Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology

Katsunori Iijima, M.D., Ph.D.

Greeting from the Professor

Welcome to the Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology at Akita University Graduate School of Medicine.

Our department is dedicated to advancing patient care, education, and research in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, pancreatology, and neurology. Digestive diseases represent a broad and complex spectrum, ranging from common disorders encountered in daily clinical practice to life-threatening conditions that require highly specialized and multidisciplinary approaches. We strive to provide evidence-based, patient-centered medical care while continuously improving diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Education is a central mission of our department. We place great emphasis on cultivating clinicians who possess not only advanced medical knowledge and technical skills, but also a strong sense of responsibility, curiosity, and compassion. Through close supervision in clinical settings and active participation in academic activities, we aim to foster physicians and researchers who can contribute meaningfully to regional healthcare and the global medical community.

Our research activities encompass both basic and clinical investigations, with a particular focus on the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal and liver diseases, as well as the translation of scientific findings into clinical practice. By integrating research with daily clinical work, we seek to address unmet medical needs and improve outcomes for patients.

We welcome students, residents, and researchers who share our passion for medicine and discovery, and we look forward to working together to advance the field of gastroenterology and related disciplines.

Introduction

The Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology at Akita University Graduate School of Medicine is dedicated to excellence in clinical care, medical education, and research in gastrointestinal, liver, pancreatic, and neurological disorders. Our Department combines comprehensive clinical services with state-of-the-art medical training and innovative research initiatives that address both basic science and clinical challenges.

Academic and Clinical Activities

Clinical Practice

Our clinical services include diagnosis and management of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, biliary tree, pancreas, and nervous system. We perform advanced endoscopic procedures, therapeutic interventions, and multidisciplinary care.

Education

We provide a comprehensive educational program for undergraduate medical students, postgraduate trainees, and fellows. This includes clinical rotations, hands-on procedural training, and opportunities to participate in research and academic conferences.

Research

Our research spans basic science and clinical investigation. Key themes include mechanisms of gastrointestinal injury and repair, liver disease pathogenesis, clinical outcomes research, and translational therapeutic studies tailored to regional health needs.

Faculty & Staff

Education & Training

The Department is actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, offering lecture courses, clinical skills workshops, and supervised intensive clinical training in gastroenterology and neurology. Clinical rotations and experiential learning are integral for training competent clinicians.

Contact Information

Akita University Graduate School of Medicine
Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology
1-1-1 Hondo, Akita City, Akita 010-8543, Japan