On November 17, 2025, the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University (KKU), embarked on a groundbreaking mission to explore new frontiers in medical care. Leading a delegation of senior executives, including Mr. Surapol Phetvora, Vice Chairman of KKU Council, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Pantongviriyakul, President of KKU, alongside the Faculty of Medicine’s executive team, the group visited Reha Rheinfelden, a world-renowned rehabilitation center in Switzerland.
Reha Rheinfelden is globally recognized for its comprehensive patient care, innovative rehabilitation approaches, and advanced medical research. The visit aimed to discuss potential academic and research collaborations, gather insights, and explore strategies to develop a Medical Hub in Northeast Thailand while promoting the Faculty of Medicine’s Center of Excellence in Rehabilitation to meet international standards and the healthcare needs of the public.
The KKU delegation included distinguished executives and experts:
- Mr. Surapon Petch-vra, Vice Chairman, Khon Kaen University Council
- Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, President, Khon Kaen University
- Assoc. Prof. Cholatip Pongskul, Assistant to the President for Strategic Plan Monitoring and Key Initiatives Director, Wellness and Medical Innovation Zone Administration Center
- Assoc. Prof. Pattarapong Makarawate, Dean, Faculty of Medicine
- Assoc. Prof. Leelawadee Techasatian, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, Faculty of Medicine
- Assoc. Prof. Daris Theerakulpisut, Assistant Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication, Faculty of Medicine
- Assoc. Prof. Jittima Saengsuwan, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine
- Ms. Pawinee Khamlar, Head, International Cooperation Development Unit, International Relations Office, Faculty of Medicine
The delegation received a warm welcome from Reha Rheinfelden’s senior executives:
- Prof. Dr. med. Leo Bonati, CEO and Medical Director
- PD Dr. med. Katrin Parmar, Head, Multiple Sclerosis Centre
- PD Dr. phil. Corina Schuster-Amft, Head, Research Department
- Willi Bäckert, Head, Department of Therapy
- Mara Völlmin, Sector Head, Medical Services
Reha Rheinfelden: A Global Model of Comprehensive Rehabilitation
Prof. Dr. med. Leo Bonati, CEO and Medical Director introduced Reha Rheinfelden’s comprehensive service model. Founded in 1896 as a non-profit foundation with public mandates, the center provides complete rehabilitation across neurology, orthopedics, geriatric, internal medicine, and oncological rehabilitation. The center also offers Medical Wellness programs at Park-Hotel am Rhein, integrating expert-led therapy, holistic health programs, and restorative leisure for both body and mind.
PD Dr. phil. Corina Schuster-Amft, Head of the Research Department, highlighted the center’s cutting-edge rehabilitation innovations and research capabilities, including Motion Analysis using 3D technology, the EU Program “Ambient Assisted Living” to enhance the quality of life of elderly patients in Europe, and Tele-Assisted Rehabilitation and Training programs, with research initiatives focused on improving treatments for conditions such as Systemic Sclerosis and Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis.
Ms. Mara Völlmin, Head of Medical Services, presented Reha Rheinfelden’s patient management system, which ensures comprehensive rehabilitation through a multidisciplinary Patient Manager team, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, massage specialists, and nurses. This system allows physicians to focus on treatment content while ensuring high-quality, holistic patient care.
A Key Step Toward an International Medical Hub
This mission underscores Khon Kaen University’s commitment to advancing a Medical Hub and Center of Excellence in Rehabilitation Medicine to meet international standards. It also aims to elevate healthcare services in Northeast Thailand to match global medical centers, marking a significant milestone for KKU’s Faculty of Medicine in its journey toward internationalization and sustainable growth in academic, research, and medical services.