Category: Exchange Students

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

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

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

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

On April 1, 2024, MD-KKU warmly welcomed Mr. OKU HARUKI, a fifth-year medical exchange student from Wakayama Medical University, Japan, to our Department of Emergency Medicine. Mr. Haruki will be with us for a duration of four weeks, from April 1 to April 26, 2024.

On the morning of his orientation day, the International Relations Officers began by providing Mr. OKU HARUKI with a concise overview of the Faculty of Medicine and Khon Kaen University. Additionally, we introduced him to some essential Thai words and phrases for everyday communication. Following this, we escorted him to his department where he met with his program supervisors.

Introduction of KKU and Faculty of Medicine

Introduction to Department of Emergency Medicine

Following that, he embarked on a brief tour of the Faculty of Medicine and Srinagarind Hospital, during which we highlighted key locations within the faculty. Subsequently, he visited the canteen, where he utilized the Thai phrases he had learned earlier in the day to buy his lunch.

Ordering lunch

In the afternoon, we conducted a campus tour utilizing the KKU smart transit system (shuttle bus) to familiarize him with the routes and boarding procedures. Our first stop was the KKU Sports Complex, encompassing fitness facilities, a swimming pool, and a sports stadium, providing him with an overview of recreational options on campus. Next, we visited the KKU Art and Culture Center, offering insights into Thai culture through its diverse collection of artworks. Continuing the tour, he went to the Food and Services Center 1 (Complex), where he practiced his Thai language skills while making purchases. Lastly, we concluded the tour at the Learning Center, the KKU Library, where we provided him with a brief orientation on library services, usage guidelines, and operating hours.

Visiting KKU fitness center

Visiting KKU Library

We hope that this orientation provided on his first day will help Mr. Haruki begins his journey in the medical school at Khon Kaen University. By familiarizing him with the campus, introducing essential language skills, and showcasing key facilities, we aim to ensure that he feels well-prepared and supported as he navigates his studies and life in a new environment.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun, Kunthida Paiyasen

Editing by Prof. John F Smith