Interview with Dr. Tomatsu

Dr. Tomatsu

Shunji Tomatsu MD. PhD
Associate Professor
Doisy Research Center Room 307
Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University
1100 South Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63104.
Phone number: 314-977-9292
Fax: 314-977-9105
E-mail: tomatsus@slu.edu

M.S. Could you explain how the medical system at Gifu University operates differently compared to the United States?

D. T. This is a very difficult question to answer since Gifu University is a national university not private. There are many regulations and laws to restrict the physicians and researchers as an employee of the government. It is the same situation as NIH in the United States. Medical system itself is now quite changing because Gifu University becomes more independent of the government. In another word, University will have to survive under the capitalism. If the university is not qualified as a top level among 100 national universities, it may be forced to merge with other bigger university or to close.

M.S. Are you expected to return to Japan one day?

D. T. Yes, some day I will return after accomplishment of my research. I would love to be a pediatrician in Japan again.

M.S. In Japan, are you a physician as well as a scientific researcher?

D. T. Yes. I have dual duties in Japan.

M. S. How have you enjoyed working in the U.S.?

D. T. I am dedication myself to MPS work now here to develop a new drug and diagnosis method.

M.S. What made you decide to work at the St. Louis University with Professor Sly?.

D. T. We have been collaborators for a long time before I came here.

M.S. What opportunities do you think have opened the door for rare diseases?

D. T. My mentor, Professor Orii was one of the authorities in MPS field in Japan. I just followed him initially.

M. S. How has DNA and skin filberblast testing advanced over the years?

D. T. It is much easier to do DNA tests and skin tests compared with the past
years. We can amplify the target gene with 10-100 millions order.

M.S. How is a patient determined at a young age, to be severe, intermediate or mild?

D.T. It is a still challenge if the patient is young. It is a quite argument even among scientists to define clinical severity. We are working on Morquio to make clinical standard through Registry, genotyping, GAG level, KS level in urine and plasma.

M.S. How is a patient in Japan evaluated compared to in the U.S.?

D.T. Generally Japanese patients are milder.

M.S. How long have you worked with Professor Orii?

D.T. 10 years

M.S. In your opinion, why is it easier to locate and track patients at Gifu University than in the U.S.?

D. T. Japan is much smaller compared with USA and Gifu University is the only University who can diagnose all types of MPS. It is a kind of core center in Japan. So Gifu has a lot of reputation in this field.

M.S. Thank you so very much for your time.