“This experience has not only improved my clinical perspective but also inspired me to pursue excellence in my future career. It has reinforced my passion for medicine and deepened my understanding of what it means to deliver truly patient-centered care in a collaborative and innovative healthcare environment.”
On May 26, 2025, the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, officially welcomed a delegation from Kumamoto University, Japan. Representatives from the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, escorted the distinguished guests for a courtesy visit to the Dean and executives of the Faculty of Medicine.
The welcoming event was led by Assoc. Prof. Pattarapong Makarawate, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, along with Assoc. Prof. Thuss Sanguansak, Associate Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication. Discussions during the visit focused on potential academic collaborations between the two institutions.
As part of the visit, the delegation from Kumamoto University had the honor of serving as dissertation committee members for doctoral students in the International Program in Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology:
– Prof. Seiji, serving as the Chair of the Dissertation Examination Committee
– Prof. Goro Sashida, acting as an external expert
This visit highlights the ongoing academic collaboration between Khon Kaen University and Kumamoto University, aiming to strengthen international education and research. The meeting provided an invaluable opportunity for knowledge exchange and academic experiences while fostering strong institutional relationships. Such engagements pave the way for long-term cooperation between the two universities in the future.
Written By : Namfon Praditwong Intern
คณะแพทยศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่นให้การต้อนรับคณะผู้แทนจาก Kumamoto University ประเทศญี่ปุ่น
“To stand beside expert surgeons in a leading European hospital and witness the precision of robotic–assisted surgery was not just an academic opportunity—it was a turning point in how I understand global healthcare.”
“Being part of the ENT team at Case Western Reserve University was a remarkable opportunity that deepened my interest in the specialty and global medicine.”
On May 21, 2025, Professor G. Allen Finley, MD, FRCPC, FAAP, an internationally renowned expert in pediatric anesthesia and pain management from Dalhousie University, Canada, paid an official visit to the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University (KKU).
The visit was part of his assignment as an Overseas Visiting Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology from May 11-22, 2025. He was warmly welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Daris Theerakulpisut, Assistant for International Relations and Corporate Communication, during a courtesy call on the Faculty’s administration. Professor Finley was accompanied by Assoc. Prof. Panarat Ratanasuwan, Head of the Department of Anesthesiology, and Assoc. Prof. Wimonrat Sriraj.
During his stay, Professor Finley is scheduled to deliver lectures and conduct workshops on key topics including Pediatric Anesthesia, Acute Pain Management, Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care, and Pediatric Pain Research. He will also provide hands-on teaching in pediatric surgery and the pain clinic, participate in team discussions on anesthesia in vulnerable patients, and consult on research proposals by medical interns and residents.
His engagement also includes leading sessions in the Pre-Congress Workshop, focusing on “Pediatric Anesthesia” and “Manuscript Writing in Pediatric Pain Research,” as well as offering academic support in postgraduate program development.
In addition to academic activities at KKU, Professor Finley also joined the departmental team in visiting two regional hospitals—Roi Et Hospital and Kalasin Hospital—as part of the Health Region 7 Pain Management Network Meeting. His participation in this regional collaboration reflects the Faculty’s active role in strengthening pain management services and capacity building throughout Northeastern Thailand.
This visit underscores the Faculty’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and advancing medical education and research in anesthesiology and pediatric pain management.
Professor G. Allen Finley เยือนคณะแพทยศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น ในฐานะศาสตราจารย์ผู้มาเยือนจากต่างประเทศ
21 พฤษภาคม 2568 – ขอนแก่น ประเทศไทย
เมื่อวันที่ 21 พฤษภาคม 2568 Professor G. Allen Finley, MD, FRCPC, FAAP ผู้เชี่ยวชาญระดับโลกด้านวิสัญญีวิทยาเด็กและการระงับปวด จาก Dalhousie University ประเทศแคนาดา ได้เดินทางมาเยือนคณะแพทยศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น (มข.)
A delegation from Khon Kaen University (KKU), Thailand, led by Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, President of KKU, paid an official visit to Iga City General Hospital in Japan on May 15, 2025. The visit was graciously hosted by Assoc. Prof. Hiroyuki Sakurai, Deputy Director of Iga City General Hospital.
The visit commenced with a courtesy call to the Director of Iga City General Hospital, followed by a fruitful discussion on the feasibility of establishing student and staff exchange programs between the two institutions. Both sides expressed strong interest in developing a sustainable academic partnership that will foster mutual growth in clinical education, medical research, and professional development.
The delegates were given a comprehensive tour of the hospital facilities, which highlighted the institution’s commitment to high-quality patient care and advanced medical services. Discussions focused on strengthening institutional collaboration, particularly in the areas of medical training, joint research initiatives, and the exchange of expertise between faculty and healthcare professionals.
Representing Khon Kaen University were:
Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University
Prof. Chiranut Sa-ngiamsak, Assistant to the President for Research
Patorn Piromchai, Vice Dean for Strategic Planning and Quality Development, Faculty of Medicine
Prof. Nuttaset Manimmanakorn, Head, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine
Prof. Pramin Artrit, Chair, Engineering Program in Electronic Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Prof. Thana Radpukdee, Chair, Engineering Program in Automation Robotics and Intelligent System Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Prof. Chatchai Khunboa, Associate Professor in Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Sathaphorn Onlamun, International Relations Officer, Faculty of Medicine
The visit marked a significant step forward in building a collaborative framework between Khon Kaen University and Iga City General Hospital. Both institutions look forward to deepening their cooperation in the near future, with a shared vision of academic excellence and global engagement.
On May 16, 2025, Khon Kaen University (KKU), led by Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of KKU, along with a delegation of representatives, visited Mie University in Japan to officially renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for academic collaboration between the two institutions.
The renewed agreement aims to expand cooperation in the exchange of faculty, staff, and students, as well as to support joint academic activities, collaborative research, and the sharing of academic knowledge and publications. This milestone marks another important step in strengthening international academic and research partnerships.
Established in 1949, Mie University is one of Japan’s leading national universities. It comprises several faculties, including Humanities, Law and Economics; Education; Medicine; Engineering; and Bioresources. The university also operates Mie University Hospital, which serves as both a medical service provider and a training center for medical and nursing students.
In 1994, the School of Medicine at Mie University and the Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University signed an Academic Exchange Agreement, marking the beginning of a long-standing partnership that has since expanded to include student and faculty exchanges, joint research initiatives, and official institutional visits. In addition, various other faculties at KKU, such as Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Nursing, have also developed academic ties with Mie University.
Delegates from Mie University:
Prof. Masaaki Ito – President
Prof. Masahiro Hirayama – Dean of the Graduate School of Medicine
Prof. Mitsunaga Narushima – Chair of the Regional and International Relations Committee, Professor of Plastic Surgery at the Graduate School of Medicine
Prof. Yuhei Nishimura – Professor of Integrative Pharmacology
Assoc. Prof. Shigeyuki Yoshiyama – Associate Professor of Medical Education at the Graduate School of Medicine
Assoc. Prof. Hiroyuki Sakurai – Deputy Director, Iga City General Hospital
Delegates from Khon Kaen University:
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul – President
Assoc. Prof. Chiranut Sa-ngiamsak – Assistant to the President for Research
Prof. Patorn Piromchai – Vice Dean for Strategic Planning and Quality Development, Faculty of Medicine
Assoc. Prof. Nuttaset Manimmanakorn – Head, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine
Assoc. Prof. Pramin Artrit – Chair, Engineering Program in Electronic Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Assoc. Prof. Thana Radpukdee – Chair, Engineering Program in Automation Robotics and Intelligent System Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Assoc. Prof. Chatchai Khunboa – Associate Professor in Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Mr. Sathaphorn Onlamun – International Relations Officer, Faculty of Medicine
The renewal of this MOU not only reinforces the existing partnership but also paves the way for new opportunities to expand collaborative networks across other faculties and disciplines, such as engineering. It also promotes interdisciplinary research that integrates health sciences with modern technology—including automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, and health innovations. Moreover, academic and cultural exchanges and the development of students’ global competencies will significantly contribute to producing graduates equipped with an international outlook and the ability to compete in the global arena.
