On July 23, 2024, the Faculty of Medicine, led by Assoc. Prof. Thuss Sanguansak, Vice Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication, warmly welcomed Assoc. Prof. Hiroyuki Otsuka, the Director of the Emergency Center at the Department of Emergency Medicine and Surgery, Tokai University Hachioji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
During his visit, Associate Professor Otsuka engaged in a study tour and held discussions aimed at fostering collaboration in the fields of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery. Initial coordination was conducted with Assistant Professor Panu Teeratakulpisarn, MD, Head of the Center of Excellence for Trauma at the Trauma Unit, Department of Surgery, Khon Kaen University.
This visit marks a significant step forward in the Faculty of Medicine’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international partnerships and advance medical education and research. The collaboration with Tokai University Hachioji Hospital has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of patients by improving trauma care and surgical outcomes in Thailand.
On July 19, Associate Professor Thuss Sanguansak, Vice Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication, welcomed Associate Professor Tomohisa Uchida, a distinguished pathologist from the Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Japan. The meeting marked a significant step forward in fostering international academic partnerships.
Joined by Associate Professor Warachaya Phanphruk, Assistant Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication, and Mrs. Duangkamol Srisawasdi, Head of the International Relations Office, the discussion delved into various opportunities for collaboration between the two esteemed institutions.
Associate Professor Uchida, who manages Oita University’s Bangkok office, plays a pivotal role in facilitating student exchanges and overseeing research collaborations. “I am delighted to explore opportunities to enhance our partnership with Khon Kaen University,” he remarked. He expressed gratitude for Khon Kaen University’s initiative to send medical students to Oita University, emphasizing that the existing MOU between the two universities would streamline the process of launching a student exchange program.
This year, Oita University’s Faculty of Medicine has already welcomed 10 students from Thailand: three from Siriraj Hospital, four from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mahasarakham University, and three from the Faculty of Science at Chulalongkorn University. These students have been engaged in various basic medical fields, including immunology and physiology, enriching their academic experience and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
In an exciting development, Associate Professor Uchida announced that Khon Kaen University will send Dr. Thanatat Panitphong to observe Gastroenterological Surgery at Oita University in September. This initiative is expected to further strengthen the ties between the two institutions and provide valuable learning opportunities for Dr. Panitphong.
The meeting concluded on a high note, with both parties expressing optimism about the future of their collaboration. The potential for academic excellence and mutual growth through these partnerships promises to benefit students and faculty alike.
On July 17, 2024, the Medical Illustration Department, Faculty of Medicine, welcomed faculty members and students from the Science Communication Department, National Pingtung University (NPTU), Taiwan.
Dr. Kan Komany, the Chairperson of the Medical Illustration Program, introduced the department’s details, curriculum, activities, and educational facilities. Dr. Piyanat Sudee and Dr. Pakarat Tempiam, faculty members of the program, also provided information and led a tour of the advanced medical illustration painting classroom taught by Dr. Chommanad U-pachitkul.
In addition, the visitors toured the Studio Production House of the Faculty of Medicine, where Mr. Sarawut Wongyai demonstrated the studio’s usage and the production of online educational materials through KKUMEDX, which is crucial for future integrated learning management.
The visit concluded with a productive exchange of ideas and experiences, strengthening the collaborative relationship between the two institutions. Both parties expressed enthusiasm for future cooperation and the potential for joint projects that could enhance the quality of education and research in both countries.
On July 17, 2024, Associate Professor Pattarapong Makarawate, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University (KKU), had the honor of welcoming Professor Seung Hwan Lee from Seoul National University College of Medicine, Korea. Professor Lee was accompanied by Associate Professor Prapan Jutavijittum from the Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, and Mrs. Rungnapa Jutavijittum from the Blood Bank Section at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital.
