Message from the Dean
To those who take flight through turbulent times, empowered by the wings of Nursing and Medical Care
Satoko Nagata
Dean of the Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care
Nursing education at Keio University began when Dr. Shibasaburo Kitasato, the first Dean of the School of Medicine, recognized the importance of nursing in healthcare and established a training institute for nurses in 1918, the year following the commencement of medical education. Subsequently, it was reorganized as the Women's College of Health and Welfare and then Keio University College of Nursing. In 2001, the Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care was established as the university's ninth faculty. In 2026, the Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care will mark its 25th anniversary, a quarter-century milestone.
Nursing science is a practical science focused on people's "Life"--meaning life, living, and life itself. It pursues, from micro to macro perspectives, an understanding of the mechanisms of life and disease; interventions aimed at healing, recovery, and alleviating physical and mental suffering; support for improving quality of life; and the construction of social systems that contribute to maintaining and improving people's health and livelihoods. Its goal is to enable people to live their lives fully and authentically. We hope that all students will cultivate a rich sensibility and humanity, grounded in valuing life and respecting diverse values, while also developing professional expertise in nursing.
Health challenges and the strategies to address them are constantly evolving due to climate change, shifts in global socioeconomic conditions, Japan's declining population and aging society, and remarkable advances in communication technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, and genomic medicine. Simultaneously, situations demanding ethical judgment are increasing. We firmly believe that studying Nursing and Medical care will be a powerful asset for navigating this era of profound change. I expect our students to engage in communication and partnership with people, including those receiving care; to collaborate and work together with professionals from various fields; and to cultivate an international perspective. Furthermore, I hope they will take flight as pioneers who identify problems from the realities of healthcare and society and take action to solve them.
Students in the Faculty of Nursing and Medical care will study at both the Shonan Fujisawa Campus and the Shinanomachi Campus. We encourage students to leverage the strengths of a comprehensive university to enjoy a rich college life. In addition to distinctive programs like joint education across the three medical faculties, unique overseas training courses, and short-term exchange programs hosting international nursing students, there are abundant opportunities for domestic and international student exchange, along with robust scholarship systems. While the faculty has many required courses, many students also take classes in other faculties, and club activities are very active. Please utilize the various opportunities and resources available, challenge yourselves with new endeavors, and deepen your "human interactions" - that is, your connections with a wide range of people. While taking care of yourselves, I hope you will proactively engage in university life, discover your true selves, and find the core values that will guide you as you walk your future paths. All faculty and staff of the Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care wholeheartedly welcome you and pledge our full support.
