A Glimpse into the Future of Healthcare Careers at YOBO Expo 2025
In a pivotal moment for healthcare professionals, Yoshitaka Inoue, Executive Officer of GENOVA, took the stage at the "YOBO Expo 2025 / 1st Japan Preventive Medicine Conference" held in Kitakyushu from November 23-24, 2025. The conference, a landmark event aimed at bridging the gap between ordinary citizens and healthcare providers, gathered numerous experts to discuss innovative approaches in preventive medicine.
Session Overview
Inoue participated in a key session titled "Career Strategies for Healthcare Professionals in an Era Where Conventional Wisdom Doesn't Apply." This session featured an engaging discussion among three leading figures in the healthcare sector: Hiroaki Kato, a pioneer in digital health; Takuma Hata, active in clinical practice; and Inoue himself, who is also an associate professor at Yokohama City University and a guest researcher at Kyoto University. The session drew a full house, highlighting the attendees' keen interest in the diversification of healthcare career paths.
During his talk, Inoue explored the theme of "New Norms in Healthcare Careers," reflecting on his own journey through career confusion and the evolving expectations for healthcare professionals in the age of AI. He stressed the importance of adapting one's career strategy to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.
Highlights from Inoue’s Presentation
1. From "Career Confusion" to Career Foundations
Inoue shared insights from his personal experience of feeling lost in his career. He emphasized that often, taking unconventional paths can lead to significant rewards, advocating for a flexible approach to career planning.
2. Merging Healthcare and Communication – Paving New Specializations
Against the backdrop of an infodemic, healthcare professionals are increasingly expected to not only heal but also disseminate accurate information to the public. Inoue underscored the necessity for strong communication skills within the profession.
3. Redefining Professional Roles in the AI Era
He elaborated that AI is not a threat that will replace healthcare providers but rather a tool that enhances their capabilities. In this context, understanding data and effective communication will become crucial as healthcare evolves with digital transformation.
4. Crafting Career Strategies in an Unpredictable World
Drawing on Stanford University's theory of planned happenstance, Inoue stressed the importance of developing traits such as curiosity and adaptability. He explained that many career advancements stem from unexpected events, advising healthcare professionals to seize opportunities when they arise.
Besides his presentation, Inoue also served as a judge in the "Healthcare Pitch" segment during the expo.
Yoshitaka Inoue: A Brief Biography
Dr. Inoue has an extensive clinical background alongside a commitment to advancing healthcare technology and promoting digital transformation (DX) in the field. As an Executive Officer at GENOVA, he oversees the business promotion division, steering initiatives that address pressing social challenges such as Japan's aging population and the growing burden of national healthcare costs.
Inoue’s credentials include:
- - Associate Professor at Yokohama City University, Physician, and Medical Doctor
- - Executive Officer at GENOVA, leading the Business Promotion Division
- - Visiting Associate Professor at Osaka University and Guest Researcher at Kyoto University
- - Part-time lecturer at Tokyo University of Science
- - Anti-Doping and Cheating Committee member for the Japan Chess Federation
- - Public Relations Advisor for the 2027 Japan Medical Association General Meeting
- - Specialist in Health Information Science and Medical Communication
- - Avid fan of the Kawasaki Brave Thunders basketball team.
About YOBO Expo 2025
The YOBO Expo 2025 was organized under the theme of "Realizing Preventive Health from Kitakyushu" and aimed to be a festival of preventive medicine for a diverse audience, from general citizens to medical professionals. It focused on raising awareness around preventive healthcare, sharing knowledge related to health improvement, and encouraging behavioral changes, featuring a variety of academic discussions and experiential programs.
Event Details
- - Event Name: YOBO Expo 2025 / 1st Japan Preventive Medicine Conference
- - Date: November 23 (11:00 - 17:00) & November 24 (10:00 - 14:00), 2025
- - Venue: Kitakyushu International Conference Center, Fukuoka, Japan
- - Organizers: General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Preventive Medicine
- - Co-Sponsor: Kitakyushu City
- - Support: Kitakyushu Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- - Collaboration: CROSS FM, Chams Co., Ltd.
About GENOVA Inc.
GENOVA Inc. is driven by its mission to connect people with healthcare, promoting a healthier society through innovative health tech services. By addressing the current challenges posed by Japan's declining birthrate and aging population, as well as increasing national healthcare costs, GENOVA focuses on enhancing healthcare accessibility and improving quality of care. Through its services, the company aims to alleviate patients’ health-related anxieties and provide a superior healthcare experience.