Category: News

Srinagarind Hospital, under the Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, recently hosted the 12th Annual Comprehensive Care Program for Cleft Lip, Palate, and Craniofacial Deformities, drawing international attention to its pioneering approach in holistic patient care. The event, held on August 24, 2024, at the Rachawadee Resort and Hotel in Khon Kaen, underscored the hospital’s commitment to providing world-class medical services and improving the quality of life for patients with complex craniofacial conditions.

The program, which has become a model of excellence in healthcare, is supported by the Khon Kaen Provincial Administration Organization and organized by the Tawanchai Foundation in collaboration with Srinagarind Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University. This year’s event was inaugurated by Mr. Prasit Thongthangthai, Deputy Governor of Khon Kaen Provincial Administration Organization, and attended by distinguished figures from both the medical field and the local community, including Prof. Dr. Benjamas Prathanee, Vice President of the Tawanchai Foundation.

Recognized for its multi-disciplinary approach, the program focuses on providing comprehensive care in five critical areas: health, education, livelihood, social integration, and empowerment. This holistic strategy ensures that patients not only receive top-tier medical treatment but also gain the necessary tools and support to lead fulfilling lives within their communities.

Prof. Dr. Benjamas Prathanee, in her address, highlighted the program’s impact over the past 12 years. She emphasized that the program has set a benchmark for integrated care in Southeast Asia, attracting interest from medical professionals and researchers worldwide. The program’s success in improving the quality of life for cleft lip and palate patients has positioned Srinagarind Hospital and Khon Kaen University as leaders in the global healthcare community.

Mr. Prasit Thongthangthai echoed these sentiments, noting the program’s alignment with national strategies aimed at promoting social equity and enhancing public health. He also pointed out the international significance of the program, which not only benefits local communities but also serves as a template for similar initiatives in other countries facing similar healthcare challenges.

The Srinagarind Hospital Comprehensive Care Program has been instrumental in fostering international collaboration, with medical experts from various countries participating in and learning from the program’s innovative practices. This global exchange of knowledge and expertise has further solidified the hospital’s reputation as a center of excellence in medical care and research.

As the program continues to evolve, Srinagarind Hospital and Khon Kaen University remain committed to advancing global healthcare standards. Their efforts reflect a broader mission to improve the lives of individuals with complex medical conditions worldwide, demonstrating the power of integrated care and international cooperation in achieving sustainable health outcomes.

This internationally recognized program at Srinagarind Hospital is not just a testament to the hospital’s medical prowess, but also a beacon of hope and a model of compassionate, comprehensive care that resonates across borders.

On Friday, August 16, 2024, Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Medicine held a special charity football match, the SINGHA ALL STAR Unity Match 2024, under the theme “A Healthy World, A Healthy People.” This event was a collaboration between the Faculty of Medicine and Singha All Star, supported by Boon Rawd Brewery Co., Ltd.

The KKU team, led by Associate Professor Pattarapong Makarawate, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, alongside faculty members, staff, and medical students, took to the field against the Singha All Star team, captained by Piti Bhirombhakdi and joined by several well-known celebrities and actors. The match was held at the 50^th Anniversary Stadium of Khon Kaen University.

International exchange students from Austria, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic also joined in the event, contributing to the spirit of global camaraderie and charitable efforts.

The proceeds from this event will go towards supporting the Faculty of Medicine’s mobile medical units for community health and the Cholangiocarcinoma projects at Khon Kaen University.

On July 22, 2024, the Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute (CARI) held an event titled “Research Towards Sustainable Solutions for Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma” at the SCI POWER FOR FUTURE THAILAND fair at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok.

Assoc. Prof. Watcharin Loilome, the Director of the Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, stated, “Cholangiocarcinoma poses a significant health threat to Thais, particularly in the northeastern region, where the incidence of this disease is high. The primary cause is liver fluke infection, which is a major risk factor. Therefore, it is crucial to study and research this disease to develop more effective prevention and treatment methods and to reduce its impact on public health.”

She added, “Research in this area is not only focused on understanding the causes and prevention of the disease but also on developing new technologies and innovations for diagnosing and treating cholangiocarcinoma. This will help increase survival rates and improve the quality of life for patients. Collaboration among researchers, doctors, and related organizations is essential in building a comprehensive and sustainable healthcare system for the people in this region.”

The event featured key activities, including a special lecture on “A Decade of Addressing Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Towards a Sustainable Future,” which presented strategies and visions for sustainably addressing these health issues in the coming decade. Additionally, there was a panel discussion on “Developing Research for Sustainable Solutions to Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma in Thailand,” aimed at finding more effective prevention and treatment methods. The discussion involved exchanging key insights and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, leading to the development of skilled professionals ready to face the challenges and changes of the modern world for sustainable economic and social development.

The event garnered significant attention from government agencies, the private sector, and the general public. It marked an important step in advancing medical research and innovation to improve the health of the Thai population, providing new hope in the fight against liver fluke and cholangiocarcinoma effectively and sustainably. This collective effort not only enhances knowledge and understanding but also inspires the development of a workforce equipped to tackle future challenges with resilience.

MDKKU congratulates Assoc. Prof. Kulthida Vaeteewoottacharn, a professor in the Biochemistry Department, on being appointed as “Kumamoto University Liaison Professor” since July 1, 2024. In this role, she will support Kumamoto University’s international activities related to international exchange, which will lead to the development and strengthening of international networks.

