MD-KKU welcomes Japanese and Costa Rican medical exchange students: May 2024

 

On May 7, 2024, MD-KKU welcomed fifth-year medical exchange students, Mr. Kentaro TANIHATA from Gifu University, Japan and Miss Mildred Fabiola GONZALEZ BERMUDEZ from Universidad Iberoamericana, Costa Rica. They have joined our Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Department of Surgery for a four-week period.

During their orientation morning, the International Relations Officers started with a brief introduction to the Faculty of Medicine and Khon Kaen University, popular Thai dishes and essential Thai phrases for everyday conversation. Following this, they visited their respective departments for meetings with their supervisors.

 

Introduction to KKU and Faculty of Medicine

 

Visiting the Department of Surgery

 

Visiting Department of Otorhinolaryngology

 

They then took a quick tour of key areas within Srinagarind Hospital, and then headed to the canteen where they tried to purchase their lunch in Thai using the vocabulary and expressions they had learned earlier.

In the afternoon, we conducted a guided tour of significant locations within Khon Kaen University. Utilizing the KKU smart transit system (shuttle bus) as our primary mode of transportation, we aimed acquainted them with the routes and boarding procedures of the KKU smart transit system (shuttle bus) and also visited the Sports Complex, sports stadium, swimming pool, and fitness centers. Following this, we proceeded to the KKU Natural History Museum, showcasing valuable historical and natural resources, as well as a wealth of traditional and global knowledge. Our final stop was the KKU Learning Media Center, where they had the opportunity to purchase various souvenirs and KKU merchandise.

 

Visiting KKU fitness center

 

Exploring KKU Natural History Museum

 

We hope that this first-day orientation was helpful to Mr. Kentaro and Miss Mildred as they embark on their medical exchange journey at KKU. We helped them get to know the campus, introduced them to important language skills, and showed them around key facilities, in order to make sure they feel comfortable and supported as they settle into their new surroundings and life.

 

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun & Kunthida Paiyasen

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

 

MDKKU Medical Illustration students earn awards for international internship presentations

 

On May 3, 2024, fourth-year MD-KKU Medical Illustration students presented at the International CWIE KKU at Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre, Khon Kaen.

These students completed internships abroad as part of the Cooperative and Work Integrated Education Program (CWIE) run by the MD-KKU Department of Medical Illustration, from November 2023 to March 2024. They were based at four different international agencies:

  1. Mr. Phanuphong Lalu and Miss Anongnapa Hongudorn at Phongsavanh Bank Limited, Lao PDR,
  2. Miss Natsaraphon Simphab and Miss Thima Aimkul at Kasemrad International Hospital, Vientiane, Lao PDR,
  3. Mr. Chudet Butkan, Mr. Phongsatorn Juanchaiyaphum, and Miss Nattaya Khongchai at LA Retail Sole Company Limited, Lao PDR, and
  4. Miss Arissara Boonsong, Mr. Yudtapichai Sameenham, and Miss Athittayakorn Phonhong at Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, Cambodia.

 

The following students received various awards for their presentations as follows:

1.Awards for international project/research presentation in Humanities, Social Sciences and Management:

Outstanding Presentation Award: Miss Natsaraphon Simphab

Runner–up Outstanding Presentation Award: Miss Arissara Boonsong, Mr. Yudtapichai Sameenham, and Miss Athittayakorn Phonhong

 

2.Second-place award for highest viewed/liked content: Mr. Phanuphong Lalu

 

 

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

 

Japanese medical exchange students complete MDKKU elective program: April 2024

 

On April 26, 2024, Miss Ito Nana and Miss Miyu Iwata, sixth-year exchange students from Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan, successfully concluded their three-week elective program with our Department of Community, Family and Occupational Medicine.  Their program ran from April 17 to May 2, 2024.  Professor John F Smith of the Division of International Relations and Corporate Communication awarded them with their certificates.

 

 

At a feedback session on their final day they shared their impressions and clinical experiences including at Samlium Primary Care Unit (SPCU), visiting the mobile medical unit program at Phon Hospital, and at Srinagarind Hospital. Miss Ito shared “Many doctors, nurses, and medical staff from several hospitals gathered to treat patients there (the mobile unit). In addition, all medical expenses were all free.”

She was also very surprised by the mobile medical unit event. “I think it was a very important event for the patients who live far away from the hospital and don’t have enough money. There is no event like this in Japan, so it was great to be able to see that.” This experience left a lasting impression on her, reaffirming the importance of accessible medical services for all individuals, regardless of their financial circumstances.

They also expressed their appreciation for the warmth of the community and the heartfelt welcome extended by KKU personnel. They very much enjoyed the social and cultural activities they experienced, visiting temples and markets in Khon Kaen “Khon Kaen University students and faculty have been wonderful. Everyone is so kind to us” they shared.

 

“I will never forget this experience and will study even harder” – Miss Miyu

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun & Kunthida Paiyasen

 

MD-KKU welcomes Lao medical residents to the Emergency Medicine elective program

 

On May 6, 2024, MD-KKU welcomed Dr. Kanthana Panyasvath and Dr. Jorveu Yianouchongteng, a 3rd year emergency medicine resident from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Laos, to an elective rotation in the Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University. The duration of the program is one month starting from May 6–31, 2024.

On behalf of MD-KKU, we warmly welcome their visit and hope that they will benefit greatly from advanced knowledge and medical experience gained during this time.

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun and Waratchaya Rachpoochai

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

 

Newsletter Issue 1-2567

MD-KKU Strengthens Academic Ties with University of Bergen, Norway

 

On April 29, 2024, Associate Professor Pattarapong Makarawate, Dean of Faculty of Medicine, Associate Professor Thuss Sanguansak, Vice Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication, Associate Professor Pattapong Kessomboon, Department of Community Medicine, and personnel of the International Relations Office warmly welcomed Professor Reidar K. Lie, Professor of Philosophy, Department of Philosophy, University of Bergen, Norway. This gathering marked another pivotal moment in furthering the academic partnership between MD-KKU and the University of Bergen.

Professor Lie has been instrumental in fostering cooperation between the University of Bergen and MD-KKU, leading to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2016. This MOU has facilitated the exchange of medical students in Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology through credit transfer programs. Additionally, Professor Lie has served as a Visiting Professor at MD-KKU, delivering specialized instruction to graduate students, physicians, and faculty members on medical science, research ethics, and community medicine. He has also been actively engaged in collaborative research projects with MD-KKU faculty since 2016.

The recent discussion aimed to broaden this collaboration by focusing on short-term exchanges for graduate students, physicians, and nurses. Furthermore, plans are underway to host international conferences on medical ethics in partnership with the University of Bergen and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), further enhancing MD-KKU’s academic, research, and medical service capabilities on a global scale. This strategic initiative underscores MD-KKU’s commitment to excellence and international cooperation in advancing medical education and healthcare standards.

 

 

Written by Kunthida Paiyasen

Edited by Pawinee Khamlar

 

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