Category: Internaitonal Visitor

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.

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.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

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:

1. Assoc. Prof. NGUYEN Thanh Tan – Vice Rector
2. Assoc. Prof. DO Chau Minh Vinh Tho – Vice Head of Faculty of Pharmacy
3. DO Thi Thao – Vice Head of Faculty of Odonto Stomalogy
4. NGUYEN Tan Dat – Vice Head of Faculty Public Health
5. NGUYEN Nhu Nghia – Vice Head of Faculty of Medicine
6. PHAM Thi My Ngoc – Director of Medical Education and Skill Training Center
7. PHAM Viet My – Vice Head of Department of Anatomy (Faculty of Medicine)
8. HOANG Minh Tu – Lecturer, Department of Anatomy (Faculty of Medicine)
9. Assoc. Prof. NGUYEN Thi Ngoc Van – Head of Science Technology and External Relations Office

KKU Faculty of Medicine Delegation included:

1. Assoc. Prof. Thuss Sanguansak – Vice Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication
2. Assoc. Prof. Warachaya Phanphruk – Assistant Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication
3. Assoc. Prof. Chalerm Eurboonyanun – Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs
4. Asst. Prof. Raksawan Deenonpoe – Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs
5. Assoc. Prof. Jariya Umka Welbat – Head of Anatomy Department
6. Ms. Puangpayom Kaewpila – Head of Educational Services Office

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

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.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

On May 21, 2024, MD-KKU, led by Assoc. Prof. Pattarapong Makarawate, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, along with the Dean and members of the Faculty of Architecture, welcomed Prof. Michael Siminovitch, Professor of Design, Rosenfeld Chair in Energy Efficiency, Director of the California Lighting Technology Center, and Associate Director of the Energy Efficiency Center at the University of California, Davis. Prof. Siminovitch was the guest speaker for a remarkable seminar on “Circadian Design-Stress Mitigation for Healthcare Environments.”

On this occasion, Assoc. Prof. Pattarapong Makarawate welcomed Prof. Michael Siminovitch with a warm speech: “Your presence marks a significant milestone in our journey towards academic and research collaboration, and we are thrilled at the prospect of discussing future collaborations with you. Together, we can lay the groundwork for joint initiatives that will undoubtedly advance our mutual goals of enhancing healthcare environments and outcomes,” he said.

During the meeting, Prof. Siminovitch presented his research on lighting design for healthcare facilities and environments. The seminar emphasized enhancing patient wellness through mindful environmental design, highlighting aspects such as the design of pre-op surgery areas, imaging rooms, suitable lighting for restrooms, and the use of amber light. The event also featured discussions on academic and research collaborations, along with a visit to Srinagarind Hospital.

This valuable meeting served as a bridge between the Faculty of Medicine and the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Prof. Michael Siminovitch, and we look forward to future collaborations as we share the same goal of enhancing patient healthcare and services.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun & Waratchaya Rachpoochai

Editing by Prof. John F Smit

On April 29, 2024, Associate Professor Pattarapong Makarawate, Dean of Faculty of Medicine, Associate Professor Thuss Sanguansak, Vice Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication, Associate Professor Pattapong Kessomboon, Department of Community Medicine, and personnel of the International Relations Office warmly welcomed Professor Reidar K. Lie, Professor of Philosophy, Department of Philosophy, University of Bergen, Norway. This gathering marked another pivotal moment in furthering the academic partnership between MD-KKU and the University of Bergen.

Professor Lie has been instrumental in fostering cooperation between the University of Bergen and MD-KKU, leading to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2016. This MOU has facilitated the exchange of medical students in Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology through credit transfer programs. Additionally, Professor Lie has served as a Visiting Professor at MD-KKU, delivering specialized instruction to graduate students, physicians, and faculty members on medical science, research ethics, and community medicine. He has also been actively engaged in collaborative research projects with MD-KKU faculty since 2016.

The recent discussion aimed to broaden this collaboration by focusing on short-term exchanges for graduate students, physicians, and nurses. Furthermore, plans are underway to host international conferences on medical ethics in partnership with the University of Bergen and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), further enhancing MD-KKU’s academic, research, and medical service capabilities on a global scale. This strategic initiative underscores MD-KKU’s commitment to excellence and international cooperation in advancing medical education and healthcare standards.

Written by Kunthida Paiyasen

Edited by Pawinee Khamlar