An international exchange of firsthand information about medical systems in the United States and Japan came full circle in December when a Duke physician hosted a foreign colleague.

Avis Artis, MD, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Durham Regional Hospital and assistant clinical professor at the Duke University School of Medicine, participated in the City of Durham Sister City exchange program in November 2001 by visiting Toyama City, Japan.

During her 10-day visit, Masahiko Miwa, an OB-GYN physician, and his family, hosted Artis. She toured the OB-GYN clinic where he worked, hospital wards in the city, and a private, freestanding birthing center.

Last month, Artis, who is affiliated with Harris and Smith OB/GYN, returned the hospitality by hosting Miwa for five days. He toured the Duke Ambulatory Surgery Center, the labor and delivery department at Duke Hospital, the labor and delivery, and surgery departments at Durham Regional, the Duke University campus, and the city of Durham. In the middle of the visit, the Triangle experienced the winter ice storm that caused massive power outages throughout the state. The two continued their visit and braved the elements.

"Dr. Miwa was impressed with the quality of the medical facilities and the close relationship health care providers at Duke Hospital and Durham Regional Hospital have with their patients," Artis said. She added that Miwa was especially impressed with the way that community members assisted each other during the weather crisis.