Category: Exchange Students

The Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University is thrilled to welcome 12 outstanding medical students from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” in Romania as part of the Asian Medical Student Exchange Program (AMSEP). This highly anticipated event, scheduled from August 17th to 26th, 2024, promises to be a dynamic blend of cultural discovery, academic growth, and global networking.

Assistant Professor Supawan Laohasiriwong, Assistant for International Relations and Corporate Communication, officially inaugurated the program, laying the foundation for a week filled with meaningful exchanges and memorable experiences.

Meet the Participants:

1. Ana-Maria Dragu
2. Andrada Nemesis Crisan
3. Bianca-Ilinca Moroianu
4. Diana-Ioana Pîrvu
5. Ioana-Alexandra Ciupan
6. Letitia Nan
7. Patricia Bobi
8. Rucsandra Antonia Brinzea
9. Teodora-Maria Ciubeica
10. Alexandru-Constantin Moroianu
11. Andrei Leonard Giurcă
12. George Albu

In partnership with the Student Affairs Office and AMSA Club, the program offers an immersive experience designed to enrich participants both culturally and academically, fostering new friendships and professional connections.

Program Highlights Include:

• Cultural Immersion: Engage deeply with Thai culture through interactive workshops, traditional ceremonies, and tours of significant cultural landmarks.
• Medical Exchange: Gain in-depth knowledge of Thai medical practices through specialized lectures, hands-on workshops, and hospital visits focused on areas such as tropical diseases.
• Community Engagement: Visit the “Lawa Model” project, a renowned community initiative aimed at combating liver fluke disease, offering a unique perspective on public health efforts.
• Skill Enhancement: Sharpen clinical skills in the Skill Lab and Parasitology Laboratory, with opportunities for reflective learning through group discussions.
• Networking and Social Events: Connect with peers from around the world during social gatherings, culminating in an exciting farewell celebration.

Khon Kaen University is honored to host these future medical leaders and anticipates that this exchange will inspire further collaboration and mutual understanding between the participating institutions.

On August 5, 2024, MDKKU warmly welcomed four exchange medical students from the Medical University of Innsbruck in Austria, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University in Ukraine, and the First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in the Czech Republic. The students are participating in a program to gain clinical skills, observe medical practices, and exchange experiences.

On their first day, the students attended an orientation session organized by the International Relations Office. The morning activities included an introduction to the faculty and curriculum, as well as a basic Thai language lesson covering everyday phrases such as greetings, apologies, thank-yous, and shopping expressions. They then went on a tour of key locations within the faculty, meeting with advisors and staff in their respective departments. In the afternoon, they familiarized themselves with the university’s transportation system, known as KKU Transit, and had the opportunity to ride the shuttle bus to various sites, including Food and Service Center 1 (KKU Complex), the swimming pool, KKU Fitness, the Art and Cultural Center, and the KKU night market, before returning to their dormitories.

This exchange program offers the visiting students not only an opportunity to develop their clinical skills but also a chance to immerse themselves in Thai culture and everyday life. The exposure to new environments and systems, such as KKU Transit and the local food and service centers, enhances their overall learning experience, allowing them to broaden their understanding of healthcare and cultural practices in a different part of the world.

On July 26, 2024, the Faculty of Medicine held a graduation ceremony for the exchange program participants: Dr. Phonepaserth Vongphoukham and Dr. Vilay Menivong, third-year Emergency Medicine residents from the University of Health Sciences, Lao PDR, Miss Anabelle Simone Lelong, a 4th-year medical student from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Poitiers, France, and Miss Alexandra Burianová, a 5th-year medical student from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic.

The four students presented and shared their experiences and impressions during their exchange period at the Faculty of Medicine.

Dr. Vongphoukham from Laos stated, “It has been a very valuable experience for me to learn at the Department of Emergency Medicine. I have learned a lot about teamwork and will apply this experience in my work back in my country.”

Meanwhile, Miss Burianová from the Czech Republic mentioned, “I had a great experience training in the Department of Surgery. Being part of the surgical team and receiving guidance and instruction from the professors was incredibly beneficial. I am very impressed.”

Miss Lelong from France said, “I am very impressed by the people here, who are very friendly. Especially in the General Surgery department, where the professors and staff speak excellent English, which helped me understand my studies very well. Thank you for this wonderful experience.”

Professor John F. Smith, PhD, an English Specialist from the Division of International Relations and Corporate Communication, attended the presentations and awarded certificates to all four students.

This event marked the successful completion of the exchange program, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in medical education. The students’ experiences reflect the value of cross-cultural learning and the positive impact it has on their professional and personal growth.

On July 12, 2024, Dr. Mohd Hijaz Zainudin, an orthopaedic surgeon from the Orthopaedic Department at Hospital Shah Alam, Malaysia, completed his exchange program at the Department of Orthopaedics, Khon Kaen University.

During his graduation ceremony, Dr. Zainudin presented his accomplishments and shared the experiences he gained from the exchange program at the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University. He expressed how impressed he was with the environment, the people, and the training he received.

He said, “I am very impressed and have gained invaluable experiences throughout my training here. The learning facilities are surrounded by beautiful nature and a pleasant environment. I have met many friendly and kind people, and the professors and staff in the department have been very helpful to me.”

On this occasion, Professor John F. Smith, PhD, an English Specialist from the Division of International Relations and Corporate Communication, attended Dr. Zainudin’s presentation. He also exchanged information to foster future collaborations and had the honor of presenting the certificate to Dr. Zainudin.

The Faculty of Medicine congratulates Dr. Zainudin once again and is delighted to have been part of his success. We hope that this experience will serve as a strong foundation, boosting his professional development and enhancing his ability to face future challenges.