We are confident that Assoc. Prof. Vaeteewoottacharn’s expertise and dedication will significantly contribute to fostering academic collaborations. We look forward to the fruitful outcomes of her efforts in this esteemed position.

Over March 18-22, 2024, Queen Sirikit Heart Center of the Northeast, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University received its 2^nd hospital quality inspection visit by the JOINT COMMISSION INTERNATIONAL(JCI) Re-accreditation team.

We are pleased to announce that Queen Sirikit Heart Center was re-accredited, with JCI accreditation renewed for 3 years from March 23, 2024 to March 22, 2027.

Queen Sirikit Heart Center is thus certified as an international standard hospital by the USA- based JCI and with advanced HA quality certification from the Thai-based Healthcare Quality Accreditation Institute.

Source: https://th.kku.ac.th/180871/

Reporters: Sathaphorn Onlamun & Waratchaya Rachpoochai

Editor: Prof. John F Smith

MDKKU congratulates Prof. Sopit Wongkham and Assoc. Prof. Kulthida Vaeteewoottacharn, two Biochemistry Department professors, on their appointments as Visiting Professors at Kumamoto University, Japan from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2026.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

On September 25, 2023, MD-KKU congratulated Miss Orasa Panawan and Miss Saowaluk Saisomboon, the two latest graduates from the Double Ph.D. Degree Program (DDP) between Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program, MD-KKU and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kumamoto University (KU), Japan.

Miss Panawan was supervised by Assoc. Prof. Atit Silsirivanit and Assoc. Prof. Norie Araki, and Miss Saisomboon was supervised by Assoc. Prof. Kulthida Vaeteewoottacharn and Prof. Seiji Okada.  Assoc. Prof. Vaeteewoottacharn and Assoc. Prof. Silsirivanit, Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program representatives, also attended the students’ graduation day.

The DDP agreement between Kumamoto University and Khon Kaen University was initiated in 2017, and now also includes Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Faculties of Medicine and Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, and Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

On July 27, 2023, MD-KKU welcomed four pharmacy students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia. They participated in a training program at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, KKU between July 8 and 30, 2023.

They also met the Directors of Nursing and Pharmacy Divisions of Srinagarind Hospital and were introduced to our pharmacy services and also visited Ward 4A to see our medical service system.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

KKU-MD recently welcomed Professor Dr. Margaret Harris School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Australia, together with seven nursing students: Miss Katie Hole, Miss Lili Philipott, Miss Elena Norley, Miss Cassidy Wildman, Miss Jillian Brow, Miss Brianna Jenkins, and Miss Shelly Kleefsman. They participated in an exchange program at the Faculty of Nursing, KKU between June 25 and July 8, 2023.

On June 29, 2023, Assistant Professor Dr. Samoraphop Banharak, Associate Dean for Research, Innovation and International Affairs, Faculty of Nursing, KKU, led them on a visit to Samliam Primary Care Unit of Srinagarind Hospital. They saw this medical service system that integrates medical, nursing, psychological, and social sciences knowledge for treatment, rehabilitation, health promotion and disease prevention in this urban setting.

On July 3, 2023, they met the Director of Nursing Division of Srinagarind Hospital and were introduced to the hospital nursing service system and also visited the SEMI Medical Intensive Care Unit 4B.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

KKU delegates led by Assoc. Prof. Apichat Jiravuttipong, MD, Dean, Faculty of Medicine together with Asst. Prof. Dr. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin, Assistant Dean for Research and International Relations, KKU-MD, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Watcharin Loilome, Director, Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute (CARI), Dr. Poramate Klanrit, researcher, CARI, Dr. Arporn Wangwiwatsin, researcher, CARI, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Penprapa Phetcharaburanin, advisor for Museum and Lifelong Learning Center, visited the United Kingdom between May 7 and 14, 2023.

The first visit was to the University of Liverpool. KKU delegates toured research facilities in the Biosciences Building, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advancing the field of biological sciences. They also visited the Digital Innovation Facility, a leading center for digital technology development and industrial application in the UK, and the Cholangiocarcinoma Research Labs, Sherrington Building. The visit to the University of Liverpool was very meaningful for KKU especially in research and development.

KKU delegates visit the University of Liverpool.

At the University of York, they participated in short presentations and roundtable discussions and visited the Biology Building to be shown the Bioscience Technology Facility, where access to technology and research services for the biosciences in academia and industry is provided for the university and others throughout the world.

KKU delegates visit the University of York.

Another visit was at the Wellcome Genome Campus undertaking genome and biodata research. The Campus also provides bioinformatics resources for the global scientific community and delivers vital training in genomics and biodata to scientists and clinicians. At the Campus, KKU delegates delivered presentations about KKU Phenome Centre and the Faculty of Medicine, and also had a roundtable discussion on collaborative research development.

KKU delegates visit the Wellcome Genome Campus.

KKU delegates present about KKU Phenome Centre and KKU-MD.

Imperial College London was the last visit on the program. There, the delegates discussed MOU renewal and possibilities for further education and research collaboration between the College and KKU Faculty of Medicine especially with our Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute.

On this occasion the delegates also participated in the AMMF 2023 European Cholangiocarcinoma Conference at the Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport and attended the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Thailand Talk by Dr. Ruengsin Thennadee and the Professor Narong Khuntikeo Memorial Lecture by Professor Ross Andrews.

This UK visit greatly strengthened KKU-MD’s international collaboration relationships, in medical research and educational development, and teaching exchange and research documentation opportunities.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith