RRS Activation: A Journey through Emergency Medicine and Innovation in Japan

The January issue of DOCTOR'S MAGAZINE, published by Medical Principle Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Creek and River Co., Ltd., highlights the incredible journey of Dr. Masaki Fujitani, a leading figure in emergency medicine and the Chief Professor at St. Marianna University School of Medicine. This compelling edition not only showcases the evolution of emergency medicine in Japan but also emphasizes the innovative steps taken by Fujitani to tackle urgent healthcare challenges.

Highlighting Dr. Masaki Fujitani

In the feature titled "Portrait of a Doctor," readers are introduced to Dr. Fujitani, who played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 outbreak on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in 2020. His experiences during this critical incident laid the groundwork for Japan's standard COVID-19 treatment protocols. Growing up in Shimane Prefecture and facing the devastating effects of flooding in his hometown, Fujitani developed a deep conviction that people live in constant proximity to crises and must support one another to survive. This insight inspired him to pursue a career in medicine.

After graduating from Jichi Medical University, Fujitani engaged in regional healthcare in the mountainous areas and islands of Shimane, where he recognized his lack of experience. Determined to enhance his skills, he embarked on a seven-year training journey in the United States, where he intensively studied clinical reasoning and intensive care education. His dedication enabled him to emerge as a comprehensive emergency physician capable of handling a broad spectrum of medical conditions, including surgery, internal medicine, emergency medicine, intensive care, and infectious diseases.

Upon his return to Japan, Dr. Fujitani established the Japan Society for Intensive Care Education (JSEPTIC) and launched the educational magazine "INTENSIVIST." He introduced the FCCS basic course for intensive care, significantly contributing to the growth of intensive care education in Japan. Furthermore, he has consistently advocated for a team-based approach to healthcare, employing hospitalists and nurse practitioners to reform the working practices of hospital physicians.

Innovative Developments

Currently, Dr. Fujitani is at the forefront of medical innovation, developing the RRS Dashboard, which automates the analysis of patients' vital signs and identifies high-risk cases. His commitment extends to global healthcare standards, where he plays an instrumental role in establishing international norms for rapid response systems in hospitals (RSS).

The January issue also features an inspiring segment titled "Challenger," spotlighting Sho Okuyama, an entrepreneur and clinical physician. At the young age of 32, he founded Iris Co., Ltd., which focuses on the development of AI medical devices. Okuyama's remarkable career includes winning one of the largest pitch contests in the world. His journey reflects a relentless pursuit of meaningful healthcare solutions aimed at enhancing societal happiness while navigating the unknown realms of medical technology.

Additionally, the magazine presents a thought-provoking segment called "Let ChatGPT Take Over!" This feature provides readers with insights on how to effectively use prompts for various document creation tasks, including a practical example with discharge summaries.

Finally, the issue introduces the readers to recommended books by Dr. Toku Nakanos, featuring three intriguing titles that explore themes of connection without personal ties.

This month's DOCTOR'S MAGAZINE offers an insightful overview of medical professionals and institutions across Japan, providing a diverse perspective on their contributions and endeavors. We invite you to delve into this enriching publication and gain a deeper understanding of the medical field's evolution and challenges.