Rachel Foong

I am grateful to the APSR for providing me with the opportunity to present my research at the Japanese Respiratory Society Annual Meeting in Tokyo. At the meeting, I was also invited to chair the Airway Diseases – Clinical session. It was a great experience to be able to share my findings and also learn about the respiratory research in Japan. There was a lot of diverse research into indoor air pollution, obesity, and new methods for diagnosing and treating asthma presented and I enjoyed discussing the findings with the researchers presenting in these sessions. I was able to learn about new technology treatment strategies. The local presentations were excellent, and everyone did well with addressing questions.

I also enjoyed attending the other sessions and the luncheon seminar. Listening to key invited speakers was made even better when there was a Japanese bento box lunch provided. I also attended many other sessions on sleep, interstitial lung diseases and infections. Researchers from Japan have made important advancements in tuberculosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and it was certainly a privilege to be able to receive first-hand results in these areas. In particular, I enjoyed learning about new treatments for infections. Attendance at this conference allowed me to advance my knowledge in respiratory medicine. I enjoyed telling my colleagues back home in Australia about my experience and what I had learnt at the JRS conference.

The social programme at the conference was a highlight for me. I attended both the welcome reception and the international reception. I have never had such delicious food at a conference reception, with fresh sushi and soba noodles being prepared at the back of the room. The food at the international reception was exceptional. Great fresh seafood, sushi, noodles and tempura. There was also a Japanese comedian who did a good job keeping us very entertained. It was also a great opportunity to network with Japanese and other international researchers in an informal setting. I was able to discuss my research for potential collaborations and make new friends at the meeting.

Finally, I would like to point out the excellent venue in Tokyo. The conference hall was at a very central location near the Tokyo train station and it was great to have many food options and food trucks on site. I also enjoyed seeing the exhibition hall. Although it was a shame I do not understand Japanese and could not read the poster exhibitions. Tokyo is certainly an amazing city with great food and shopping too. It was safe and clean and everyone was very helpful and friendly. I am very happy to have been able to attend the JRS conference in Tokyo and would love to be able to attend again in future.