Cancer Research Across Continents: Fujiwara’s Path From Japan to the US

In this episode of Emerging Experts, Yu Fujiwara, MD, hematology/oncology fellow at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, shares his journey from Japan to the United States and his path to becoming a specialist in hematology and oncology.

Fujiwara grew up in Japan, attended medical school in Tokyo, and completed his residency and initial oncology training there. Afterward, he moved to the US and completed his internal medicine residency in New York City before beginning a fellowship in hematology and oncology at Roswell Park.

Now in his second year of the fellowship, he is particularly interested in early phase clinical trials; translational research in immunotherapy; gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and thoracic cancers; and drug development.

“The field has been rapidly growing over the past 10 years, and we witnessed a lot of excitement in terms of the dramatic response to immunotherapy for patients with cancer. I am looking forward to getting more experience in the field of early phase clinical trials, particularly focused on cancer immunotherapy,” says Fujiwara.

Having clinical and research experience in both Japan and the US has been incredibly beneficial to Fujiwara, as it allowed him to begin research projects more efficiently and gain a variety of perspectives on patient care and clinical research. He explains that his international background has only enriched his approach to oncology, fostering a more holistic and inclusive perspective.

For medical professionals in other countries considering a move to the US for further research and/or training, Fujiwara recommends seeking opportunities to work in US labs or hospitals to gain experience. He emphasizes the importance of reaching out to potential mentors or collaborators and being specific about your research interests and goals.

“I was able to gain diverse perspectives about the patient care, and also some perspectives towards performing clinical research,” Fujiwara shares, highlighting how his background has influenced his research approach in the US.