Category: International Conference

 

Khon Kaen, Thailand – Mr. Nutt Trakarnthai, a medical student from the Cho-Kalaphruek Excellent Research Project for Medical Students (CERPMS) cohort 2, and his advisor, Asst. Prof. Charupong Saengboonmee from the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, have won the prestigious first-place award in the international Factor X Video Competition at the Biomolecular Horizons 2024 conference.

This renowned event was co-organized by the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) and the Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists (FAOBMB). It took place from September 22-26, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia.

Their winning entry demonstrated groundbreaking insights into biochemical research, showcasing innovative approaches that impressed an international panel of judges. The competition was part of a broader event that gathered leading scientists and researchers from around the world to discuss advances in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Khon Kaen University celebrates this achievement as a significant milestone, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to excellence in research and its international reputation.

 

 

On September 20, 2024, the British Council Thailand, in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, extended a warm welcome to the Honourable Catherine West, UK Minister for Indo-Pacific Affairs, for a bilateral meeting in order to advance and support scientific collaboration between researchers from Thailand and the UK, highlighting the strong partnership in higher education and research between the two nations.

A research team from Khon Kaen University (KKU) had the privilege of presenting their collaborative project with Imperial College London. The team included Assistant Professor Dr. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin from the Faculty of Medicine and Chairperson of the Phenomic Research and Academic Services Steering Committee at KKU, Dr. M.L. Manida Suksawat from the International College and member and assistant secretary of the Phenomic Research and Academic Services Steering Committee at KKU, and Mr. Theerayut Bubpamala, a graduate student in the Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program at the Faculty of Medicine, KKU.

 

 

The project, titled “Personal Health AI for Phenomic Medicine Open Data Infrastructure for Research, Development and Innovation in Thailand,” is a joint effort with Associate Professor Dr. Jia Li and a team of experts from multiple fields such as phenomics, data science, and artificial intelligence at Imperial College London. Imperial College, recognized as the second-best university globally by the QS World University Rankings, stands as a world-renowned institution of academic excellence.

This collaborative project highlights the increasing significance of AI and phenomic medicine in advancing healthcare and scientific research in Thailand, representing a key milestone in fostering international academic collaboration.

 

 

Photo credit: British Council Thailand

 

 

The Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, extends its congratulations to Assist. Prof. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin, PhD, from the Department of Systems Biosciences and Computational Medicine, who also serves as Chairman of the Committee to Drive Research and Academic Services at the Phynomics Phenome Center, on the occasion of being one of six researchers worldwide to receive the “2024 Metabolomics Society L.M.I.C. Travel Award” at the 20^th Annual International Conference of the Metabolomics Society: Metabolomics 2024 in Osaka, Japan. The research by Assist. Prof. Phetcharaburanin and his team was selected for an oral presentation on the topic “Metabolome-microbiome Dynamics Following Cholangiocarcinoma-derived Fecal Microbiota Transplantation and Oral Bile Reinfusion in Wistar Rat” by the Metabolomics Society.

This research utilizes the technique of human fecal microbiota transplantation into experimental animals combined with metabolomics and microbiomics approaches. The aim is to study the function and mechanisms of gut microbiota from Cholangiocarcinoma patients on the host’s gut health. This investigation seeks to provide functional insights at the molecular level into the gut microbiota of Cholangiocarcinoma patients and to examine the effects of oral bile reinfusion on gut microenvironment recovery. This foundational molecular evidence will be valuable for medical personnel caring for Cholangiocarcinoma patients and serve as a significant knowledge base for researchers and innovators in developing future medical advancements.

The international conference was attended by over 800 participants from universities and research institutions worldwide. It aims to provide a platform for metabolomics researchers to meet and present their work through oral and poster presentations. The conference also seeks to build a robust network of metabolomics research and engage in academic discussions on world-class research in a relaxed and collegial atmosphere. The research topics at the conference are divided into various themes, including Technology Advances; Computational Metabolomics, Statistics, and Bioinformatics; Metabolomics in Health and Disease; Metabolomics of Food, Plants, and Environment and Microbes.

