Miho Tanaka
Affiliation: Division of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University Area: Comprehensive Health Promotion Sciences Laboratory: Public Health Nursing Laboratory

Education & Professional Experience

  • B.S. in Nursing, Department of Health Sciences, Okayama University School of Medicine.
  • M.S. in Nursing, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University, Community Health Nursing Area. Master’s thesis: “Concrete Forms of Reflection among Public Health Nurse Students: Concepts that Indicate Reflective skills and Their Changes.”
  • Public health nurse in a government ordinance–designated city, engaged in community health.
  • Assistant Professor, Division of Health Sciences, Osaka University (2020–present).

Practical Experience

As a district public health nurse in a government ordinance–designated city, I worked across maternal and child health, adult health, older adults, intractable diseases, and school health—covering everything from individual case support to community health education.

In maternal and child health, I was responsible for Prenatal Classes; “Pre‑Baby Plaza”, which shares knowledge and skills with parents before the 4‑month infant checkup; the “Mothers Requiring Support” group aimed at reducing parenting anxiety; and the “Parent–Child Class for Infants and Toddlers (‘Toddler Class’)”, a venue for follow‑up observation and group instruction for children with developmental challenges and their caregivers—overseeing operations as well as evaluation and improvement.

In adult health, I led Specific Health Guidance and a Public–Private Collaboration Network Project, partnering with healthcare, welfare, education, and industry to build resident‑led initiatives, support lifestyle improvements, and conduct health promotion activities.

I also provided back‑office support for voluntary groups, including a Multiples Families Association (for families with twins/triplets), the Health Promotion Volunteer Group / Kita Ward Health Promotion Committee, and a Mental Health Peer Group.

Teaching Experience

Courses taught: Foundations of Public Health Nursing; Public Health Nursing Diagnosis & Program Development; Advanced Public Health Nursing; Community & Home Nursing Assistance; Integrated Nursing Practicum; Medical Sociology, etc.

In practicums on and off campus, I collaborate with local governments and community organizations, valuing mutual learning within the community. I continuously work to improve course design and practicum management. Building on my experience as a TA, I provide attentive out‑of‑class learning support and research advising (introductions to qualitative research and how to read the literature).

Professional Memberships

  • Japan Academy of Public Health Nursing (since 2014)
  • Japan Academy of Community Health Nursing (since 2015)
  • Japan Society of Public Health (since 2019)
  • Japan Academy of Nursing Science (since 2020)
  • TEA and the Society for Qualitative Inquiry (since 2023)

Committee Service

  • Member, Okayama Prefecture “Hare‑no‑Kuni 33 Program” Review Committee (2014–2015): contributed to planning and evaluating initiatives to extend healthy life expectancy.
  • Member, International Committee, Japan Academy of Public Health Nursing (2020–2022): responsible for international networks and coordination of joint international conferences.
  • 10th JAPHN Academic Conference / 6th GNPHN Joint Meeting (2020–2022): served on the executive, program, and proceedings committees, handling planning, coordination, and on‑the‑day operations.
  • Organizer of the “WAZAKEN” Public Health Nursing Technique Development Study Group (launched 2017) and “Sukitto Hokenshi” learning circle (launched 2018), each held four times a year (both 2020–2025), creating learning spaces that bridge academia and practice.

External Profiles