Written By : Namfon Praditwong Intern
มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่นต่ออายุความร่วมมือกับ Mie University ประเทศญี่ปุ่น เสริมสร้างเครือข่ายวิชาการระดับนานาชาติ
三重大学(Mie University)成立于1949年,是日本著名的国立大学之一。该校设有多个学院,包括人文学院、法学与经济学学院、教育学院、医学部、工学部以及生物资源学院。此外,三重大学还设有三重大学附属医院(Mie University Hospital),由大学直接管理,不仅为公众提供医疗服务,也作为医学生和护理专业学生的实习培训基地。
On May 14, 2025, Khon Kaen University (KKU), led by Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of the University, visited Fujita Health University (FHU) in Japan to participate in the signing ceremony for the renewal of their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This event marks another important milestone in the ongoing and sustainable academic collaboration between the two institutions, particularly in medicine and health sciences.
Fujita Health University, founded in 1964, is one of Japan’s leading private medical universities. It comprises three main schools: the School of Medicine, the School of Medical Sciences, and the School of Health Sciences. The university oversees four major affiliated hospitals located in Aichi and Mie prefectures, providing medical services and clinical education throughout the Chubu region of Japan.
Development of the Collaboration
2006: Initial academic collaboration between the two medical schools.
2007: Expansion to include the School of Health Sciences, with a focus on rehabilitation medicine.
2015: Signing of a university-level Memorandum of Understanding.
2022: Signing of an agreement to establish a Double Degree Ph.D. Program in Rehabilitation Medicine, aiming to develop high-level researchers and medical professionals with international competencies.
Objectives of the MOU Renewal
The renewed MOU focuses on enhancing collaboration in the following three key areas:
Exchange of students, academic staff, and administrative personnel.
Joint research in prioritized areas, such as rehabilitation medicine and medical technologies.
Exchange of academic knowledge, publications, educational materials, and digital learning technologies.
FHU Representatives
Prof. Nakao Iwata – President
Prof. Midori Hasegawa – Dean, School of Health Sciences
Prof. Motoshi Suzuki – Vice Dean, Graduate School of Medicine
Prof. Naohiro Ichino – Vice Dean, School of Medical Sciences
Prof. Yoko Inamoto – Vice Dean, School of Health Sciences
Prof. Kazuo Takahashi – Director of Center for International Relation
KKU Representatives
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul – President of Khon Kaen University
Assoc. Prof. Chiranut Sa-ngiamsak – Assistant to the President for Research
Prof. Patorn Piromchai – Vice Dean for Strategic Planning and Quality Development, Faculty of Medicine
Assoc. Prof. Nuttaset Manimmanakorn – Head, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine
Assoc. Prof. Pramin Artrit – Chair, Engineering Program in Electronic Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Assoc. Prof. Thana Radpukdee – Chair, Engineering Program in Automation Robotics and Intelligent System Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Assoc. Prof. Chatchai Khunboa – Associate Professor in Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Mr. Sathaphorn Onlamun – International Relations Officer, Faculty of Medicine
This renewed partnership not only reinforces the academic cooperation between KKU and FHU, but also reflects a shared vision to drive innovation in medical education, develop cutting-edge academic programs, and prepare skilled professionals to address the challenges of an aging global society.
