KKU-MD delegation visits Kumamoto University, Japan.

 

A KKU-MD delegation led by Associate Professor Apichat Jiravuttipong, MD, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine visited Kumamoto University (KU) from June 7 to 11, 2023 for the purpose of educational collaboration extension. The delegation paid a courtesy call on Prof. Hisao Ogawa, KU President, and met KU School of Medicine researchers and physicians.

Kumamoto University is one of the oldest universities in Japan and supports a wide range of educational and research activities. KKU and KU signed an academic exchange agreement in 2004 to promote friendship and academic exchanges, especially in the fields of biology, health science, and medicine. In 2016 a Double Degree Program (DDP) agreement for doctoral degree between KU Graduate School of Medical Sciences and KKU-MD was initiated. The first KKU-MD student graduated from this program in 2023.

During the visit the delegation discussed cooperative achievements of graduate student and researcher exchanges, the DDP between KU and KKU-MD Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology programs, and the next collaborative project for potential DDP students. The discussions also included academic cooperation to provide KKU medical students, residents, graduate students, and faculty staff opportunities to visit and exchange with KU.

The KKU delegation also visited KU hospital’s medical services and toured their International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS) facilities meeting KKU exchange students there and many medical researchers. This visit strengthened KKU-MD’s cooperative relationships with KU in collaborative research and education development. It is hoped that the visit enhances KKU’s human resources capacity to contribute medical problem solving capacity not only at national but also global level.

 

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

KKU-MD welcomes exchange student from Kumamoto University, Japan.

On June 6, 2023, KKU-MD welcomed Miss Maako IFUKU, second-year exchange student from Kumamoto University, Japan to our Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute for four weeks (June 7 – 30, 2023) and Department of Tropical Medicine for four weeks (July 4 – 26, 2023). The program was organized under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for academic cooperation between Kumamoto University and KKU-MD.

At her Orientation Day, she was introduced to our faculty and programs via a campus tour, supervisor meetings, and city tour with her new KKU-MD student friends to visit famous attractions such as learning Thai culture at Wat Nong Waeng, experiencing the excitement of the amazing city view on the 28th floor skywalk of Khon Kaen Innovation Center, and the KKU Natural History Museum.

 

 

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

KKU-MD welcomes exchange student from University of Tsukuba, Japan.

 

On June 6, 2023, KKU-MD welcomed Miss Minami Tsubura, sixth-year medical exchange student from University of Tsukuba, Japan to our Department of Emergency​ Medicine. Her program was scheduled for two weeks from June 7 to 15, 2023 under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between University of Tsukuba and KKU-MD.

At her Orientation Day, she was introduced to our faculty and programs via supervisor meetings as well as campus and city tours with her new MD friends to KKU Natural History Museum and famous attractions such as Wat Nong Waeng to see a 360-degree panoramic view of Khon Kaen city from the top floor, and Khon Kaen Innovation Center to experience the skywalk.

 

 

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

KKU delegation visits UK universities for educational and research collaborations.

 

KKU delegates led by Assoc. Prof. Apichat Jiravuttipong, MD, Dean, Faculty of Medicine together with Asst. Prof. Dr. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin, Assistant Dean for Research and International Relations, KKU-MD, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Watcharin Loilome, Director, Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute (CARI), Dr. Poramate Klanrit, researcher, CARI, Dr. Arporn Wangwiwatsin, researcher, CARI, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Penprapa Phetcharaburanin, advisor for Museum and Lifelong Learning Center, visited the United Kingdom between May 7 and 14, 2023.

The first visit was to the University of Liverpool. KKU delegates toured research facilities in the Biosciences Building, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advancing the field of biological sciences. They also visited the Digital Innovation Facility, a leading center for digital technology development and industrial application in the UK, and the Cholangiocarcinoma Research Labs, Sherrington Building. The visit to the University of Liverpool was very meaningful for KKU especially in research and development.

 

KKU delegates visit the University of Liverpool.

