International Relations Office Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University
MDKKU congratulates Prof. Sopit Wongkham and Assoc. Prof. Kulthida Vaeteewoottacharn, two Biochemistry Department professors, on their appointments as Visiting Professors at Kumamoto University, Japan from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2026.
Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun
Editing by Prof. John F Smith
On February 22, 2024, KKU Faculty of Medicine held a press conference to showcase MDKKU’s leadership in synthetic research, evidence-patient treatment, and research contributions in Thailand and abroad. The press conference was led by Assoc. Prof. Apichat Jiravuttipong, MD, Dean of KKU Faculty of Medicine, Professor Pisake Lumbiganon, MD, and Associate Professor Wimorat Sriraj, MD, Associate Dean for Research and International Relations Affairs.
Assoc. Prof. Jiravuttipong said, “The Faculty of Medicine has placed importance on “Evidence–Based Medicine (EBM)” which involves selecting treatment methods using “evidence” from research. It is a discipline closely related to health technology assessment and involves several aspects. The focus is on providing it in the Faculty of Medicine curriculum. We now have over 20 years of collaboration with international organizations in conducting synthetic research in Thailand and Asia.”
Prof. Pisake Lumbiganon stated, “My team and I established the Thai Cochrane Network in 2002 before developing it into Cochrane Thailand, based in MDKKU. We are firmly committed to producing and disseminating evidence–based research as guidelines for health care decision–making, focusing on not only local but also global impacts. Our appointment as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Research Synthesis in Reproductive Health in 2014, and as a WHO HRP Alliance Hub to strengthen research capacity for countries in the Southeast Asia Region (WHO/SEARO) in 2017, reaffirms our commitment to driving global change. We have contributed to the synthesis of more than 50 research studies to inform the development of patient care guidelines by the World Health Organization (WHO recommendations).”
He also added, “Cochrane’s strength lies in the collaborative work of Cochrane representatives from countries around the world to support the use of research evidence from Cochrane to inform health policies and practices. Additionally, we have translated over 1,000 abstracts and plain language summaries of Cochrane Reviews, because we believe language should not be a barrier to accessing health care information. Hands–on training workshops on Cochrane Reviews and using related software are provided to interested researchers both in Thailand and abroad (including Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka). Over the past 20 years of operation, Cochrane Thailand has received funding support from Khon Kaen University, the Thailand Research Fund or TRF, and the World Health Organization.”
Assoc. Prof. Sriraj reported, “The research Division supports evidence–based medical research alongside the development of medical personnel, aiming for doctors to choose the best and most appropriate treatments for patients based on the most reliable evidence available, leading to effective health policies and practices for all Thais to access and benefit from.”
Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun
Editing by Prof. John F Smith
In March 2024, exchange students from Aichi Medical University in Japan, the University of Bergen in Norway and residents from the University of Health Sciences in Lao PDR completed their MDKKU elective exchange program. It was a truly remarkable experience, filled with good fellowship, cultural exchange, and shared pursuit of medical knowledge and understanding.
Students shared their experiences of the impressive friendship and company they found during the program; a University of Bergen student said “Thai students and teachers are very polite and friendly. Everyone made us feel welcome. Professors were great teachers.” An Aichi Medical University student also suggested that “The faculty of medical students was very kind.” while the resident of University of Health Sciences from Laos added that “Students are very helpful and friendly. The teachers are also very informative as they explain things in English in a way that is easy to understand.”
Apart from friendship and company, they also mentioned their own experiences and showed their gratitude on studying at MDKKU. A University of Bergen student stated that “Medicine at KKU taught me a lot as we were at OB-GYN and PED.” An Aichi Medical University student also said that “I was able to experience surgery for cleft lip, palate, and microtia, which are rare in Japan. Also, cosmetic surgery is not available in Japan, but in Thailand it was available for us to experience rhinoplasty and double eyelid surgery.” One of them also mentioned their experiences during the training sessions,
“It was good to see many reconstructive surgeries and many cases that I rarely see in Japan.” as well as they mentioned that “Studying at MD KKU was a wonderful experience that cannot be experienced in Japan.”
In conclusion, the students felt studying at MD KKU provided an unforgettable medical learning experience as well as great exposure to Thailand’s rich culture.
Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun and Waratchaya Rachpoochai
Editing by Prof. John F Smith
On April 1, 2024, MD-KKU warmly welcomed Mr. OKU HARUKI, a fifth-year medical exchange student from Wakayama Medical University, Japan, to our Department of Emergency Medicine. Mr. Haruki will be with us for a duration of four weeks, from April 1 to April 26, 2024.
On the morning of his orientation day, the International Relations Officers began by providing Mr. OKU HARUKI with a concise overview of the Faculty of Medicine and Khon Kaen University. Additionally, we introduced him to some essential Thai words and phrases for everyday communication. Following this, we escorted him to his department where he met with his program supervisors.
Introduction of KKU and Faculty of Medicine
Introduction to Department of Emergency Medicine
Following that, he embarked on a brief tour of the Faculty of Medicine and Srinagarind Hospital, during which we highlighted key locations within the faculty. Subsequently, he visited the canteen, where he utilized the Thai phrases he had learned earlier in the day to buy his lunch.
Ordering lunch
In the afternoon, we conducted a campus tour utilizing the KKU smart transit system (shuttle bus) to familiarize him with the routes and boarding procedures. Our first stop was the KKU Sports Complex, encompassing fitness facilities, a swimming pool, and a sports stadium, providing him with an overview of recreational options on campus. Next, we visited the KKU Art and Culture Center, offering insights into Thai culture through its diverse collection of artworks. Continuing the tour, he went to the Food and Services Center 1 (Complex), where he practiced his Thai language skills while making purchases. Lastly, we concluded the tour at the Learning Center, the KKU Library, where we provided him with a brief orientation on library services, usage guidelines, and operating hours.
Visiting KKU fitness center
Visiting KKU Library
We hope that this orientation provided on his first day will help Mr. Haruki begins his journey in the medical school at Khon Kaen University. By familiarizing him with the campus, introducing essential language skills, and showcasing key facilities, we aim to ensure that he feels well-prepared and supported as he navigates his studies and life in a new environment.
Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun, Kunthida Paiyasen
Editing by Prof. John F Smith
“Teikyo University Hospital has a good reputation for interventional radiology, which makes me want to observe and see new technologies, as well as the work of doctors in Japan.”
On March 5, 2024, MDKKU welcomed two public health master’s students, Elvira and Kaia, from Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Norway to the Tropical Disease Research Center (TDRC). Both are involved in the multi-country project named “Pandemic Literacy and Viral Zoonotic Spillover Risk at the Frontline of Disease Emergence in Southeast Asia to Improve Pandemic Preparedness (PANDASIA).” Their research is under the supervision of Dr. Hans Overgaard, the Project leader who holds a joint appointment with MDKKU and NMBU.
They met with Professor Dr. Banchob Sripa, Director of KKU-TDRC, along with Dr. Overgaard, Assoc. Prof. Sirikachorn Tangkawattana, KKU Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and TDRC staff, and discussed research and plans for field work in hi-risk communities.
PANDASIA is investigating potential pandemic drivers along nature-rural-urban gradients through a comprehensive collection of social and biological data and predictive modelling of zoonotic spillover rates and disease emergence in high-risk settings in Thailand and Lao PDR.
Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun
Editing by Prof. John F Smith
They have been doing collaborative research with Prof. Somchai Pinlaor, Department of Parasitology, and Assoc.Prof. Ranoo Thanan, Department of Biochemistry, on Cholangiocarcinoma carcinogenesis via chronic Opisthorchis viverrini infection since 2003. Recently, they have extended this work to include Clonorchis sinensis. During this visit, they updated results of their research, and discussed future directions to further strengthen their scientific research cooperation.
Professor Pinlaor and Department members and Prof. Arima’s team also met with Assist. Prof. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin, Assistant Dean for Research and International Relations Affairs, to discuss strategies for strengthening exchanges and collaboration of young researchers between the two universities.
Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun
Editing by Prof. John F Smith
“I feel very fortunate to have this chance to be able to have great friends across the globe”
“My experience involved a combination of hands-on clinical practice and theoretical learning, aiming to understand and implement effective strategies for addressing the needs of an aging population in Thailand.”
On February 22, 2024, KKU Srinagarind Hospital held a press conference to announce the first Isan Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) for scleroderma. The press conference was led by Assoc. Prof. Apichat Jiravuttipong, MD, Dean of KKU Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Songsak Kiatchoosakun, MD, Srinagarind Hospital Director, Prof. Chingching Fucharoen, MD, Rheumatology (Muscle and Joint) specialist, Department of Medicine, Asst. Prof. Chinadol Wanitpongpun, Hematology specialist, Department of Medicine, and Ms. TophuKhieo, a scleroderma patient at Srinagarind Hospital.
Assoc. Prof. Jiravuttipong said, “Our faculty of Medicine has been developing advanced medical technology for more efficient patient treatment, and HSCT is regarded as an example of a highly effective treatment.”
Prof. Fucharoen stated, “Scleroderma is a disease in which the immune system does not work properly, and it stimulates not only somatic cells to continuously produce collagen fibers but also fibrosis formation binding to various parts of our body. As a result, it causes tight and hard skin on the human face, fingers, toes, arms, legs, chest, and abdomen. It also affects internal organs including pulmonary and myocardial fibrosis that can lead to disability and mortality.”
She also added, “The scleroderma is mostly found in middle–aged to older people (about 40–50 years of age) and is hardly found in younger people. The global rate of scleroderma is 24:100,000 people while Isan regional rate is 40:100,000 people. According to the Bureau of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, the number of scleroderma patients in northeastern and northern Thailand is higher than other regions.”
Ms. TophuKhieo, an 18-year-old patient, started her treatment on January 2022 after initial referral to a rheumatologist. She presented with pulmonary fibrosis and HSCT treatment was started. After 14-days of treatment, her skin had softened, her skin color returned to normal and joints were more flexible. After 3 months of treatment, she could stretch out her fingers, elbows, and arms smoothly. Finally, her pulmonary fibrosis resolved and she returned to normal daily activities.
She said, “Scleroderma is a rare disease. Many people don’t know about it and how to deal with it. If you have any skin disorders or suspect you have scleroderma, you’d better see a doctor— the faster, the better.”
Asst. Prof. Wanitpongpun spoke about the HSCT procedure; “Currently, the HSCT innovation is an effective treatment alternative to help patients return to normal function. Technically, the HSCT procedure has 4 main steps. First, a thorough physical examination is performed. Second, physicians stimulate and collects stem cells. Third, high–dose chemotherapy is used to kill patients’ abnormal cells and reset the immune system. Fourth, stem cells are injected into the patients for their physical recovery.”
He also added, “HSCT is normally used in patients who are not too old and their body parts are still working well. Patients who are most affected by the disease are selected for HSCT while those who are older and have low severity don’t need HSCT.”
Prof. Kiatchoosakun’s closing speech “We would like to express our gratitude to all Srinagarind Day Fund donors. Your donations have supported us a lot in caring for low–income patients with complications and in the development of this medical technology and innovation. This case is one example of those supported by the Fund. All hopes can be supported by the power of giving. Come and be part of our Srinagarind Day Fund, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University.”
Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun
Editing by Prof. John F Smith