Walk. Dr. San Martin and his partner, Mr. & Mss. Wisniewski were at the same table to talk together from medical surrounding's problem to who should be the leader in our home? We had enjoyed to talking each other very much.
On August 24th, since I was so tired I got up after 6:30, I started my jogging before 7. But I had good sweat. Today, we first visited to “Haven for Hope”. It is a faith-inspired, non-profit organization committed to transforming the live of the homeless and to helping the working poor people in the community to keep them from becoming homeless. About 1500 people stayed there, most of them had a program to live their own lives. When we were the office, we had a chance to meet one big man he was a representative the State of Texas and contributed "Haven for Hope" very much.

Second destination was a Methodist Stone Oak Hospital, it was opened almost one year ago, very new and beautiful hospital. During lunch short power-point presentation about Methodist Health System was showed. Our delegation was divided two groups. Our Group visited to the surgical floor include pre-anesthetic area, and post-anesthetic area, however, we could not enter the operation room, because protection of personal information was very strict. We also see the ICU, PCU and ER. But if some patient was in this area, we could not enter there. America institutions were very large and rational, practical, although large size was allowed by their land size I thought.
After a shower was passed in the evening, I jogged in the downtown around 45 minutes. When I was lost and checked the downtown map, one old gentleman his name was Mike helped me and showed the way. He spoke good Japanese, because he had been working in Tokyo almost 30 years ago.

However farewell party was planned on the boat at River Walk, the plan was hanged the party was held at the TX restaurant because of watery sky. Drs. Moss and San Martin joined together, and had a good time.


After the party, I backed my room. I lost my consciousness immediately after I went to bed.
On August 25th, I got up one o’clock, and started packing and writing this report. We were very welcomed by BCMS members and their families. In particular with Drs. San Martin, Humphreys, Beato, Mr. Wisniewski, Ms. Fuentes, Quinones and Robertson were spent their precious time for us. I also thanks for President Dr. & Ms. Gordon, President Elect Dr. & Ms. Moss, they were leaders of BCMS. Of course we were very appreciated to Ms. Hiroko Fay who was a benefactor of our exchanging program.
On August 26th, I arrived at Haneda Air Port through more than 15 hours flight. Mis. Sonoda and I went to the Japanese Noodle Restaurant and ordered Soba!