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

 

 

On April 23, 2024, MD-KKU representatives led by Assoc. Prof. Thuss Sanguansak, Vice Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication, Assoc. Prof. Warachaya Phanphruk, Assistant for International Relations and Corporate Communication, and Dr. Nantaporn Wongsurawat, Assistant for Academic Affairs, welcomed delegations from Institute of International Education (IIE) under the International Academic Partnership Thailand (IAPP Thailand). A total of 20 representatives from US embassies and universities met at the Sarasin Meeting Room, 2^nd floor, Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University.

 

 

Assoc. Prof. Nawarat Wara-Aswapati, PhD, Vice President for International Affairs, welcomed the delegations with a warm welcome speech on partnership and collaboration. “It’s a pleasure to welcome you all to our campus and we look forward to productive discussion, connection and friendship, as well as many more collaborations to come,” she said.

 

US delegations and KKU deans discussed and exchanged their vision for academic partnerships.

 

Courtney Temple, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, one of the representatives from USA institutions suggested international exchange and collaboration, stating: “If we have chances to collaborate, we will definitely have a beautiful world because we have learned from each other.”

 

 

As for MD KKU, we are looking forward to further collaboration with US institutions since we believe that fostering such partnerships will lead to mutual growth and innovation.

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun & Waratchaya Rachpoochai

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

 

 

A MD-KKU delegation recently attended a workshop on Universal Newborn Hearing Screening in Sydney, Australia with delegations from the National Health Security Office (NHSO), Chulalongkorn University, and the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. The workshop ran between July 18 and 21, 2023.

The MD-KKU delegation was led by Assoc. Prof. Wimorat Sriraj, MD, Associate Dean for Research and International Relations Affairs together with Prof. Kwanchanok Yimtae, MD, Director of Academic Clinical Research Office (ACRO), Assoc. Prof. Pakaphan Kiatchoosakun, MD, Head of Pediatrics Department, and Dr. Nichtima Chayaopas, Department of Otorhinolaryngology. They also visited Macquarie University and the Shepherd Centre.

 

A workshop on Universal Newborn Hearing Screening hosted by Australian Hearing Hub (AHH)

 

 

The workshop on Universal Newborn Hearing Screening was hosted by the Australian Hearing Hub (AHH) with many speakers sharing their experiences. Lecture sessions covered AHH background and its collaboration with private and public sectors to develop newborn hearing screening systems for better access to effective treatment and family support systems to optimize the daily lives of children with hearing loss.  In group discussions, delegates discussed progress, obstacles, and possible solutions for newborn hearing problems in Thailand, and brainstormed approaches to solve problems, provide medical services, and increase human capital especially audiologists.

 

Lecture Session

 

Group Discussion Session

 

 

The MD-KKU delegation also visited Macquarie University in Sydney, a leader in developing private-public collaborations in education, research, and medical service. The delegation also met the chief executive of the Macquarie University to discuss strategies and collaborations at national and international levels to support children with hearing loss.

 

MD-KKU delegation visits Macquarie University and meets the chief executive.

 

 

The delegation also visited the Shepherd Centre in Sydney. For more than 50 years, the Centre has cared for children with hearing loss and their families. It is supported by private and public sectors as well as donors for facilities and activities like developmental surveillance, hearing aids, auditory skill and language practices, preparation for the real world, counseling, and health care delivery.

 

A visit to the Shepherd Centre

 

The workshop on Universal Newborn Hearing Screening was beneficial for KKU to improve its capacity for treatment of children with hearing loss. Improvements in rapid screening, language and communication development, and social skills enhancement should empower children to have productive and fulfilled lives.

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

 

Assistant Professor Rit Apinyankul, MD, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University was recently an invited speaker at the 2023 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting held in Las Vegas, USA between March 7-11, 2023.

