Doctor Gon: Island-Hopping Physician Yasukawa Keigo on the Front Line of Elder Care

The ferry ride to Ōgami takes about 15 minutes from Miyako Island. (© Ōnishi Naruaki)

Miyako and Surrounding Islands

An elderly resident greets us as we climb the path from the ferry. (© Ōnishi Naruaki)

The woman watches on, concerned for her husband’s health. (© Ōnishi Naruaki)

Yasukawa provides a check-up for Isa Tsuru (aged 95). Once or twice a month, a physician from the Dr. Gon Clinic visits her. Son Teruo (right) watches with concern. (© Ōnishi Naruaki)

With home visitations, staff and family members cooperate to support the patient. (© Ōnishi Naruaki)

Yasukawa finishes his visit by assuring his patient that all is fine. (© Ōnishi Naruaki)

The Dr. Gon Clinic, with its red-tiled roof characteristic of Okinawa, employs three doctors and eight other staff. (© Ōnishi Naruaki)

Yasukawa’s visitation vehicle is packed with medicines and medical equipment. (© Ōnishi Naruaki)

Yasukawa examens a patient using portable ultrasound equipment. (© Ōnishi Naruaki)

An effective electronic medical record​ network is the key to home medical visitation. (© Ōnishi Naruaki)

The staff meet each evening after visitations to share information. (© Ōnishi Naruaki)

Tomari Mika. (© Ōnishi Naruaki)

Kobayashi listens attentively to Yasukawa’s advice. (© Ōnishi Naruaki)

Yasukawa takes in the view from an observation deck on Ōgami Island. (© Ōnishi Naruaki)