On September 30, 2024, Dr. Balakumaran Balaravi Pillai, a specialist in hepatobiliary surgery from Malaysia, was selected to participate in an advanced specialized surgical training program at the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand, scheduled from September 30 to October 11, 2024. This prestigious training is supported by Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital.
With over six years of experience in general surgery, Dr. Pillai is expanding his expertise in hepatobiliary surgery under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing the importance of improving his surgical skills to benefit patient care in Malaysia. Additionally, he highlighted the recognition of Khon Kaen University as a leading institution in the management of liver and biliary tract cancers, which would further enhance his abilities.
This advanced training program will not only improve Dr. Pillai’s capabilities but also strengthen the ties between healthcare professionals in Thailand and Malaysia. This collaboration is expected to lead to better healthcare outcomes for patients across Southeast Asia, particularly in the area of liver and biliary diseases.
On September 27, 2024, four international medical exchange students successfully completed their program at the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University. The students included Mr. Simon Laurent Pellarin, Miss Viktoria Bachmann, and Miss Judith Grasl from the Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria, as well as Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Chuong from Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Vietnam.
On the final day of the exchange, the students presented a summary of their learning experiences and shared insights from their time in Khon Kaen. Their presentations highlighted both the academic and cultural aspects of their exchange. Professor John F. Smith, PhD, an English Specialist from the Division of International Relations and Corporate Communication, was present to provide feedback and comments on the students’ presentations.
A student from the Medical University of Innsbruck remarked, “This exchange has been an eye-opening experience for us. We gained hands-on clinical exposure and were able to learn about the healthcare system in Thailand, which is quite different from our own. The cultural exchange was equally valuable as we were warmly welcomed by everyone at the Faculty of Medicine.”
Similarly, a student from Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine shared, “My time at Khon Kaen University has broadened my perspective, especially in terms of medical practices and teamwork. The support from the faculty and fellow students has been incredible. I will take these experiences with me back to Vietnam.”
In conclusion, the exchange program fostered not only academic growth but also personal development, encouraging students to adapt to new environments and engage with peers from diverse backgrounds. Khon Kaen University continues to provide a nurturing platform for future healthcare professionals from around the world to thrive and contribute to global medical knowledge.
Khon Kaen, Thailand – Mr. Nutt Trakarnthai, a medical student from the Cho-Kalaphruek Excellent Research Project for Medical Students (CERPMS) cohort 2, and his advisor, Asst. Prof. Charupong Saengboonmee from the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, have won the prestigious first-place award in the international Factor X Video Competition at the Biomolecular Horizons 2024 conference.
This renowned event was co-organized by the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) and the Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists (FAOBMB). It took place from September 22-26, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia.
Their winning entry demonstrated groundbreaking insights into biochemical research, showcasing innovative approaches that impressed an international panel of judges. The competition was part of a broader event that gathered leading scientists and researchers from around the world to discuss advances in biochemistry and molecular biology.
Khon Kaen University celebrates this achievement as a significant milestone, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to excellence in research and its international reputation.
In a significant step towards enhancing healthcare and medical education in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), Faulty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University (KKU) welcomed a delegation from the University of Health Sciences, Lao PDR, for a two-day collaborative visit focused on Family Medicine. The delegation, led by Dr. Phouvang Sengmuang, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and a distinguished alumnus of KKU’s Faculty of Medicine, was warmly received by Assoc. Prof. Pattarapong Makarawate, Dean of KKU’s Faculty of Medicine, along with other key faculty members.
Dr. Phouvang Sengmuang, who holds a degree in Physiology from Khon Kaen University, returned to her alma mater to further strengthen ties between the two institutions. This visit underscores the ongoing commitment of both universities to advancing medical education and research in Family Medicine, a critical field that addresses the holistic health needs of communities.
Key areas of cooperation include the exchange of third-year Family Medicine residents for two-month training programs, with KKU offering to host 10-11 residents from Lao PDR annually. In addition, KKU expressed its readiness to assist in the development of Family Medicine curricula for both undergraduate and postgraduate medical students in Lao PDR.
Highlighting the strong academic ties between the two institutions, Dr. Vimala Bouphavanh, a current student from Lao PDR, is enrolled in the three-year Advanced Graduate Diploma in Clinical Medical Science, specializing in Family Medicine at KKU. Upon completing her studies, Dr. Vimala will receive dual certification from the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University: the Advanced Graduate Diploma in Clinical Medical Science and the specialized certificates in Community Medicine, Family Medicine, and Occupational Medicine.
The collaboration also extends to offering international programs such as the Master of Health and Medical Sciences and PhD programs, designed to equip medical professionals with the skills necessary to address complex health challenges.
During the visit, fruitful discussions were held on further strengthening strategic collaborations, particularly in clinical rotations, community-based training, and research development. The visit concluded with a tour of the Kum Koon Center and Ubolratana Hospital, where the delegation observed KKU’s innovative approaches to integrating community participation into healthcare delivery and the training of medical students.
