Don't pick doctors based on where they went to medical school

When it comes to Japanese doctors, I only ever trust one who has studied overseas. The training overseas is much more intense. In addition, if they have studied abroad, chances are they are decent at English and able to keep up with the latest research (99% of which is published in English).

So true. I checked my dentist's credentials from USC. His English is very good and does a great job, even though his filling work is like other Japanese dentists. However, I tell him that I have to travel (which is true), so he tried to get it done sooner.

If I want to change doctors in Japan I have to change hospitals and then I need an introductory letter from the first hospital.

@Serrano: - or you might just have to pay 540 yen to the new 'hospital'. Introductory letters seem really weird to me, but that's just the Japanese style (for the moment).

Introductory letters seem really weird to me, but that's just the Japanese style (for the moment).

@karlrb - I hear you. I also feel the same way, too.