He spoke on  “Complications, Implant Survivorships and Functional Outcomes of Conversion Total Knee Arthroplasty With Prior Hardware”

 

 

His co-authors were Alexander Y. Hui, MD, PhD; Katherine Hwang, MPH; Nicole Alexandriadria Segovia, MS; Derek F. Amanatullah, MD, PhD; James I. Huddleston, MD; William J. Maloney, MD; and, Stuart B. Goodman, MD, PhD, from the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center Outpatient Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.

Dr. Rit is a key innovator for quality of life research for knee and hip arthroplasty patients at Srinagarind Hospital.

During his research fellowship at Stanford University two years ago (2021), he was involved in arthroplasty technology development with the innovative research team there.

Besides academic, clinical services, research and innovation work at MD-KKU, Dr.  Rit also on the executive administrative team as Assistant to the Dean for Administration.

 

 

Detailed disclosure information is available via:

AAOS Orthopaedic Disclosure Program: www.aaos.org/disclosure

Published on The Journal of Arthroplasty 2023 Elsevier

News Reported by Professor John F. Smith and Duangsamorn Chankwang, International Relations Office, MD-KKU

 

Assistant Professor Artit Boonrod, MD, Department of Orthopedics, and Dr. Sarat Tiangwan, MD, recently presented their research at the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) Congress 2023, held in Boston, USA between June 18 and 21.  The ISAKOS Congress is the premier international meeting for sharing the latest advancements in arthroscopy, knee surgery and sports medicine. It also covered a variety of new and cutting edge surgical techniques and approaches to clinical management, and current controversies in orthopaedic practice.

Our KKU-MD delegates also visited the medical center for knee surgery due to sports injury and shoulder arthroplasty at the New England Baptist Hospital in Boston. This visit was supervised and facilitated by Dr. Michael Ackland, Dr. Glen Ross, and Dr. Paul Weitzel.

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

 

Professor Pisake Lumbiganon, MD, President of Asia & Oceania Federation of Obstetrics & Gynecology (AOFOG) and KKU-MD ex-dean, recently attended the Federation’s Executive Board and Council meetings at the Vietnam National Conference on Obstetrics and Gynecology. The conference ran between June 13 and 16, 2023 in Hanoi.

 

 

Professor Lumbiganon delivered a speech at the opening ceremony to specialists, scientists, and medical professionals gathered from 25 countries in region and around the world.

AOFOG is an organization of the national societies of Obstetrics & Gynecology of countries in the Asia region to promote the science and art of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology, to support the study and implementation of population control, and to promote international cooperation and goodwill particularly in Asia & Oceania.

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

 

The Tropical Disease Research Center (TDRC), KKU recently hosted a three-day Workshop on Lawa Model: One Health in Action from May 31 to June 2, 2023 with the support of Chevron Corporation and the Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN). The course covered the principles of One Health, extensive examples of diseases and disaster, and explored the Lawa Model, with an optional short field visit to witness the Lawa Model in action.

The optional field visit and workshop were primarily arranged for professionals from health and related fields from ASEAN countries. The field visit’s objectives were to provide participants with on-site exposure to the Lawa Model as a One Health showcase, enabling them to receive practical experience and knowledge to apply to emerging health issues in their respective countries.

The Lawa Model has been recognized nationally and internationally as one of two showcase models for helminth control by WHO/NZD4. The Lawa Model, applying One Health approach, has been recommended for the control of foodborne trematode infections by WHO Western Pacific Region. For over a decade the Lawa community has been a training site for health professionals and researchers from Thailand and around the world to learn about One Health approach.

 

Associate Professor Apichat Jiravuttipong, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine

 

Professor Dr. Banchob Sripa, Director of KKU-TDRC

 

Dr. Vipat Kuruchittham, Executive Director of SEAOHUN

 

Ms. Dee Bourbon, Senior Social Investment Advisor of Chevron Corporation

 

The first day commenced with welcome and opening session by Professor Dr. Banchob Sripa, Director of Tropical Disease Research Center, who delivered the project report.