Assoc. Prof. Pattarapong Makarawate emphasized, “KKU’s Faculty of Medicine is committed to fostering strong partnerships within the GMS. Our collaboration with the University of Health Sciences, Lao PDR, is a testament to our shared vision of improving healthcare for all communities in the region.”
This partnership highlights the shared dedication of both institutions to advancing Family Medicine education and improving health outcomes across borders, setting a precedent for future collaboration within the GMS.
On September 11, 2024, the International Relations Office of the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, organized the event Let’s Go Elective: Sharing is Caring. The event aimed to provide a platform for students who had previously received scholarships for international medical school exchanges to return and share their enriching experiences, while also engaging in discussions with their peers.
The event was officially opened by Assoc. Prof. Thuss Sanguansak, Vice Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication, who addressed the audience and remarked, “Opportunities like these not only broaden academic horizons but also foster personal growth, cultural understanding, and global collaboration, which are vital in today’s interconnected world.” His words resonated deeply with participants, setting an encouraging tone for the rest of the event.
Assoc. Prof. Praew Kotruchin, Vice Dean for Student Development, also honored the event with her presence. She engaged with the students and shared her thoughts, stating, “These experiences help shape the future of our young medical professionals, allowing them to develop a broader perspective and the resilience needed to thrive in a global healthcare environment.”
The event featured a presentation by staff from the International Relations Office introducing the “Let’s Go Elective” scholarship, followed by an inspiring session where students who participated in exchange programs during the 2024 fiscal year shared their experiences in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. These firsthand stories sparked engaging discussions and gave fellow students valuable insights into pursuing their own international academic journeys.
The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, where participants eagerly asked questions about the exchange opportunities and how they could apply for future scholarships, leaving attendees motivated and well-informed about the exciting global opportunities available to them.
This event provided students with a meaningful opportunity to share, learn, and grow, not only academically but also personally. It highlighted the importance of global academic exchange in developing well-rounded, culturally aware medical professionals ready to meet the challenges of a diverse healthcare landscape.
Khon Kaen, Thailand – The Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University has welcomed a group of Japanese medical students from Kumamoto Health Science University and Fujita Health University for an academic exchange program. The students will engage in clinical observation and practical training at Srinagarind Hospital and the Queen Sirikit Heart Center of the Northeast from September 7 to 21, 2024.
The exchange students, including Miss Izumi Nishimura and Mr. Shuto Iwakiri from Kumamoto Health Science University, along with Miss Mio Kaneko and Miss Risa Kato from Fujita Health University, will participate in various hands-on sessions. These include learning about physiotherapy, medical laboratory science, and the use of advanced diagnostic tools such as ECG (Electrocardiography) at the hospital’s physical rehabilitation and central blood bank departments
This program highlights Khon Kaen University’s commitment to fostering international collaboration in medical education and enhancing cross-border academic exchange. It aims to provide students from both countries with valuable insights into innovative treatment techniques and the opportunity to learn about the cultural and medical practices in Thailand.
As part of its broader mission, Khon Kaen University continues to solidify its role as a regional leader in medical education, offering a platform for future medical professionals to share knowledge and improve healthcare on a global scale.
On September 20, 2024, the British Council Thailand, in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, extended a warm welcome to the Honourable Catherine West, UK Minister for Indo-Pacific Affairs, for a bilateral meeting in order to advance and support scientific collaboration between researchers from Thailand and the UK, highlighting the strong partnership in higher education and research between the two nations.
A research team from Khon Kaen University (KKU) had the privilege of presenting their collaborative project with Imperial College London. The team included Assistant Professor Dr. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin from the Faculty of Medicine and Chairperson of the Phenomic Research and Academic Services Steering Committee at KKU, Dr. M.L. Manida Suksawat from the International College and member and assistant secretary of the Phenomic Research and Academic Services Steering Committee at KKU, and Mr. Theerayut Bubpamala, a graduate student in the Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program at the Faculty of Medicine, KKU.
The project, titled “Personal Health AI for Phenomic Medicine Open Data Infrastructure for Research, Development and Innovation in Thailand,” is a joint effort with Associate Professor Dr. Jia Li and a team of experts from multiple fields such as phenomics, data science, and artificial intelligence at Imperial College London. Imperial College, recognized as the second-best university globally by the QS World University Rankings, stands as a world-renowned institution of academic excellence.
This collaborative project highlights the increasing significance of AI and phenomic medicine in advancing healthcare and scientific research in Thailand, representing a key milestone in fostering international academic collaboration.
In a significant move to strengthen international academic collaboration, Professor Dr. Mayumi Negishi and Professor Akira Yanagawa from the University of Shizuoka, Japan, along with four undergraduate nursing students, are scheduled to visit Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Medicine. The delegation includes Miss Hanako Minoshima, Mr. Tomohiro Ito, Miss Aoi Onoda, and Miss Shami Natalie Suzuki.
