Category: Internaitonal Visitor

Professor YONEZAWA Atsushi, Associate Professor AKIYOSHI Takeshi, and Associate Professor MATSUZAKI Juntaro, along with 18 pharmacy students from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Japan, recently visited Khon Kaen University for a comprehensive study tour and cultural exchange. As part of their visit, the delegation explored the Advanced Clinical Research Organization (ACRO) at the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, to gain insights into cutting-edge clinical research and management practices.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by Ms. Thanitta Udompanit, Deputy Director for Business & General Administration Department (BGAD), ACRO, who provided an overview of the facility’s capabilities and its contributions to global clinical research. ACRO operates as an enterprise unit under the Faculty of Medicine, with the primary mission of delivering internationally recognized clinical research services.

The visit by Keio University’s Faculty of Pharmacy is a testament to the international recognition of ACRO’s capabilities and the collaborative spirit that drives Khon Kaen University’s commitment to academic and professional excellence. The exchange provided an enriching experience for both institutions, fostering opportunities for future collaborations in the field of clinical research.

In an exciting development for the Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University, Associate Professor Thuss Sanguansak, Vice Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication, and Associate Professor Warachaya Phanphruk, Assistant Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication, are pleased to welcome Dr. Desiree Yap AM, a distinguished Specialist Gynecologist, MBBS FRANZCOG FRCOG MPHTM GAICD. Dr. Yap’s visit, scheduled from July 15th to August 5th, 2024, marks a significant step in our ongoing mission to enhance educational standards and foster international collaboration.

Dr. Yap, a specialist at the Royal Women’s Hospital’s Dysplasia Unit, renowned for her expertise in abnormal cervical screening, brings a wealth of clinical, research, and teaching experience. Additionally, she serves in the Menopause Unit at Monash Medical Centre Southern Health, making her visit a highly anticipated event for our faculty and students.

Throughout her visit, Dr. Yap will deliver impactful lectures aimed at raising the standards of both pre-degree and post-degree education, aligning with our goal of internationalization. She will also explore opportunities for international collaborative research projects, providing valuable academic support in developing postgraduate studies and supervising staff and postgraduate students in related fields.

This prestigious visit is facilitated by the dedicated efforts of Associate Professor Waraluk Sombunpon from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Their commitment to fostering international relationships and enhancing the academic environment at Khon Kaen University is greatly appreciated.

We are thrilled to host Dr. Yap and look forward to the invaluable insights and advancements her visit will bring to our institution.

On July 26, 2024, representatives from the Office of International Affairs at Khon Kaen University (KKU) hosted Ms. Chaidarun Tippawan, Director of the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) Thailand Programs, for a significant meeting with the Faculty of Medicine’s representatives.

The discussions were led by Assistant Professor Supawan Laohasiriwong, MD, Assistant for International Relations and Corporate Communication, alongside Associate Professor Watcharin Loilome, Director of the Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, and Associate Professor Sutas Suttiprapa, Head of the Department of Tropical Medicine.

The primary focus of the meeting was to explore academic cooperation opportunities, particularly in student exchange programs and professional training experiences. The collaboration aims to enhance knowledge and understanding in public health and health sciences through joint educational initiatives and partnerships within Khon Kaen University.

Since its establishment in 1982, USAC, a non-profit organization, has provided life-changing opportunities for students to live and learn across various countries worldwide. With over 50 international study programs across various countries, USAC is committed to providing students with countless opportunities to experience life abroad and become global citizens.

This meeting highlights Khon Kaen University’s dedication to building global partnerships and advancing excellence in health sciences. By fostering international collaboration, the university aims to enrich educational experiences and drive innovation in public health, ultimately benefiting both the local and global communities.

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.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smit

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.