Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki
Professor & Chair: Shinji Katsuragi, MD, PhD
http://www.med.miyazaki-u.ac.jp/home/sanfujinka/
1. DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary women’s healthcare spanning perinatology, gynecologic oncology, reproductive medicine, endocrinology, and genetic counseling. Chaired by Professor Shinji Katsuragi (appointed February 2021), the department is dedicated to training the next generation of specialists while delivering advanced, evidence-based care across Miyazaki Prefecture.
Miyazaki Prefecture ranks among Japan’s top four for perinatal mortality (2.8 per 1,000 in FY2023), backed by over 30 years of continuous perinatology-specialist professorship — earning the department the designation “Holy Land of Perinatal Medicine.”
2. PARTICULARLY STRONG AREAS
Perinatology (Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Neonatology)
- Comprehensive management of high-risk pregnancies complicated by collagen disease, renal disease, and fetal anomalies
- Fetal echocardiography and cardiac screening — certified by Japan Society of Fetal Cardiology
- 10-hospital weekly perinatal teleconference and five-university perinatal web conference
- Certified training site: Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Neonatology Specialist (Japan Society of Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine)
Gynecologic Oncology
- Full spectrum of malignant gynecologic disease: cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers
- Minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, robot-assisted) actively incorporated
- Multidisciplinary team: oncology nurses, pharmacists, genetic counselors, social workers
- Accredited: Japan Society of Gynecologic Oncology; member of Japan Gynecologic Oncology Group (JGOG)
Reproductive Medicine, Endocrinology & Genetic Counseling
- Oncofertility counseling clinic for patients undergoing cancer treatment
- Genetic counseling for prenatal diagnosis, hereditary disease, and reproductive concerns
- Certified training site: Clinical Genetics Specialist (Japan Society of Human Genetics)
3. ONGOING CLINICAL RESEARCH
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in the perinatal period: pathophysiology and intervention strategies
- Fetal cardiac screening and echocardiographic evaluation of fetal heart disease
- Management of malignancy diagnosed during pregnancy
- Dynamics of circulating blood volume during caesarean section
- Maternal vitamin K deficiency during pregnancy
- Prediction biomarkers for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS): multicenter study with Fukuoka Children’s Hospital, Hiroshima City Hospital, and regional obstetrics centers in Miyazaki Prefecture
- Monthly international web conference with overseas OB/GYN departments for academic exchange
- Population-based study on perinatal mortality and poor-prognosis cases in Miyazaki Prefecture: data analysis 1995–2026
- Retrospective study on complications in extremely preterm infants
- Case series study on neonatal motor function analysis and neurological evaluation using a video monitoring system
- Prospective observational study on early changes in uterine fibroid-related symptoms during GnRH analogue therapy
- Multicenter collaborative study on von Willebrand disease in menorrhagia
- Clinical study on the effectiveness of the fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring network based on population-based data
- Retrospective study on antepartum hemorrhage volume and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in placenta previa with bleeding
- Study on the frequency and clinical significance of microscopic malignant findings in macroscopically normal umbilical skin biopsied during diagnostic laparoscopy
- Exploratory study on maternal-fetal IgG antibody transfer in pregnant women receiving RSV maternal immunization vaccine
- Survey study on decision-making process regarding prenatal genetic testing
4. FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & CLINICAL TRAINEES
The department welcomes international medical students and clinical trainees. Although most activities are conducted in Japanese, staff will support in English as much as possible. The program is tailored to each trainee’s interests.
Certifications Obtainable
- OB/GYN Specialist — Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist / Neonatology Specialist — JSPNM
- Gynecologic Oncology Specialist — Japan Society of Gynecologic Oncology
- Endoscopic Surgery Specialist — Japan Society of Gynecologic and Obstetric Endoscopy
- Reproductive Medicine Specialist — Japan Society of Reproductive Medicine
- Clinical Genetics Specialist — Japan Society of Human Genetics
- Fetal Cardiac Ultrasound Specialist — Japan Society of Fetal Cardiology
5. WHY NOT JOIN US FOR A SHORT-TERM FELLOWSHIP?
We warmly welcome young physicians from overseas who are eager to experience world-class perinatal and gynecologic medicine in Japan. Our department has an established track record of hosting visiting doctors from Prince of Songkla University and Burapha University (Thailand) on short-term fellowships of 1–2 months, and we look forward to welcoming the next generation of international colleagues.
What Makes Our Fellowship Special
- Bright, inclusive atmosphere — every team member, from intern to professor, is approachable and ready to discuss, explain, and learn together.
- Academic culture every day — morning and evening group case discussions are a cornerstone of our routine; stimulating, evidence-based conversation is the norm from your very first day.
- Beginner-friendly — senior clinicians take pride in explaining concepts clearly and patiently; no question is too basic, and curiosity is always encouraged.
- True team medicine in perinatology — participate in emergency cesarean sections, maternal transport coordination, and daily multidisciplinary rounds, developing real-world competence organically.
- Language is no barrier — while some Japanese is helpful for daily life, our entire team communicates comfortably in English; please do not let language hold you back.
Whether for one month or two, we sincerely hope you will consider joining us here in Miyazaki. Experience the warmth of our team, the rigor of our academics, and the beauty of Miyazaki — all at once.