Vol.3 No.4 2011

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Talk : Clinical research and synthesiology−304−Synthesiology - English edition Vol.3 No.4 (2011) That part is still insufficient, and that’s why the robots aren’t being sold widely. Robotics is left behind in the clinical trial.(Higuchi)Oh, I see.(Ono)Therefore, we decided to create safety standards for robots, although it may not be at the level of standards of ISO or JIS. We want to consider safety as much as possible from a public standpoint, and show that such and such safety standards have been cleared. We called this “pilot certification”. We make a social agreement for the safety, and then ask the customers to try it out.(Moderator)In Critical Path Research and Education Integrated Leading (CREIL) Center of Tsukuba University, we seek help from the network of general practitioners in Ibaraki Prefecture when they conduct translational research. The private-practice doctors can enjoy the opportunity to have hands-on experience with state-of-art medical technology by helping out the clinical research.For robots, we can say, “There may be risks, but please evaluate them.” Then, the people can enjoy the opportunity to work with the state-of-art technology, and perhaps things will turn around well.(Ono)It’s one of the ways for people to contribute to society. I feel we need such attitudes in medicine and amongst our disciplines, too.(Moderator)Those were the general users and doctors, but I think the patients have a different mindset.(Higuchi)Comparing the patients in Japan and the rest of the world, there are differences because of the differences in systems. First, the insurance system is different. Japan has the universal insurance coverage, and anyone can receive medical treatment. In the United States, although President Obama is trying to change it, each individual must pay expensive insurance fees. Since the clinical trial is free, people flock to participate.I think the essence is the spirit of volunteerism. In the United States and Europe, I feel there is strong enthusiasm for volunteering, where people want to do good for others and contribute to society. In Japan, the willingness to participate in a clinical trial is low.(Moderator)I feel that there is a tendency for the Japanese to seek benefits but not want to take the risks.(Ono)Certainly, I think there are many cases where people cannot judge the balance between the risks and benefits. The universal insurance coverage is an excellent Japanese system, and we attained a society with the highest longevity in the world. Many people feel that we’ve been successful so far, so we can continue this way, but actually it won’t be a smooth ride from here on.(Higuchi)I think this also leads to the subject of organ transplant and ODA. We must carry our share of the burden.(Ono)I think Japan has attained a safe and secure society quickly. That was very good and a happy thing, but because we attained an ideal society, we cannot take the next step. We cannot muster the energy to go on. Perhaps we are at such a stage. I think the good things about Japan should be left as it is, but some things must eventually change.(Moderator)When we are suddenly aware that the earth environment itself has changed, we may find that we can no longer adapt to it. There were times when researchers could do whatever they wanted in the past, but now is the time when the entire society must get involved. Under a social consensus, we must think and act. Thank you very much.(This interview was held at the AIST Akihabara Office in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, on July 2, 2010.)Profile of Dr. Teruhiko HiguchiGraduated from the School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo in 1972. Worked at the University of Tokyo Hospital; Saitama Medical University; Psychiatry and Human Behavior Department, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University; and as the professor of the Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital. Became the deputy director of the Kohnodai Hospital, NCNP in 1999, and its director the following year. Became the director of the Musashi Hospital, NCNP (currently National Center Hospital) in 2004; the president of the NCNP from 2007 to present. Member of the Science Council of Japan. Also member of the Japan Society of Clinical Neuropsychopharmacology (vice president), Japan Society for Occupational Mental Health (permanent director), Japanese Society of Mood Disorders (director), and others. Specialties are pharmacology and biochemistry of mood disorders, clinical psychopharmacology, and clinical research of depression.

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