St. Marianna University School of Medicine
St. Marianna University School of Medicine represents one of Japan's respected private medical institutions, established in 1971 with a distinctive Christian foundation emphasizing compassionate, patient-centered healthcare. The university's name honors the Virgin Mary (Santa Marianna), and its educational philosophy integrates medical science with humanitarian values. The founding vision stressed the importance of treating patients with dignity and respect, viewing medicine as a calling that combines scientific expertise with deep human compassion. The institution has developed particular strength in clinical education, operating a comprehensive university hospital that serves as the primary training ground for medical students. St. Marianna's approach emphasizes early and extensive clinical exposure, ensuring graduates possess not only theoretical knowledge but practical skills honed through real patient care. This hands-on orientation has produced generations of physicians known for their clinical competence and bedside manner. With a focused mission on medical education and healthcare delivery, St. Marianna maintains an intimate educational environment where faculty-student relationships can flourish. The university hospital's role as a regional medical center exposes students to diverse patient populations and clinical scenarios. Research activities complement clinical education, with faculty and students contributing to medical knowledge while maintaining primary emphasis on teaching and patient care excellence.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
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- Tuition (In-State)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
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Student Life & Environment
Life as a medical student at St. Marianna centers on the demanding academic schedule, but the school community creates support systems that help students manage the pressure. Study groups form naturally as students tackle difficult material together, and upperclassmen often tutor those in earlier years. The relatively small cohort size means everyone knows each other, creating both accountability and camaraderie. The campus provides facilities for relaxation and exercise, recognizing that healthy physicians need to practice self-care themselves. Sports clubs and cultural activities offer outlets beyond medicine, though participation naturally decreases as clinical rotations intensify. Some students join volunteer groups that provide health education to local communities, combining service with practical communication experience. Housing options include dormitories near campus and private apartments in the surrounding area. Kawasaki offers affordable living compared to central Tokyo while remaining well-connected by train. The local area has restaurants, shops, and entertainment options that cater to student budgets. Many students develop routines of studying in campus libraries, eating at nearby eateries, and unwinding with friends on weekends. The bonds formed during medical school often last throughout careers as colleagues refer patients to each other and collaborate on cases.
Location & Surroundings
Kawasaki occupies the space between Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan's two largest cities. This positioning gives St. Marianna students access to the resources of a major metropolitan area while living in a slightly less hectic environment than central Tokyo. The city itself has transformed from an industrial zone into a mixed residential and commercial area with modern facilities and good infrastructure. Train connections make travel convenient, with major lines connecting Kawasaki to Tokyo Station, Shibuya, and Yokohama in roughly 15 to 30 minutes. This means students can easily attend conferences, visit specialized libraries, or simply enjoy the cultural offerings of the greater Tokyo region. The immediate area around the university offers daily necessities without requiring long trips. The climate follows typical Kanto region patterns with four distinct seasons. Summers bring heat and humidity from June through September, with occasional typhoons. Autumn offers comfortable temperatures and clear days, making it a pleasant time for outdoor activities. Winters are cold but rarely see snow, while spring brings the famous cherry blossoms that transform parks and streets. The hospital itself maintains climate control, important for the many hours students spend in clinical settings.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Private medical education in Japan comes with significant costs, and St. Marianna is no exception. Tuition and fees across the six-year program total in the tens of millions of yen, placing real financial demands on families. Various scholarship programs exist for students who qualify based on academic merit or financial need, and some graduates enter loan repayment programs tied to working in underserved areas after graduation. Career paths for graduates typically begin with a two-year residency program, mandatory for all new physicians in Japan. During this period, new doctors rotate through multiple specialties in teaching hospitals, building broad clinical skills. After residency, physicians choose specialty training programs or enter general practice. Many St. Marianna graduates return to the university hospital for specialty training, though others spread to hospitals throughout Japan. The physician job market in Japan remains favorable, with an aging population driving demand for healthcare services. Graduates work in hospitals, clinics, research institutions, and public health roles. Some pursue academic careers that combine patient care with teaching and research. The alumni network provides connections across the medical community, helpful when seeking positions or consultations. Income levels for physicians in Japan are comfortable though lower than in some Western countries, while job security and social status remain high.
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