This visit, set for Wednesday, September 4, 2024, will focus on a study tour and exchange program aimed at enhancing the students’ practical knowledge and experience in obstetric and gynecological nursing.
The exchange program underscores the ongoing commitment of Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University to foster educational partnerships with institutions around the globe, offering students a unique opportunity to learn from diverse healthcare systems and practices.
As part of their itinerary, the Japanese delegation will observe the operations within the obstetric-gynecological nursing department, gaining insights into the specialized care and techniques employed in a Thai medical setting. This collaboration is expected to enrich the academic and professional perspectives of both the visiting students and the Thai nursing staff involved.
The visit reflects the broader educational goals of both universities to provide students with international exposure and hands-on experience in different cultural and clinical environments, preparing them for a globalized healthcare landscape.
September 3, 2024 – Today marks a significant milestone in the realm of international academic cooperation as a distinguished delegation from NIMS University, Jaipur, India, arrives at Khon Kaen University (KKU). Led by the highly respected Professor Dr. Balvir Singh Thomar, Founder and Chancellor of NIMS University, and Professor Dr. Deepak Nathiya, Director of International Affairs, this visit is poised to forge new academic alliances that promise to elevate the standards of medical education and research across Asia.
The delegation, which includes prominent representatives from The Association of the Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP), is here to explore the potential for collaborative research, student exchange programs, and a variety of academic initiatives that could benefit both institutions. This visit signals a deepening of ties between NIMS University and KKU, with discussions expected to lay the groundwork for innovative and mutually beneficial projects.
Throughout the day, the delegation will engage in a series of high-level meetings at KKU, including a courtesy call with Assoc. Prof. Thuss Sanguansak, Vice Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication. Dr. Busara Charoenwat from the Department of Pediatrics will also guide the delegation on an insightful tour of the Pediatrics Department, where they will discuss the feasibility of future collaborations.
As these two prestigious institutions come together, the global academic community is watching closely. The outcome of these discussions could herald new advancements in the medical field, setting the stage for innovations that will impact health sciences across the region and beyond.
Key Participants from KKU:
Prof. Warachaya Phanphruk, Assistant for International Relations and Corporate Communication
Nantaporn Wongsurawat, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs
Busara Charoenwat, Department of Pediatrics
Duangkamol Srisawasdi, Head, International Relations Office
Distinguished Delegates from NIMS University:
Professor Dr. Balvir Singh Thomar, Pediatrician, Founder, and Chancellor
Professor Dr. Deepak Nathiya, Director of International Affairs
Rotando C. Garcia, President, Master’s Seminary and Treasurer, AUAP
This visit is not just a routine academic exchange; it is a pivotal moment that could reshape the landscape of medical education in Asia. With both institutions committed to excellence, the collaborations initiated today are expected to yield fruitful outcomes that will resonate well into the future.
Khon Kaen University is delighted to host a distinguished group of exchange students from Austria, Norway, and Vietnam at our Faculty of Medicine from September 2nd to 27th, 2024. These students, each bringing a unique blend of knowledge and expertise, will participate in an immersive Medical Elective Exchange Program designed to elevate their clinical skills and broaden their medical perspectives.
From the Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria:
Miss Judith Grasl and Miss Viktoria Bachmann – ENT (Otorhinolaryngology)
Mr. Simon Laurent Pellarin – Surgery (Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery)
As part of the esteemed ASEA-UNINET program, these Austrian students arrive with a solid foundation in their respective fields and a passion for honing their clinical abilities. Their experience at Khon Kaen University will be enriched by hands-on practice, exposure to a wide range of complex medical cases, and collaboration with our accomplished faculty and peers.
From the University of Bergen, Norway:
Miss Torine Ødven, Miss Målfrid Pettersen Lunde, Miss Kristiane Aass Vågmo, and Mr. Trond August Flatås – Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics
This Norwegian cohort will focus on Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Pediatrics, gaining valuable insights into maternal and child healthcare within the Thai context. Their participation in clinical rotations, integrated as part of a credit transfer program, will not only deepen their medical expertise but also foster an enriching exchange of knowledge and cultural perspectives between Norway and Thailand.
From Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Vietnam:
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Chuong – Surgery, Orthopedics
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Chuong, the first student to join this exchange under a new partnership between Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine and Khon Kaen University, embarks on a significant journey to advance his expertise in Surgery and Orthopedics. His training at Khon Kaen University will offer comprehensive exposure to surgical practices, equipping him with skills that will greatly benefit the healthcare system in Vietnam.
A Commitment to Global Medical Excellence:
The arrival of these international exchange students underscores Khon Kaen University’s dedication to fostering global medical education and collaboration. Their diverse backgrounds and specializations create a vibrant and dynamic learning environment where knowledge and cultural exchange are paramount. We are confident that this program will have a lasting positive impact on both the visiting students and the broader academic community at Khon Kaen University, further strengthening ties between our institutions and contributing to the advancement of healthcare globally.