“The Tropical Disease Research Center or TDRC introduced a new control strategy for liver fluke infection using the One Health approach in the endemic Lawa Lake area of Khon Kaen Province,” said Professor Sripa.

“The program, now known as the Lawa Model, has gained national and international recognition and today we are pleased to have more than 35 participants taking part in the field trip workshop from SEAOHUN member countries including Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, and two participants from India and Bangladesh.”

It was then a great honor for TDRC to invite Dr. Vipat Kuruchittham, Executive Director of SEAOHUN, and Ms. Dee Bourbon, Senior Social Investment Advisor of Chevron Corporation, important sponsors to deliver a speech to all participants.

Associate Professor Apichat Jiravuttipong, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, presided over the opening ceremony and delivered the welcome and opening speech.

“Today we gather for the Lawa Model field trip, where qualified participants will witness the Model in action,” said the KKU-MD president.

“Through this immersive experience, you will gain practical knowledge to address emerging health challenges in your own countries, I believe.”

On the opening day, all participants were introduced to the project background information and orientation for the field trip by Professor Sripa. They were also provided with ice-breaking activities and allowed to join group discussion sharing experiences and discuss community health problems in their countries to create lessons learned from each group.

 

Day 1: Sharing One Health experiences and discussing current community health problems

 

On the second day, participants observed the Lawa Model in practice at the Lawa Lake community. They firstly had a meeting at Lawa Health Promoting Hospital on an overview of liver flukes and Lawa Model, waste management, and demonstration of Lawa Model. The next visit was at Banlawa School to observe a demonstration of liver fluke-free school and then to Lawa households to observe local fermented fish production.

 

Meeting at Lawa Health Promoting Hospital

 

A demonstration of liver fluke-free school

 

Observing local fermented fish production

 

Next Dr. Sirikachorn Tangkawattana led all participants to visit animal and environmental health sites. The TDRC team demonstrated proper pet healthcare and animal restraint. Then they moved to an environmental modification area at Don Pordaeng Village, the final station of the field trip. They visited a lake site where a road was constructed to reduce the population of Bithynia snails, and they also observed Lawa fishermen catching fish from the lake.

 

A demonstration of pet healthcare

 

Visiting an environmental modification area at Don Pordaeng Village

 

The third day involved debrief and course wrap-up and reflection. The participants reported back on their experiences and learnings they were able to apply to health problem solving through final group presentations.

 

Day 3: Debrief and wrap-up and course reflection

 

We hope all participants increased their One Health concept knowledge and will successfully integrate it into community health solutions in their own countries.

 

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

 

Prof. Bowornsilp Chowchuen and delegates from KKU-MD’s Tawanchai Foundation for Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Deformities (TFC) joined Nakhon Phanom Provincial Health Officers and medical scholars at a conference at Khammouane Provincial Hospital, Lao PDR between April 24 and 25, 2023. The conference was hosted by Dr. Somsaat Ounsida, Khammouane Vice Governor and Ms. Thitiya Panmanee, Consul of the Royal Thai Consulate-General, Savannakhet.

This is the third collaboration conference under the MOU between Khammouane Provincial Hospital, Lao PDR and Nakhon Phanom Provincial Health Office, Thailand. The collaboration aims to enhance medical health services for patients with cleft lip, cleft palate and craniofacial deformities in Khammouane and nearby provinces.

On this occasion Dr. Ounsida expressed his appreciation to medical professionals for their dedication and strong collaboration, and also his gratitude to Prof. Chowchuen for financial aid for medical treatment.

This important collaboration enables Lao patients to increase their confidence in their daily lives, and improve their communication and overall quality of life.

 

 

Sources: https://pr.moph.go.th/index.php?url=pr/detail/2/03/190265/

https://fb.watch/k8CAV2DSaO/

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith