[Women's clinic in Japan at present and in the future]

Innovative women's clinic was first established in Kagoshima University Hospital in 2001, dedicated to offer gender-based evaluation and treatment of numerous medical problems of concern to women by female physicians. The clinic was welcomed enthusiastically by Japanese women, followed by new openings of clinics specifically for women with similar concepts throughout the country. However, two major problems have emerged later. One is the shortage of female doctors, and another is financial difficulty. We need to formulate and implement new strategies for further development of women's clinics in Japan. Among of all, establishment of educational and training programs would be the most important task.