MD-KKU welcomes visiting professor from University of California, Davis, USA

 

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

 

MD-KKU welcomes exchange student from University of Tsukuba, Japan: May 2024

 

On May 21, 2024, MD-KKU warmly welcomed Mr. Yutaro Sakanaka, a fifth-year medical student from University of Tsukuba, Japan. Mr. Sakanaka will be joining the Department of Emergency Medicine for a two-week period from May 21 to 30, 2024.

The orientation day began with the International Relations Officers gave Mr. Sakanaka with an insightful introduction to the Faculty of Medicine and Khon Kaen University. The session included a brief on popular Thai dishes and essential phrases for everyday conversation, aimed at easing his transition into the local culture. Following the introduction, Mr. Sakanaka was guided to the Department of Emergency Medicine to meet his supervisors.

 

Introduction to KKU and Faculty of Medicine

 

Visiting Department of Emergency Medicine

 

The tour continued with a visit to key places within Srinagarind Hospital, where Mr. Sakanaka was introduced to the hospital’s facilities and operations. A highlight of the morning was his attempt to buy lunch in Thai at the canteen, using the newly learned vocabulary and expressions.

 

Ordering lunch in Thai

 

The afternoon session featured a KKU campus tour. Utilizing the KKU smart transit system, he was familiarized with the shuttle bus routes and boarding procedures. The first stop was the Sports Complex, where he explored the sports stadium, swimming pool, and fitness center. The tour proceeded to the KKU Art and Culture Center, where he gained insights into Thai culture through its diverse collection of artworks. The day concluded with a visit to the Food and Services Center 1 (Complex), exploring various shops and services available to students.

 

Visiting Fitness KKU

 

Exploring KKU Art and Culture Museum

 

This orientation aimed to ensure that Mr. Sakanaka feels comfortable and supported as he begins his medical training at Khon Kaen University. By familiarizing him with the campus, introducing essential language skills, and showcasing key facilities, MD-KKU has set the stage for a successful and enriching exchange experience for him.

 

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun & Kunthida Paiyasen 

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

 

MD-KKU welcomes Japanese and Costa Rican medical exchange students: May 2024

 

On May 7, 2024, MD-KKU welcomed fifth-year medical exchange students, Mr. Kentaro TANIHATA from Gifu University, Japan and Miss Mildred Fabiola GONZALEZ BERMUDEZ from Universidad Iberoamericana, Costa Rica. They have joined our Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Department of Surgery for a four-week period.

During their orientation morning, the International Relations Officers started with a brief introduction to the Faculty of Medicine and Khon Kaen University, popular Thai dishes and essential Thai phrases for everyday conversation. Following this, they visited their respective departments for meetings with their supervisors.

 

Introduction to KKU and Faculty of Medicine

 

Visiting the Department of Surgery

 

Visiting Department of Otorhinolaryngology

 

They then took a quick tour of key areas within Srinagarind Hospital, and then headed to the canteen where they tried to purchase their lunch in Thai using the vocabulary and expressions they had learned earlier.

In the afternoon, we conducted a guided tour of significant locations within Khon Kaen University. Utilizing the KKU smart transit system (shuttle bus) as our primary mode of transportation, we aimed acquainted them with the routes and boarding procedures of the KKU smart transit system (shuttle bus) and also visited the Sports Complex, sports stadium, swimming pool, and fitness centers. Following this, we proceeded to the KKU Natural History Museum, showcasing valuable historical and natural resources, as well as a wealth of traditional and global knowledge. Our final stop was the KKU Learning Media Center, where they had the opportunity to purchase various souvenirs and KKU merchandise.

 

Visiting KKU fitness center

 

Exploring KKU Natural History Museum

 

We hope that this first-day orientation was helpful to Mr. Kentaro and Miss Mildred as they embark on their medical exchange journey at KKU. We helped them get to know the campus, introduced them to important language skills, and showed them around key facilities, in order to make sure they feel comfortable and supported as they settle into their new surroundings and life.

 

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun & Kunthida Paiyasen

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

 

MDKKU Medical Illustration students earn awards for international internship presentations

 

On May 3, 2024, fourth-year MD-KKU Medical Illustration students presented at the International CWIE KKU at Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre, Khon Kaen.

These students completed internships abroad as part of the Cooperative and Work Integrated Education Program (CWIE) run by the MD-KKU Department of Medical Illustration, from November 2023 to March 2024. They were based at four different international agencies:

  1. Mr. Phanuphong Lalu and Miss Anongnapa Hongudorn at Phongsavanh Bank Limited, Lao PDR,
  2. Miss Natsaraphon Simphab and Miss Thima Aimkul at Kasemrad International Hospital, Vientiane, Lao PDR,
  3. Mr. Chudet Butkan, Mr. Phongsatorn Juanchaiyaphum, and Miss Nattaya Khongchai at LA Retail Sole Company Limited, Lao PDR, and
  4. Miss Arissara Boonsong, Mr. Yudtapichai Sameenham, and Miss Athittayakorn Phonhong at Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, Cambodia.

 

The following students received various awards for their presentations as follows:

1.Awards for international project/research presentation in Humanities, Social Sciences and Management:

Outstanding Presentation Award: Miss Natsaraphon Simphab

Runner–up Outstanding Presentation Award: Miss Arissara Boonsong, Mr. Yudtapichai Sameenham, and Miss Athittayakorn Phonhong

 

2.Second-place award for highest viewed/liked content: Mr. Phanuphong Lalu

 

 

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

 

Japanese medical exchange students complete MDKKU elective program: April 2024

 

On April 26, 2024, Miss Ito Nana and Miss Miyu Iwata, sixth-year exchange students from Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan, successfully concluded their three-week elective program with our Department of Community, Family and Occupational Medicine.  Their program ran from April 17 to May 2, 2024.  Professor John F Smith of the Division of International Relations and Corporate Communication awarded them with their certificates.

 

 

At a feedback session on their final day they shared their impressions and clinical experiences including at Samlium Primary Care Unit (SPCU), visiting the mobile medical unit program at Phon Hospital, and at Srinagarind Hospital. Miss Ito shared “Many doctors, nurses, and medical staff from several hospitals gathered to treat patients there (the mobile unit). In addition, all medical expenses were all free.”

She was also very surprised by the mobile medical unit event. “I think it was a very important event for the patients who live far away from the hospital and don’t have enough money. There is no event like this in Japan, so it was great to be able to see that.” This experience left a lasting impression on her, reaffirming the importance of accessible medical services for all individuals, regardless of their financial circumstances.

They also expressed their appreciation for the warmth of the community and the heartfelt welcome extended by KKU personnel. They very much enjoyed the social and cultural activities they experienced, visiting temples and markets in Khon Kaen “Khon Kaen University students and faculty have been wonderful. Everyone is so kind to us” they shared.

 

“I will never forget this experience and will study even harder” – Miss Miyu

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun & Kunthida Paiyasen

 

MD-KKU welcomes Lao medical residents to the Emergency Medicine elective program

 

On May 6, 2024, MD-KKU welcomed Dr. Kanthana Panyasvath and Dr. Jorveu Yianouchongteng, a 3rd year emergency medicine resident from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Laos, to an elective rotation in the Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University. The duration of the program is one month starting from May 6–31, 2024.

On behalf of MD-KKU, we warmly welcome their visit and hope that they will benefit greatly from advanced knowledge and medical experience gained during this time.

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun and Waratchaya Rachpoochai

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

 

Newsletter Issue 1-2567

MD-KKU Strengthens Academic Ties with University of Bergen, Norway

 

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