The close and enduring relationship between Khon Kaen University and Fujita Health University represents more than a formal academic alliance. It is a bridge of shared knowledge, innovation, and international understanding—one that will continue to elevate Thailand’s medical education to meet global standards in a tangible and impactful way.
Written by miss Khemika Junluang, Intern
มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น สานต่อพันธกิจระดับโลก ยกระดับความร่วมมือกับ Fujita Health University ประเทศญี่ปุ่น
วันที่ 14 พฤษภาคม 2568 มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น นำโดย รองศาสตราจารย์ นายแพทย์ชาญชัย พานทองวิริยะกุล อธิการบดี พร้อมคณะผู้แทน เดินทางเยือน Fujita Health University ประเทศญี่ปุ่น เพื่อร่วมพิธีลงนามต่ออายุบันทึกข้อตกลงความร่วมมือทางวิชาการ (MOU) ซึ่งนับเป็นอีกหนึ่งก้าวสำคัญในการขับเคลื่อนความร่วมมือด้านการแพทย์และวิทยาศาสตร์สุขภาพระหว่างสองสถาบันอย่างยั่งยืน
Fujita Health University เป็นมหาวิทยาลัยเอกชนชั้นนำด้านการแพทย์ของญี่ปุ่น ก่อตั้งขึ้นในปี ค.ศ. 1964 และมีคณะหลัก 3 คณะ ได้แก่ คณะแพทยศาสตร์ คณะวิทยาศาสตร์การแพทย์ และคณะวิทยาศาสตร์สุขภาพ มหาวิทยาลัยมีโรงพยาบาลในเครือหลัก 4 แห่งที่ตั้งอยู่ในจังหวัดไอจิและมิเอะ ซึ่งให้บริการทางการแพทย์และการศึกษาทางการแพทย์ในภูมิภาคชูบุของญี่ปุ่น
ความสัมพันธ์อันแน่นแฟ้นระหว่างมหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่นและ Fujita Health University จึงไม่ใช่เพียงกรอบความร่วมมือเชิงวิชาการ หากแต่เป็นสะพานเชื่อมโยงองค์ความรู้ นวัตกรรม และความเข้าใจระหว่างประเทศ ที่จะส่งผลโดยตรงต่อการยกระดับคุณภาพการศึกษาไทยสู่มาตรฐานระดับโลกอย่างเป็นรูปธรรม
Two U.S. graduate students have joined a cutting-edge cancer epidemiology program at Thailand’s Khon Kaen University (KKU), spotlighting the university’s growing role in global public health research.
Ms. Sarah Lawler, a Master of Public Health candidate from Boston University, and Ms. Nichcha Subdee, an advanced epidemiology student at Columbia University, have begun a 12-week academic exchange under the prestigious Cancer Epidemiology Education in Special Populations (CEESP) program, funded by the U.S. National Cancer Institute. The program runs from 19 May to 8 August 2025.
Both students are hosted by the Department of Community, Family, and Occupational Medicine at KKU’s Faculty of Medicine and are mentored by Associate Professor Dr. Pattapong Kessomboon, a leading Thai expert in cancer epidemiology.
Their research focuses on cholangiocarcinoma, a rare but devastating bile duct cancer that occurs with striking frequency in northeast Thailand—up to 85 cases per 100,000 people, compared to just 1–2 per 100,000 in most countries.
Ms. Lawler’s project explores a possible link between the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and increased cholangiocarcinoma risk, using electronic medical records. Meanwhile, Ms. Subdee, who previously led research in gastrointestinal diseases in Thailand, applies machine learning techniques (LASSO regression) to develop predictive models for CCA risk factors specific to the northeastern Thai population.
The program allows both students to work alongside Thai experts from research design to data analysis and manuscript preparation for international publication.
This exchange exemplifies Thailand’s expanding role in collaborative, evidence-based research tackling complex global health challenges—and reaffirms Khon Kaen University’s position as a regional hub for cancer epidemiology.
