Presentation Ceremony for the Gifu University Fund President's Special Award to Clinical Lecturer, Dr. HATANAKA Yuji
On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the presentation ceremony for the Gifu University Fund President's Special Award was held. This award is granted to students and faculty members who have received high international recognition and prestigious awards, thereby significantly enhancing the reputation of Gifu University. This marks the sixth time the award has been presented, and notably, this is the first time a faculty member has received it.
Dr. HATANAKA Yuji, Clinical Lecturer at the University Hospital, represented Japan at the "MIS1 Championship 2025," an international competition for laparoscopic suturing and ligation techniques held during the 21st World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery (WCES 2025) in Singapore in November 2025. He made a major contribution to the Japanese team's victory. Prior to this, in December 2024, he won the national selection championship held during the 37th Annual Meeting of the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery, earning his place as Japan's top representative. These achievements demonstrated the advanced technical capabilities of the University Hospital and greatly enhanced the university's reputation, leading to this award.
During the ceremony, President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro shared anecdotes from the time when he was Hatanaka's direct supervisor at the Hospital, creating a lively atmosphere. When asked about his future aspirations, Dr. Hatanaka stated: "I aim to become a true 'master of surgery,' not only in laparoscopic techniques but in all aspects, including preoperative preparation. I also want to pass on these skills to residents, share the joy of surgery, and inspire more doctors to pursue careers as surgeons."
Gifu University will continue striving to improve medical care and provide better healthcare services.
1) Minimally invasive surgery