Q: Why did you travel to Tokyo?
A: For the past few years, I have been working on Kyphoplasty demographic research. And because we finally concluded, we were able to submit our research for presentation opportunities. I have always wanted to go to Japan since I was little, so when I found the opportunity to present in Tokyo, I immediately applied! Then, about mid-October, I received a notification saying that we had been accepted to the International Osteoporosis Foundation in Tokyo!
Q: Did you get to sight-see while you were in Tokyo, and if so, what was your favorite spot to visit?
A: Yes, we did get to sight-see! My favorite places were the Tsukiji Fish Market and the Daikanyama neighborhood! I love all of the street vendors serving classic Japanese dishes; it was so delicious. I also loved Daikanyama because it was more unique and artsy than the other neighborhoods that we visited; it had great food and vintage shops!
Q: Would you consider studying or working abroad in the future after this experience?
A: Yes, absolutely! It was actually my first time in Asia, and I loved experiencing a new part of the world! I hope to return at some point, as I only had the opportunity to explore a small portion of the area. I would love to spend an extended period of time here, especially because everything is so accessible as opposed to California—we are so isolated.
Q: What was it like attending a medical conference in an international setting?
A: It was definitely different then the conferences I have been to in the US. To start, the presenting hall was a lot bigger, and there were people there from all over the world. It was really interesting to get a new perspective on what people research. What I mean by that is, in different countries, governments have different regulations, and in Asia, particularly, they often have less strict regulations, so they are able to conduct really interesting research that would not otherwise be done.
Q: What is a Kyphoplasty procedure, and what did you focus on in your research?
A: A Kyphoplasty procedure is a minimally invasive procedure that treats vertebral compression fractures. In our research, we focused on individuals with Osteoporosis. A Kyphoplasty procedure gently fixes a fractured spinal bone for people with weaker bones.
Q: What was your favorite meal or food that you had while in Tokyo?
A: My favorite meal was at a restaurant in Asakusa. They served a Tonkatsu dish made up of pork cutlet, scrambled eggs, cheese, and soy sauce over a bed of rice. It was magical. My favorite snack was a Diafuku with whipped cream and strawberries. Safe to say, I ate a lot of good food!
