Because global health challenges are formed through the interconnection of biological, political, economic and cultural factors, their root causes cannot be discovered from within the natural sciences alone. These challenges are also by no means limited to developing nations. In order to investigate and then take purposeful action in the global health arena, researchers who have a variety of cultural as well as disciplinary perspectives must be brought together.

With this in mind, DCafé topics have included such diverse issues as the globalization of medical care, the migration of skilled health care workers to developed nations, the buying and selling of organs for transplant, the declining Japanese birth rate, and healthcare inequities both inside and outside Japan. To tackle such challenges, our students can practice applying their communication, leadership, critical and logical thinking skills.

DCafé is led entirely by a student volunteer taskforce that is responsible for all the necessary planning and running of the event. In addition to organizing and leading the discussion, the taskforce is also responsible for selecting the topic, recruiting participants, arranging for the venue, and setting up on the day of the event. We guide our students through this process, and consider it an additional learning opportunity that allows them to prepare for their future leadership roles.

During DCafé, participants join in a lively student-led debate about the selected topic and within small groups discuss solutions to the challenges presented. In order to take full advantage of this unique learning opportunity, it is important for students to take the initiative and make an effort to contribute their opinions. With everyone’s active participation during discussion, students can also practice their English communication skills in an informal and friendly atmosphere.

As DCafé creates a way for our students to interact with both foreign medical exchange students and students in different disciplines from affiliated universities, it connects them to perspectives from different cultural contexts and fields of study. While solving complex problems together through discussion and debate, these students build a strong sense of confidence and community; the networks they form will become a valuable asset for their future career development. We believe DCafé is a very valuable and positive opportunity for students!