The esteemed delegation was warmly received by prominent members of KKU, including:
Associate Professor Thuss Sanguansak, Vice Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication
Associate Professor Veeradej Pisprasert, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs
Associate Professor Warachaya Phanphruk, Assistant Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication
Assistant Professor Sakkarn Sangkhamanon, Head of the Department of Pathology
Duangkamol Srisawasdi, Head of the International Relations Office
The primary purpose of this significant visit was to discuss and explore the feasibility of academic and research collaborations between Khon Kaen University and Seoul National University. The focus of these discussions was on clinical trials for Lao physicians, nurses, and medical personnel from the University of Health Sciences, Lao PDR, with grant support provided by Seoul National University College of Medicine.
As part of the visit, Professor Lee also had the opportunity to conduct a study visit to the Academic Clinical Research Office (ACRO) at KKU’s Faculty of Medicine, further emphasizing the commitment of both institutions to foster innovative research and enhance medical education.
This visit marks an important milestone in the pursuit of international collaboration, aiming to advance medical research and education for the benefit of the global healthcare community.
On July 15, 2024, the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, led by Assoc. Prof. Thuss Sanguansak, Vice Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication, welcomed Professor Satoru Demura, MD, from Kanazawa University School of Medicine, Japan, who is a Visiting Professor at the Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine.
On this occasion, Associate Professor Taweechok Wisanuyotin, MD, and Associate Professor Permsak Paholpak, MD, from the Department of Orthopedics, also participated in the reception. They had the opportunity to discuss various collaboration topics, such as the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), upcoming medical research collaboration projects, as well as staff and student exchange programs aimed at fostering professional development and advanced medical technology exchange.
This discussion was beneficial to both institutions, particularly in promoting the exchange of medical knowledge, new technologies, and modern treatment approaches. It also supported joint research efforts to discover new methods of treatment and disease prevention. Additionally, it created more opportunities for training and skill development of medical personnel through experience exchange and learning from international experts.
On July 8, 2024, Khon Kaen University Faculty of Medicine, led by Dr. Nantaporn Wongsurawat, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, along with Mrs. Puangpayom Kaewpila, Head of Educational Service Office, and Mrs. Duangkamol Srisawasdi, Head of International Relations Office, welcomed a delegation from Eastern International University (EIU), Vietnam.
“I am honored to welcome a distinguished delegation from a leading university in Vietnam,“ said Dr. Wongsurawat. “I hope that the exchange of knowledge and experience between the Faculty of Medicine and Eastern International University will be beneficial to both parties. I am confident that this visit will open up opportunities for us to learn from each other and build a strong relationship.”
Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Doan Trang, Executives of International Affairs Office, one of the EIU representatives, said, “I would like to thank you for the warm welcome from the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University. We are honored to have the opportunity to visit this prestigious institution. Khon Kaen University’s reputation for medical excellence is well–known worldwide. We are excited to learn and exchange valuable experiences with you. This visit will be an excellent opportunity to strengthen the relationship between our two institutions. We hope to collaborate on various academic endeavors in the future.”
During the meeting, Dr. Wongsurawat presented informative materials to the EIU delegation, including an introduction to Khon Kaen University, general information about the Faculty of Medicine, and the medical education curriculum. They also discussed academic collaboration between the two institutions.
This discussion and exchange will strengthen the medical education network and expand opportunities to build good relationships with foreign institutions, promoting the organization’s international image and providing its staff with diverse skills and experiences.
We are honored to welcome H.E. Mr. Jonathan Kings, Ambassador of New Zealand, to Srinagarind Hospital. Joining him are Professor Vanchai Vatanasapt, former KKU president and former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Associate Professor Pattarapong Makarawate, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Associate Professor Thuss Sanguansak, Vice Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication, and Associate Professor Warachaya Phanphruk, Assistant for International Relations and Corporate Communication.
Srinagarind Hospital began outpatient services in a temporary building under the leadership of its first director, Associate Professor Dr. Napadon Thongsophit. The hospital’s construction was a collaboration between the Thai and New Zealand governments, with designs by Llewelyn-Davies Weeks Forester-Walkers and Bor of England and construction management by Kingston Reynolds Thom & Allardice Limited (KRTA) of New Zealand. This project aimed to provide university-level healthcare services to the populous Northeast region of Thailand and enhance the capacity to produce knowledgeable and skilled medical and health personnel.
