MD-KKU welcomes Ambassador of France

 

On April 26, 2024, at the Sirikunakorn Building’s Sirikunakorn 5th Meeting Room on the 6th floor, Assoc. Prof. Pattarapong Makarawate, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University (MD-KKU), welcomed H.E. Jean-Claude POIMBOEUF, the Ambassador of France to Thailand, along with a delegation from the Embassy of France.

 

 

During the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Makarawate and H.E. Ambassador Jean-Claude POIMBOEUF explored exciting opportunities for academic collaboration, including training programs, student and staff exchanges, and research partnerships with institutions in France. These discussions aimed to enhance MD-KKU’s capabilities and position it as a leading Medical Hub, delivering excellent healthcare services to the people of Northeastern Thailand and the Mekong Sub-region.

 

 

Representatives from Khon Kaen University, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nawarat Wara–Aswapati, Vice President for International Affairs, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Acharawan Topark–ngarm, Assistant Vice President for International Affairs, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orathai Piayura, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, joined in extending a warm welcome and engaging in productive discussions with H.E. Jean-Claude POIMBOEUF. This collaborative effort marks a significant leap towards fostering impactful partnerships between Khon Kaen University and France, emphasizing collaboration in key academic and strategic areas.

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun & Waratchaya Rachpoochai

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

 

Japanese medical exchange student completes MDKKU elective program: April, 2024

 

On April 26, 2024, Mr. Oku Haruki, a sixth–year exchange student from Wakayama Medical University, Japan, successfully completed his 4–week elective program with MDKKU’s Department of Emergency Medicine. Professor John F Smith, Division of International Affairs and Corporate Communications, presented him with his certificate.

 

 

During his time in the emergency room, Mr. Haruki had the opportunity to train alongside resident doctors. Reflecting on this experience, he shared, “The resident ER doctors taught me the way to use echo and how to listen to the noise of lungs and heart. I gained real   practical knowledge of medicine.” This practical hands-on experience also deepened his understanding of emergency medicine.

He also encountered medical cases that he had never seen or experienced in Japan. “I saw a lot of medical cases, not only typical cases, but also rare medical cases for me, such as heat stroke and motorbike accident trauma.”

He also appreciated his social and cultural experience of living and exploring Khon Kaen, and was grateful for the warmth of the community and the warm welcoming of KKU personnel.

 

 

In conclusion, Mr. Haruki expressed his deep appreciation for his time in Khon Kaen. “Excellent university! You should come.”  The KKU-MD community was delighted to have him as part of our faculty and to contribute to his medical career development.

 

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun & Kunthida Paiyasen

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

 

MD-KKU welcomes delegates from Eastern International University, Vietnam

 

On April 23, 2024, delegates from Eastern International University (EIU), Vietnam visited the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University to discuss the feasibility of collaboration between EIU and MDKKU in the future. The delegates included:

  1. Mr. Nguyen Tan Loi, Chairman
  2. Mr. Ngo Minh Duc, President
  3. Mr. Le kgoc Huan, Director, Industry 4.0 Innovation Center (IIC)
  4. Mr. Kieu Manh Kha, Director, Office of International Affairs (OIA)
  5. Mr. Nguyen Xuan Hung, Vice Dean, School of Engineering (SOE)
  6. Mr. Huynh Tan Phoc, Vice Dean, School of Computing and Information Technology (CIT)
  7. Mr. Tran Van Tai, School of Computing and Information Technology (CIT)
  8. Mr. Phan The Anh, Becamex Business School (BBS)
  9. Mr. Nguyen Thuan Phu, Manager, Vietnam Singapore Innovation Center (VSIC)

 

 

Associate Professor Pattarapong Makarawate, Dean of Faculty of Medicine; Associate Professor Ongart Somintara, Vice Dean for Administration; Associate Professor Thuss Sanguansak, Vice Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication; Associate Professor Daris Theerakulpisut, Assistant for International Relations and Corporate Communication; Associate Professor Warachaya Phanpruk, Assistant for International Relations and Corporate Communication; Dr. Nantaporn Wongsurawat, Assistant for Academic Affairs; and Dr. Parichat Tanmit, Department of Surgery, welcomed the delegates and joined the discussion.

 

 

The discussion included the possibility of providing a training program for Vietnamese doctors in various subspecialties including Transcatheter Aortic Implantation (TAVI), endovenous laser varicose vein surgery, and peripheral vascular interventions. Additionally, the discussion also covered cooperation in developing the medical curriculum for the School of Medicine of  EIU,  hosting  a team of EIU staff to study  MDKKU curriculum teaching methods.

 

GIving souvenirs

 

In the afternoon, the delegates also visited the MDKKU Department of Surgery, including visiting operating rooms and surgical patient wards, to study academic and medical service practices. This was aimed at improving and developing hospitals within the Becamex group in the future.

 

 

MD-KKU welcomes delegations from Institute of International Education, Inc. (IIE): International Academic Partnership Thailand (IAPP Thailand)

 

On April 23, 2024, MD-KKU representatives led by Assoc. Prof. Thuss Sanguansak, Vice Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication, Assoc. Prof. Warachaya Phanphruk, Assistant for International Relations and Corporate Communication, and Dr. Nantaporn Wongsurawat, Assistant for Academic Affairs, welcomed delegations from Institute of International Education (IIE) under the International Academic Partnership Thailand (IAPP Thailand). A total of 20 representatives from US embassies and universities met at the Sarasin Meeting Room, 2nd floor, Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University.

 

 

Assoc. Prof. Nawarat Wara-Aswapati, PhD, Vice President for International Affairs, welcomed the delegations with a warm welcome speech on partnership and collaboration. “It’s a pleasure to welcome you all to our campus and we look forward to productive discussion, connection and friendship, as well as many more collaborations to come,” she said.

 

US delegations and KKU deans discussed and exchanged their vision for academic partnerships.

 

Courtney Temple, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, one of the representatives from USA institutions suggested international exchange and collaboration, stating: “If we have chances to collaborate, we will definitely have a beautiful world because we have learned from each other.”

 

 

As for MD KKU, we are looking forward to further collaboration with US institutions since we believe that fostering such partnerships will lead to mutual growth and innovation.

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun & Waratchaya Rachpoochai

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

 

KKUMD’s Queen Sirikit Heart Center receives 2nd JCI International Standard Accreditation

 

Over March 18-22, 2024, Queen Sirikit Heart Center of the Northeast, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University received its 2nd hospital quality inspection visit by the JOINT COMMISSION INTERNATIONAL(JCI) Re-accreditation team.

We are pleased to announce that Queen Sirikit Heart Center was re-accredited, with JCI accreditation renewed for 3 years from March 23, 2024 to March 22, 2027.

Queen Sirikit Heart Center is thus certified as an international standard hospital by the USA- based JCI and with advanced HA quality certification from the Thai-based Healthcare Quality Accreditation Institute.

 

Source: https://th.kku.ac.th/180871/

 

Reporters: Sathaphorn Onlamun & Waratchaya Rachpoochai

Editor: Prof. John F Smith

 

Khon Kaen University strengthens cooperative relations with Kumamoto University, Japan

 

On March 21, 2024, Khon Kaen University (KKU) President, Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, MD, and Japan’s Kumamoto University (KU) President Dr. Hisao Ogawa, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)at KKU Sirikunakorn Building for the development of cooperation in academics, research, student exchange and training under 1) Agreement on Academic Exchange, and 2) Agreement on Student Exchange between their two universities.

 

 

“As the President of Khon Kaen University, I look forward to giving full support to make our collaboration fruitful and to the remarkable achievements and advancements that will emerge from these renewed agreements,” said KKU President.

“On behalf of the delegation from Kumamoto University, Japan, I am extremely pleased to meet with Khon Kaen University administrators and to jointly sign this academic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today. We focus on developing academics, technology, and medical innovations. Therefore, this signing represents a strong academic cooperation, and I would like to thank all faculties and organizations involved in driving the success of this endeavor,” said KU President.

 

 

The next session of the visit was the Kumamoto University Japan–Thailand Network Meeting at Bayasita Hotel, KKU. This meeting was honored by the presence of The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), and KU alumni from all over Thailand, and interested participants joined the meeting to discuss various topics such as academic and research collaboration, as well as the Double Degree Program.

“This meeting marks the 20th anniversary of the fruitful academic collaboration between Khon Kaen University and Kumamoto University. A key highlight of this collaboration is the successful implementation of the Double Degree Program between the Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program at the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, and the Graduate School of Medical Sciences at Kumamoto University,” reported Assoc. Prof. Kulthida Vaeteewoottacharn, Head of Biochemistry Department.

“This meeting is a platform for intellectual exchange, fostering discussions and collaborations. It offers a chance to engage with our esteemed speakers and forge new connections,” stated Assoc. Prof. Apichat Jiravuttipong, MD, Dean, KKU Faculty of Medicine.

 

 

The final session of the visit was the Kumamoto University Alumni Association in Thailand (KUAT) Establishment Ceremony held at the Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel. The ceremony was honored by the presence of H.E. Mr. Sorut Sukthaworn, Ambassador attached to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. During the ceremony, there was a presentation on the history of exchanges between KU and educational institutions in Thailand, as well as a cultural exchange through Isan folk performances, which impressed all attendees.

“May this association serve as a platform for networking, knowledge–sharing, and professional development among Kumamoto University alumni in Thailand. I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to all the members of the Kumamoto University Alumni Association in Thailand. Your achievements and contributions a reflection of the excellence and dedication fostered by Kumamoto University,” said KKU President.

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun
Editing by Prof. John F Smith