 

 

At the University of York, they participated in short presentations and roundtable discussions and visited the Biology Building to be shown the Bioscience Technology Facility, where access to technology and research services for the biosciences in academia and industry is provided for the university and others throughout the world.

 

KKU delegates visit the University of York.

 

 

Another visit was at the Wellcome Genome Campus undertaking genome and biodata research. The Campus also provides bioinformatics resources for the global scientific community and delivers vital training in genomics and biodata to scientists and clinicians. At the Campus, KKU delegates delivered presentations about KKU Phenome Centre and the Faculty of Medicine, and also had a roundtable discussion on collaborative research development.

 

KKU delegates visit the Wellcome Genome Campus.

 

 

KKU delegates present about KKU Phenome Centre and KKU-MD.

 

Imperial College London was the last visit on the program. There, the delegates discussed MOU renewal and possibilities for further education and research collaboration between the College and KKU Faculty of Medicine especially with our Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute.

On this occasion the delegates also participated in the AMMF 2023 European Cholangiocarcinoma Conference at the Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport and attended the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Thailand Talk by Dr. Ruengsin Thennadee and the Professor Narong Khuntikeo Memorial Lecture by Professor Ross Andrews.

This UK visit greatly strengthened KKU-MD’s international collaboration relationships, in medical research and educational development, and teaching exchange and research documentation opportunities.

 

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

Medical exchange student from Gifu University, Japan completes KKU-MD elective program.

 

On May 26, 2023, we congratulated Mr. Araki Ayumu, exchange student from Gifu University, Japan on the completion of his elective exchange program with our Departments of Emergency Medicine and Community, Family and Occupational Medicine. He gave a presentation on his elective experiences, both academic and clinical training and multi-cultural experiences with Thai food, people, culture, and places.

On his graduation day, Assistant Professor Jutarop Phetcharaburanin, Assistant Dean for Research and International Relations Affairs also attended and presented a certificate of achievement to him. KKU-MD was pleased to be part of his successful time and to have him in our faculty.

 

 

“I was impressed with how students had a role in every clinical rotation unlike my home country,” said Mr. Ayumi.

“They were more used to clinical settings than us. Although there were some differences, every kind of treatment was the same and easy to learn.”

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

Lao medical residents and nurses join KKU-MD in emergency medicine exchange program.

 

KKU-MD recently welcomed the following residents and nurses from Lao PDR for a medical emergency exchange training program in May 2023:

1) Dr. Sataolee Leelianou, resident, University of Health Sciences (Duration: May 1 – 26, 2023)

2) Dr. Phimchay Kongpasith, resident, University of Health Sciences (Duration: May 1 – 26, 2023)

3) Dr. Visay Sisavath, resident, Setthathirath Hospital (Duration: May 1 – 12, 2023)

4) Dr. Vilayphanh Sounantha, resident, Mahosot Hospital (Duration: May 1 – 12, 2023)

5) Dr. Sangvien Thammavong, resident, Mittaphap Hospital (Duration: May 15 – 26, 2023)

6) Dr. Phaly Phanmalavong, resident, Mittaphap Hospital (Duration: May 15 – 26, 2023)

7) Ms. Souk Luangsiyotha, nurse, Mahosot Hospital (Duration: May 1 – 12, 2023)

8) Ms. Bounsee Lardsavong, nurse, Mittaphap Hospital (Duration: May 1 – 12, 2023)

9) Ms. Pamong Korphosy, nurse, Setthathirath Hospital (Duration: May 15 – 26, 2023)

10) Ms. Bouaphanh Luangphimpha, nurse, Mittaphap Hospital (Duration: May 15 – 26, 2023)

 

The program was coordinated by Mr. Kensho Ueda, Project Coordinator, University of Tsukuba Hospital, Japan as part of the “Stop Accident Fatality rise by EMS development and Road Safety (SAFER)” project aimed at reducing road fatalities and improving emergency medical services in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

 

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith