Japanese medical exchange students at MDKKU: February 2024

 

Five medical exchange students from Nagoya City University and Wakayama Medical University recently completed electives at MDKKU during February 2024. They were based in different departments including Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orthopedics, and Surgery.

“KKU Staff took very good care of us with excellent clinical internships,” said a Nagoya City University student. “Professors and Thai medical students immediately translated what patients said in Thai to English and then they explained it to me and they also took us to the cafeteria after class and introduce us to Thai food,” he added.

They were also excited with many new clinical experiences and systems and enjoyed their clinical class with some rare cases they have never experienced before.

“I was really surprised to see that the medical school system is completely different from Japan,” said a Wakayama Medical University student. “I was able to see the difference between the tests conducted on pregnant women in Thailand and Japan, and I was glad to be able to study a rare disease in Japan like Thalassemia,” she added.

Overall, they considered they had very impressive medical exchange experiences and enjoyed learning about the people, activities, cultures, food, and places in Khon Kaen.  Although they initially met language barriers, they met a lot of kindness with people helping them to communicate in many situations both inside and outside of the classroom.

We are very delighted to welcome and congratulate all of them.

 

 


Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

MD-KKU Department of Parasitology hosts Professors from National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Japan

 

MDKKU recently welcomed Dr. Naoya Wada and Dr. Hiroto Tanaka from the Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan to our Department of Parasitology between February 20 and 21, 2024.

NICT aims to unite various research fields and promote research collaboration with industry, academia, and government related to basic research on international information communication. NICT made a Cooperative Research Agreement (CRA) with KKU before the COVID-19 pandemic and have been working since then with Professor Somchai Pinlaor, Department of Parasitology, to develop biomarker sensors based on micro-optical circuit technologies.

During the visit, Professor Pinlaor and Department members and Dr. Wada and Dr. Tanaka met with Assoc. Prof. Apichat Jiravuttipong, MDKKU Dean, and our International Relations Affairs administrators to discuss their collaborative projects and future developments.

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

Professor from Tulane University School of Medicine, USA visits Department of Anatomy

 

MDKKU recently welcomed Professor Joe Iwanaga, as an overseas visiting professor from Tulane University School of Medicine, USA to our Department of Anatomy.  He visited   between February 5 and 8, 2024 and delivered lectures and workshops to faculty and postgraduate students.

Professor Iwanaga is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, dentist and anatomist and a board member of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists (AACA). His research career has been devoted to clinical anatomy and has resulted in over 250 peer-reviewed publications in the medical and scientific literature.

During his visit, he had a meeting with Assist. Prof. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin, Assistant Dean for Research and International Relations Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Jariya Umka Welbat, head of Anatomy Department, and other department staff to discuss collaborative opportunities for research and academic development between the two institutions.

He delivered a workshop on latex techniques for fresh cadaver embalming and a lecture on clinical anatomy research and its applications. Both activities were very helpful for practice and exchange of experiences on how to preserve the human body for cardiovascular system research, and for stimulating discussion on collaborative research and using high technology and innovation in anatomical research.

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

MD-KKU student receives US international scholarship award

 

MDKKU congratulates Thannathon Nameephol, a fourth-year Medical Illustration student, on receiving a Spring 2024 Young Southeast Asian leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellowship scholarship. The scholarship will allow him to explore the role that environmental policy has played in the economic and political development of the United States at University of Montana, USA between April 17 and May 22, 2024. The scholarship is granted by the U.S. Department of State and YSEALI.

The YSEALI Academic Fellowship is an intensive short-term academic program whose purpose is to provide groups of young leaders with a deeper understanding of the United States and a particular theme, while simultaneously enhancing their leadership skills.

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun    

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

KKU hosts International Conference on Head & Neck Oncology 2024

 

Khon Kaen University with the Thai Society for Head and Neck Oncology and the Asian Society of Head and Neck Oncology recently hosted the International Conference on Head & Neck Oncology 2024: Precision Approach in Management of Head and Neck Cancer. The conference was held between February 1 and 2, 2024 at Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel with featured speakers from the United States, South Korea, Netherlands, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand.

The event was organized by KKU International Affairs Division and Faculties of Medicine and Dentistry with over 100 local and international participants. It aimed to promote internationalization, support learning, and facilitate collaborative opportunities between medical specialists, medical science researchers, fellows, residents, and support professionals in this field. It also marked a milestone in the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Khon Kaen University’s establishment.

 

Over 100 local and international conference participants

 

In the opening ceremony, Professor Patravoot Vatanasapt, the President of Asian Society of Head and Neck Oncology (ASHNO) deliver a welcome speech to the delegates.

“We at Khon Kaen University have targeted head and neck cancer problems with extensive research, expanding healthcare services, and medical specialist development for the benefit of people in the regional community,” reported Professor Vatanasapt.

“We see this event as a platform for the participants to learn and exchange advanced knowledge with world-renowned professionals on precision management in head and neck cancers, a significant strategy in Khon Kaen University’s drive towards the goal of sustainability,” he added.

Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University then presided over the opening ceremony and delivered an opening speech to extend his warmest welcome to all participants gathered for the Conference.

“This exchange of Eastern and Western insights and practices on head and neck oncology promises to serve as a valuable forum for enhancing our comprehension of precision medicine in this specialty,” said Professor Panthongviriyakul.

“I invite you to immerse yourselves in the International Conference on Head & Neck Oncology 2024 and to enjoy both an enlightening conference experience and the hospitality of our city of Khon Kaen,” he added.

