EHC Newsletter #2
Are you ready for the program?
Message from the Director
Dear EHC Participants,
Greetings from VIA headquarters in San Francisco! With the program just around the corner, I wanted to share some important information with everyone. This is a long newsletter filled with valuable information, so please read to the end so you are prepared! In addition to some reminders (don’t forget to get started on your presentations!), you can also find exciting details about our Stanford Medicine 25 and Creative Medicine workshops. I am also providing a tentative EHC calendar (see Sched link below). The calendar will be modified next week and throughout the program. To find the most updated calendar, please check Sched.
Students often ask me how they can get the most out of their time on EHC. My advice is simple: embrace being an active, open-minded, and curious participant. Over the course of 13 days, you will be introduced to new medical topics, cultural practices, and stimulating ideas, many of which may be very different from what you are used to experiencing in Japan. In other words, your time here represents a uniquely powerful learning opportunity and chance to broaden your horizons! So don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you feel nervous or worry your English isn’t perfect. Additionally, prepare for activities in advance - this will improve your comprehension and make you feel more confident when communicating with guest speakers. I also strongly encourage you to speak (and think) in English as much as possible - especially with your Japanese peers! Most importantly, remember to have fun and immerse yourself in Bay Area life.
As always, feel free to contact the EHC staff team with any questions or concerns that come to mind - we’re happy to support you!
Be well,
EllisonREMINDERS
Agreement Forms
Travel Insurance
Immunizations
Packing
- VISA/ESTA
- Passport
- Travel Insurance
- Original signed Agreement forms
- (Advance Track Students) Original copies of vaccination records
- Laptop/tablet
- Prescription medicine
- Traveler's Checks/Credit Card
- Power Converter (depending on your electronic device's country of origin)
- Book (for the long flight, layover(s), or waiting to be picked up)
- Sweater or Jacket
- Business casual wear
- Comfortable shoes for walking & hiking
- Warm pajamas
- Sportswear for exercising (bathing suit, running shoes, shorts, etc.)
- Formal Wear (suit, dress, or outfit)
- White coat
For further information, please follow this link.
Airport Pick Up
When you arrive at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), you will first go through customs. Please make sure that you have signed your passport on the appropriate page. When asked where you will be staying at, please use the following address:
Good Hotel
112 7th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
If you are asked the purpose of your stay, you can say:
“To join a short culture program"
If you are asked to provide contact information for someone in the United States, you can use one of the following:
Ellison Weeks (Stanford Medical Program Director): 818-433-9110
Cira Ortiz (Stanford Medical Assistant Program Director): 323-620-9132
Once you pass Customs & Immigration, you will pick up your luggage. You will then exit, and I and the other EHC team members will be waiting for you with a welcome sign on the Arrival Floor in the International Terminal. Please wait between Gate A and Gate G. There is a Starbucks where you can wait for us.
Then, we will travel together to our hotel in Downtown San Francisco via charter bus.
Sched
Facebook Group
Line Group
Presentations
Partner Highlights
We are excited to offer a hands-on bedside manner workshop with Stanford 25. They believe that caring for patient starts at the bedside with observing, examining and connecting with their patients. They will teach you several of these techniques in a hands-on workshop.
If you would like to learn more about the Stanford Medicine 25, you can watch this video about its history and purpose.
Dr. Chacko uses his 20 years of leadership and team-building experience and Design Thinking to come up with answers to various problems. We are fortunate to have him come again and give his workshop on finding creative solutions to solving medical dilemmas. Click here for a quick peek at the workshop in action!
You can read more about Dr. Chacko by reading his Bio on Sched!
Need to reach us?
If you need to reach us, our cell phone numbers are listed below.
Ellison Weeks: (818) 433 - 9110
Cira Ortiz: (323) 620 - 9132