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

 

Showcasing MDKKU’s leadership in synthetic research, evidence-based medicine, and research contributions in Thailand and abroad

 

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

 

An inspiring chapter unfolded at MDKKU for medical exchange students and residents: March 2024

 

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