For the past few weeks, my schedule has been almost entirely taken up by exchange visits and talks in Canada.

I joined Taichung Veterans General Hospital's international medical outreach team to Canada, led by Deputy Superintendent Yuan-Hua Chou. Beyond providing health consultations for the local Taiwanese community, we also exchanged with the University of Toronto, SickKids Hospital, and the University of British Columbia (UBC). Friends in Toronto and Vancouver hosted us warmly and arranged the whole trip smoothly.

What we shared with the overseas community covered proton therapy, health screening, cardiac care, joint and bone health, and international medical services. What we hoped to share wasn't just medical technique itself, but the experience and model of care that Taiwan's healthcare system has built up over the years.

One thing that struck me deeply during this exchange: Canada certainly has a very advanced healthcare system, but because of long wait times, many overseas Taiwanese told us that even when a condition is already affecting quality of life, patients often have to wait a long time before receiving treatment. This is especially true for spine or joint problems in older patients. Many mentioned that local physicians, weighing age and risk, tend to lean toward conservative treatment.

In my talk, I also shared that I once performed joint replacement surgery on a 117-year-old patient. Many in the audience were genuinely surprised. This isn't meant to suggest that surgery is always the right choice at an advanced age. Rather, it shows that with thorough evaluation, anesthesia, rehabilitation, and teamwork, even elderly patients can safely undergo treatment and regain their quality of life.

I also met a number of Taiwanese nationals who've been living abroad long-term. Many, due to work, have very limited time to actually return to Taiwan, which makes efficient, comprehensive medical care even more essential for them. It gave me a deeper sense that Taiwan's healthcare doesn't just serve people at home. It quietly supports the health needs of many overseas Taiwanese as well.

I landed back in Taiwan and headed almost straight to the gate for a flight to Kobe. It was my first time back in Taiwan purely to transit. The next two weeks bring the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) meeting and the APSS Asia Pacific Spine Society meeting.

Continuing this exchange and learning isn't just about sharing experience and technique. It's also about letting more friends abroad know that Taiwan is already able to provide truly mature, comprehensive medical care.