His Majesty the King Rama IX laid the foundation stone of Srinagarind Hospital on February 19, 1976, and graciously named it in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra. The construction of the hospital’s treatment and service buildings was completed in 1982, establishing Srinagarind Hospital as the first tertiary care university hospital in Northeast Thailand.
The Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University (MDKKU) was delighted to host the visit of distinguished guests from Japan and Singapore on Monday, June 24, 2024; Professor Masayuki Hayashi, Director of the Private College, Government, and Academic Sectors Collaboration Promotion Department at Osaka Christian College, Japan, and Miss Rikako Suzuki, a Speech-Language-Hearing Therapist at The Japanese Association Clinic, Singapore.
Assistant Professor Supawan Laohasiriwong, Assistant for International Relations and Corporate Communication, and Professor Benjamas Prathanee extended MDKKU’s warm welcome to the guests. The meeting was held at the prestigious Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic within Srinagarind Hospital, part of the MDKKU’s Department of Otorhinolaryngology. The primary objective of their visit was to facilitate insightful discussions and exchange cutting-edge ideas with our medical experts specializing in speech-language-hearing and hearing care.
Professor Hayashi and Miss Suzuki’s presence at MDKKU underscored a shared commitment to international collaboration for advancing medical knowledge and healthcare improvement.
On Friday, June 21, 2024 the Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University (MDKKU) welcomed a distinguished delegation from Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy(CTUMP), Vietnam. The visit marked a significant step towards strengthening academic and professional collaboration between the two institutions.
The visit began with a warm welcome speech by Assoc. Prof. Thuss Sanguansak, Vice Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication, who expressed excitement about the potential collaborations and shared goals for medical education and research.
An integral part of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Faculties of Medicine, CTUMP and KKU to facilitate the exchange of staff and students and shared resources for medical training.
A particular highlight of the visit was CTUMP’s interest in MDKKU’s Skill Lab and their methods for cadaver collection and preparation. CTUMP plans to establish its own cadaver center and sees KKU’s expertise as invaluable for this endeavor.
The CTUMP delegation also included Dr. DO Thi Thao, an esteemed alumna who completed her PhD at Khon Kaen University, exemplifying the long-standing academic relationship between the two institutions.
KKU Faculty of Medicine is committed to advancing global health education and is honored to collaborate with such prestigious institutions as CTUMP. We look forward to a fruitful partnership that will benefit both universities and their respective medical communities.
The Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy delegation included:
Assoc. Prof. NGUYEN Thanh Tan – Vice Rector
Assoc. Prof. DO Chau Minh Vinh Tho – Vice Head of Faculty of Pharmacy
DO Thi Thao – Vice Head of Faculty of Odonto Stomalogy
NGUYEN Tan Dat – Vice Head of Faculty Public Health
NGUYEN Nhu Nghia – Vice Head of Faculty of Medicine
PHAM Thi My Ngoc – Director of Medical Education and Skill Training Center
PHAM Viet My – Vice Head of Department of Anatomy (Faculty of Medicine)
HOANG Minh Tu – Lecturer, Department of Anatomy (Faculty of Medicine)
Assoc. Prof. NGUYEN Thi Ngoc Van – Head of Science Technology and External Relations Office
KKU Faculty of Medicine Delegation included:
Assoc. Prof. Thuss Sanguansak – Vice Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication
Assoc. Prof. Warachaya Phanphruk – Assistant Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication
Assoc. Prof. Chalerm Eurboonyanun – Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs
Asst. Prof. Raksawan Deenonpoe – Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs
Assoc. Prof. Jariya Umka Welbat – Head of Anatomy Department
Ms. Puangpayom Kaewpila – Head of Educational Services Office
On June 19, 2024, Associate Professor Thuss Sanguansak, Vice Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication, representing the Faculty of Medicine, along with international relations officers, welcomed Mei You and Yan Tinging, consuls from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Khon Kaen.
The meeting aimed to discuss potential academic collaborations, including the exchange of experts, researchers, staff, and students, as well as possible joint activities or projects in the future. The discussions were highly productive and are likely to develop into a positive collaboration between the two institutions, fostering academic internationalization.
