My Philosophy
Future
Interview .03 |
Fostering Dialogue,
Building a Workplace Where Everyone Can Perform at Their Best
We spoke with Dr. Satoko Uematsu, who has channeled her foundational experience as a pediatric emergency physician into her current leadership role, where she is dedicated to fostering a supportive and thriving workplace.
Deputy Directors
Department of Pediatric Emergency and Transport Medicine
Chair
Throughout my career as a pediatrician, I have worked alongside children and their families to find the best possible paths forward. In the workplace, sharing challenges with colleagues and collaborating on solutions has taught me the profound importance of dialogue. I find immense fulfillment each day in helping shape a brighter future for these children.
However, when I was first offered a managerial position, it was completely unexpected. Honestly, I was filled with doubt, wondering, 'Am I the right person for this?' While I recognized it as a rare opportunity, I hesitated until the very last moment before deciding to take on the challenge.
In my managerial role, I face a constant stream of diverse challenges and consultations. I don’t always have all the answers, but I have witnessed time and again how ongoing dialogue helps clarify issues and reveal the right path forward. There is nothing more rewarding than receiving a report months later saying, 'It’s been resolved' or 'We’ve seen real improvement'—it truly reinforces the power of collective thinking.
I’ve also found that the role of 'coordinator' is far more central than I had ever imagined. Finding the right balance—knowing when to make an independent decision and when to consult with the team—remains a delicate challenge. Yet, every time I am exposed to ideas from such diverse perspectives, I feel a genuine sense of excitement for the new possibilities they bring.
In team building, my priority is fostering an environment where every member feels empowered to take on new challenges. Whenever opinions differ, I ensure we create a space for open discussion, always anchoring our final decisions on a single core principle: 'Will this ultimately lead to better care for our patients?'
Moving forward, I am committed to collaborating with my colleagues to tackle new challenges, striving to build a workplace where everyone can contribute their best with confidence and peace of mind.
Deputy Directors
Department of Pediatric Emergency and Transport Medicine
Chair
Graduated from Kitasato University School of Medicine in 1993. After working in the Department of Hematology and Oncology at Nagano Children’s Hospital, the Department of Pediatrics at Nagano Red Cross Hospital, and completing a residency in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at the National Children’s Hospital, joined the Department of Emergency Medicine at the National Center for Child Health and Development as a staff physician in 2008. Has held the current position since 2022. Board-certified pediatrician and pediatric instructor, board-certified emergency physician, licensed anesthesiology practitioner, DMAT member, and certified pediatric–perinatal disaster liaison.
