On April 1, 2008, I was honored to succeed Dr. Ryuichi Kikkawa as President of Shiga University of Medical Science. I am determined to make the utmost effort to further advancing the development of our university, and I look forward to having the support and cooperation of all university staff and students.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I was born in Kusastu, Shiga, and attended local schools. It was 30 years ago that I took up the post of Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine II, under Professor Shiro Hosoda, at the opening of the University Hospital in October, 1978. I have been fostered by the university and the local community.
While serving in the position of Professor of Internal Medicine II Department, I had the honor of being appointed as Vice-president by President Kikkawa in 2001. When the university was turned into an independent national university corporation in 2004, I started to assume a new, additional role as the Director of Academic Affairs. I am very grateful for all of your support and cooperation that aided me in fulfilling my responsibilities.

It is a great privilege for me to be President of Shiga University of Medical Science. I will address various issues with my motto “Something new every day” and I hope that I will be able to contribute to the community and the university that have nurtured me.
The year 2008 is our fifth year of existence as a national university corporation. The administration of the university has been going well so far, but we are facing several financial issues including the Management Expenses Grants from the government which are subject to a one-percent reduction per year and personnel expenditures which are subject to a four-percent reduction for four years.
Our basic administration policy is to continually gather relevant information and opinions on every issue related to our university, and then act on them promptly and effectively. The management of the University Hospital greatly affects the administration of our whole university. The number of our clinical services has been steadily increasing and we have been building a solid position as the central hospital of Shiga Prefecture. Our hospital is currently under renovation, aimed not only at developing new facilities but also at establishing a more comfortable working environment that will lead to higher quality medical services.

Toward the realization of our mid-term goals, every annual plan has been faithfully carried out under the leadership of Former President Kikkawa for the four years since incorporation. In June of this year our performance report to date for an interim evaluation must be submitted to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, Science and Technology (MEXT). This report for an “interim evaluation,” which leads to the formal evaluation of the first mid-term in our education, research and medical services, is very significant.
As it is necessary to ensure a favorable prospect for attainment of our goals by mid 2009, further efforts are required to deal with underperformance in certain areas. I look forward to continued cooperation from all of the staff.

In April 2010, the second mid-term will start.　Second mid-term goals and plans will be made in line with our long-term plans based on our philosophy and the outcome evaluation of the first term.
It is necessary for us to take advantage of our university corporation’s distinct focus on medicine by integrating the curricula and research in our basic medical science departments, clinical medicine departments and nursing departments, and then applying the successful results to our medical services. Now we are steadily advancing toward this goal. However, to ensure success, we must extensively develop the curricula and research of our undergraduate and graduate schools in coordination with other local universities, and to meet the needs of local communities by promoting cooperation with prefectural and municipal governments, and industries.

We must develop our distinctive education, research, and medical services with SUMS motto of “cultivating medical professionals trusted by the local community” and, with the support of the people of Shiga Prefecture, we will strive to cultivate our medical activities towards a global level of excellence. Once again, I appreciate your continuing support and cooperation.