สาขาวิชาเวชศาสตร์ชุมชน เวชศาสตร์ครอบครัว และอาชีวเวชศาสตร์ คณะแพทยศาสตร์ ให้การต้อนรับสองนักศึกษาหญิงชาวสหรัฐอเมริกา ได้แก่ Ms. Sarah Lawler จาก Boston University และ Ms. Nichcha Subdee จาก Columbia University ในโอกาสเข้าร่วมโครงการแลกเปลี่ยนวิชาการ Cancer Epidemiology Education in Special Populations (CEESP) ระหว่างวันที่ 19 พฤษภาคม – 8 สิงหาคม 2568 โดยทั้งคู่ได้รับการดูแลด้านวิชาการโดย รองศาสตราจารย์ นายแพทย์ปัตพงษ์ เกษสมบูรณ์
Ms. Sarah Lawler นักศึกษาระดับปริญญาโทด้านระบาดวิทยาและชีวสถิติ จาก Boston University มุ่งเน้นการวิจัยเพื่อศึกษาความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างการใช้ยา proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) กับความเสี่ยงต่อการเกิดมะเร็งท่อน้ำดี
ด้าน Ms. Nichcha Subdee นักศึกษาปริญญาโทด้านระบาดวิทยาขั้นสูง ณ Columbia University และอดีตเจ้าหน้าที่วิจัยที่มีประสบการณ์ด้านโรคระบบทางเดินอาหารในประเทศไทย ได้ประยุกต์เทคนิค machine learning โดยเฉพาะ LASSO regression เพื่อพัฒนาโมเดลทำนายปัจจัยเสี่ยงของโรคมะเร็งท่อน้ำดีในกลุ่มประชากรภาคอีสาน
此次参加交流的两位学生分别是波士顿大学公共卫生硕士研究生Sarah Lawler与哥伦比亚大学高级流行病学研究生Nichcha Subdee。她们通过“特殊人群癌症流行病学教育项目”(Cancer Epidemiology Education in Special Populations,CEESP)来到泰国,加入孔敬大学医学部社区医学、家庭医学与职业医学系开展联合研究。
On May 13, 2025, the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University (KKU), warmly welcomed Dr. Cheng B. Saw, PhD, FAAPM, a leading radiation therapy expert from the United States and currently Director of Medical Physics at the Northeast Radiation Oncology Centers (NROC). His visit was part of an ongoing collaboration with the Department of Radiology aimed at exploring advancements in radiation therapy and future academic partnerships.
Dr. Saw expressed his intention to support the department’s initiatives following his retirement at the end of 2025. His shared vision includes the establishment of the region’s first Proton Therapy Center, the development of Master’s and Doctoral programs in Medical Physics, and enhanced teaching and training for radiology residents, medical students, and radiologic technology students.
During the visit, Assoc. Prof. Warinthorn Puttarak, Head of the Department of Radiology, accompanied Dr. Saw to meet Assoc. Prof. Pattarapong Makarawate, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, for an official introduction. The meeting focused on potential collaboration opportunities, including engaging international experts to advance academic, research, and clinical services within the department.
The delegation that welcomed Dr. Saw included:
Assoc. Prof. Pattarapong Makarawate, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine
Assoc. Prof. Thuss Sanguansak, Associate Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communications
Assoc. Prof. Daris Theerakulpisut, Assistant Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communications
Assoc. Prof. Warinthorn Puttarak, Head of the Department of Radiology
Faculty members from the Department of Radiology
Dr. Saw’s visit marks another significant milestone in strengthening international academic networks, helping elevate the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, to global standards in both education and healthcare services.
การเยือนของ Dr. Cheng B Saw นับเป็นอีกหนึ่งก้าวสำคัญในการพัฒนาเครือข่ายความร่วมมือระดับนานาชาติ และยกระดับมาตรฐานทางวิชาการและบริการทางการแพทย์ของมหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่นสู่ระดับสากล