Dr. Yoshiharu Kawaguchi is working at the Orthopaedic Surgery section as Clinical Professor in University of Toyama, Japan. He's been AOSpine Faculty since 2008.

 

"I have been a faculty in AOSpine educational events for more than ten years. The members are increasing year by year, and our organization becomes one of the biggest spine societies in the world right now. AOSpine focused on Education for young fellows and also on the new field of Research work. We have a total of 53 educational events in Asia Pacific regions in 2017. I had participated in several events as a faculty and felt that every participant was very active to learn not only on the techniques but also the philosophy from the faculty and colleagues. I also participated as a Chairperson in AOSAP Research Committee from 2014-2016. The scientific quality of the research projects carried out in AP region was quite high. AOSpine Research is not limited to national research projects but also included multi-center regional projects and prospective studies. I am pleased that many scientific papers were published in renowned international journals. We all understand that AOSpine would help members to achieve goals and be beneficial them to find their career path. I am longing to see AOSpine keeps growing strong in the future."

 

 

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 Why did you decide to become a spine surgeon?

Because the patients state their complaints directly to the doctor and they respond our treatment.

 

Where did you get trained?

Toyama University Hospital

 

How do you train today/make sure you stay up to date?

I was trained by Prof. Haruo Tsuji for ten years. After that, I was trained in meetings and seminars.

 

Who inspires/inspired you?

Prof. Haruo Tsuji, former professor at Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University

Prof. Tatsuo Ito, former professor at Tokyo Woman’s Medical College

Prof. Yoshiharu Kato, former professor at Tokyo Woman’s Medical College

 

Can you tell a bit in general about spine surgery in your country?

We have great skills.

We are surgeons as well as scientist.

 

How does your typical workday look like?

I operate three days a week, two days are reserved for out-clinic activities and one day for research and teaching students.

 

What are your most frequent operations?

Degenerative spine, lumbar, cervical and thoracic, decompression and fusion.

 

What are the most significant challenges in your job?

To treat the patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.

 

What do you consider the biggest challenges for spine surgeons in your country?

Correction for spinal deformity.

 

Where do you see the best opportunities for spine surgeons in your region in general?

Our university hospital.

 

What advice would you give to a young surgeon?

Many kinds of chisels and osteotomes.

 

What does being a member of AOSpine mean to you, how has AOSpine influenced your career?

I have learned how to teach the young fellows from AOSpine education system.

 

Why would you recommend becoming a member of AOSpine?

Because of the good friendship among the members, which I find very comfortable and stimulating.