 

Opening speech by Professor Panthongviriyakul, KKU President

 

Welcome speech by Professor Vatanasapt, the President of ASHNO

 

Keynote presentations were given by invited speakers from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Harvard Medical School, USA as follows; “New Paradigm in Medical Oncology, from MDT to Precision Approach in Oropharyngeal Cancer” by Dr. Lori Wirth, “Precision Diagnosis of Head & Neck Cancer, the New HPV Testing Guidelines” by Dr. William Faquin and Dr. Peter Sadow, “Trans Oral Robotic Surgery, Who, When, and Why?” by Dr. Jeremy Richmon, “Cutting Edge in Radiation Oncology for Head & Neck Cancer: AI & SBRT” by Dr. James McIntyre, “Application of AI in Oncology” by Dr. Shawn Murphy, and “Clear Cell Odontogenic Carcinoma and Clear Cell Carcinoma of the Salivary Gland” by Dr. Maria Troulis.

 

KKU administrators and keynote speakers

 

There were parallel sessions with three breakout rooms to discuss topics including “Precision Surgery in Head and Neck Oncology,” “Implementing Precision Medicine in Head & Neck Oncology,” and “Tips and Tricks: Patient Registries and Computer Vision in Oncology.” There were also panel discussions on East vs West Perspectives on Head and Neck Cancer to develop collaborative research approaches to these issues.

 

Parallel sessions

 

Panel Discussion on East vs West Perspectives on Head & Neck Cancer

 

KKU was honored to host the International Conference on Head & Neck Oncology 2024. This international collaboration from head and neck oncology expert multidisciplinary teams provided a great opportunity for advancing clinical treatment quality for patients with head and neck cancers.

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun and Thu Thu Han  

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

Delegation from Molde University College – Specialized University in Logistics, Norway visits Srinagarind Hospital

 

On November 23, 2023, our Nursing Department welcomed a delegation from the Faculty of Health and Social Care, Molde University College – Specialized University in Logistics (MUC), Norway. Their delegation, led by Associate Professor Dr. Elin Mordal visited KKU to sign a MOU on academic cooperation with the Faculty of Nursing.

Mrs. Benchamart Channuan, RN, Deputy Hospital Director for Nursing Department, and her delegates delivered a welcome speech. MUC delegation then visited the Karunruk Palliative Care Center, Accident and Emergency Nursing Division, Wards 2B and 2D, and our Pediatric Nursing Division.

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

Cambodian Students from University of Puthisastra on exchange program at Srinagarind Hospital

 

MD-KKU recently welcomed third-year Associate Degree students from the Medical Laboratory Program at the Faculty of Health Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Puthisastra, Cambodia for an exchange program at Diagnostic Microscopic Laboratory, Srinagarind Hospital between November 24 and December 1, 2023.

They had many clinical learning experiences through the exchange program including a lecture on the structure and operational procedures of the Diagnostic Microscopic Laboratory. They also visited many places such as Specimen Center Unit, Clinical Diagnostic Microscopy Unit, Clinical Diagnostic Chemist and Immunology Unit, Clinical Microbiology Unit, Molecular Unit, Andrology Lab Unit, and Srinagarind Excellent Lab Unit.

On the final day, they gave presentations reflecting on and sharing their experiences. They learned a lot and were challenged during their visit. For instance, studying abroad gave them more independence, learning how self-management is crucial especially time, financial, and task management. However, they faced language barriers. To survive in Thailand, they had to not only practice English but also learn basic Thai communication skills.

Although they were many challenges during the visit, they were very useful learning experiences. They gained new clinical experience and knowledge that can be applied to their future careers as well as practicing foreign language communication skills.

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

Japanese resident visits MD-KKU Medicine Department on staff exchange program

 

MD-KKU’s Department of Medicine recently welcomed Dr. Takeharu Oda, a resident from Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital, Japan on a one-week staff exchange program at the Division of Cardiology from November 27 to December 1, 2023.

Dr. Oda’s visit to KKU was under a MOU to promote academic and medical research collaborations between MD-KKU and overseas universities by exchanging doctors, nurses, and medical students. His visit’s objective was to gain medical knowledge and skills for keeping up with future challenges in medical situations and health services provision.

During his visit, he appreciated the knowledge and experience he gained with our medical staff:

“I have  such  great memories with KKU doctors because they taught me a lot about Cardiology in English that can be helpful to me.  It was easy to understand and communicate with them during my visit,” said Dr. Oda.

“KKU doctors are very educational, so this is why you should come on exchange with them,” he recommended.

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

MD-KKU welcomes visiting professor from University of California, Davis, US

 

Associate Professor Wimorat Sriraj, MD, Associate Dean for Research and International Relations Affairs recently welcomed Professor Carlito Lebrilla from the Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA.

On November 21, 2023 Professor Lebrilla made a presentation in the Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (MBMB) seminar series 2/2023 on “Structural methods to probe and characterize the glycocarlyx interactions in the cell membrane”.

His research focuses on developing bioanalytical methods based on mass spectrometry with the goals of structurally characterizing bioactives in food and determining their relationships to health and diseases. Also, he and his team use Agilent technology to analyze the components of human milk and gain a better understanding of their various functions.

On this occasion, the Department’s staff led by Associate Professor Kulthida Vaeteewoottacharn, MD, Head of the Department also met with Professor Lebrille to discuss the development of collaborative-research and clinical skills development projects between the two institutions.

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith