Surviving the 110,000 Bed Reduction Era: A New Survival Strategy for Doctors

In a significant shift poised to reshape the landscape of healthcare in Japan, M3 Career, Inc. is hosting a free online seminar titled "Choosing the Right Doctor, Choosing the Right Way to Work. - A Transformation in Medical Careers by 2027." Scheduled for February 26, 2026, this event addresses the pressing challenges that medical professionals face against the backdrop of the government-mandated reduction of 110,000 hospital beds.

Unpacking the Context: A Historical Structural Change in Healthcare

Japan's healthcare system stands at a critical juncture, driven by a consensus among major political parties to cut 110,000 hospital beds by June 2025. This decision has sent ripples through the medical community, especially among doctors in their 30s and 40s, who are currently navigating their career paths. Many voice growing concerns that include:

- The stability of their roles as hospital-based physicians is beginning to falter due to the expected shortage of available positions after acute care bed reductions.
- The challenges of starting a private practice are daunting, given heightened competition, funding difficulties, and regulatory barriers.
- While there's a desire to engage in regional healthcare, the realities of family life and educational environments pose significant obstacles.

This online seminar will dissect these uncertainties by examining relevant policies and data, presenting a new career model—what the organizers call the "third survival strategy"—that leverages partnerships with local governments and communities to foster both career stability and expanded future options.

Highlights of the Seminar

1. Explaining Policy Trends: Participants will gain insights into how the current bed reduction and healthcare reformation impact not just hospital management, but also individual physicians' careers and survival probabilities.
2. Understanding Physicians' True Feelings Through Data: The seminar will provide evidence suggesting that the factors hindering participation in regional healthcare extend beyond mere compensation concerns, focusing instead on the quality of life and living conditions.
3. A New Career Model Through Government Collaboration: Attendees will learn about a novel work model where collaboration with administrative bodies ensures job stability while preparing for future opportunities in private practice or succession.
In addition, the seminar will introduce a promising new model currently being explored in Shizuoka City aimed at securing doctors in the region.

Notable Speakers

- Toshio Miyata, MD, PhD: A distinguished physician and visiting professor at Waseda University's Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, he blends clinical and academic perspectives to drive innovation in Japan's healthcare landscape. His extensive career includes significant roles in the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, focusing on healthcare policy reform.
- Kazunari Tanaka, MD, PhD: Serving as a director of medical policy in Shizuoka City’s Health and Welfare Department, he offers adept insights gained from diverse administrative roles, including public health management during the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts aimed at revitalizing regional healthcare.

Event Details

- Seminar Title: Choosing the Right Doctor, Choosing the Right Way to Work - Preparing for a Major Transformation in Healthcare Amidst the 110,000 Bed Reduction
- Date and Time: February 26, 2026, 19:00 - 20:00 JST
- Format: Online (Zoom Webinar)
- Target Audience: Physicians, residents, medical students, and management executives in healthcare settings.
- Participation Fee: Free
- Registration Deadline: February 24, 2026, 23:59 JST
- Organizer: M3 Career, Inc.

How to Register

You can register through the special site: M3 Career Registration.

Company Overview

M3 Career, Inc. operates a specialized platform under the auspices of M3, Inc. Facing a monumental task of helping doctors navigate their careers against evolving healthcare demands, they provide crucial matchmaking support for physicians and medical institutions alike.

- Company Name: M3 Career, Inc.
- Representative: Toshiki Numakura, CEO
- Location: 4-1-28 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Website: M3 Career