The Importance of “Communication” in Team Medical Care : The Case of Wakayama Medical University

The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Wakayama Medical University was newly founded in association with the move of the university in May 1999. Dr. Akitaka Ueyoshi was appointed the first professor, and he constructed the basis for the department. Dr. Munehito Yoshida, former professor of the university and president of its affiliated hospital, once worked with Dr. Ueyoshi and was greatly influenced by his leadership and communication style. This article attempts to describe and record how Dr. Ueyoshi developed and disseminated the new concept and methods of “rehabilitation” while teaching, guiding, and encouraging his staff members, assistants, and various other collaborators.