MDKKU Department of Surgery Welcomes Exchange Students from Czech Republic and France

 

On July 1, 2024, MDKKU welcomed Miss Anabelle Simone LELONG, a 4th-year medical student from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Poitiers, France, and Miss Alexandra Burianová, a 5th-year medical student from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic, for an exchange program at the Department of Surgery.

On the first day of the exchange, both students participated in an orientation activity organized by the International Relations Office to receive information about Khon Kaen University, the Faculty of Medicine, and basic Thai language lessons for daily life. Afterward, they met with faculty members and staff to register for their studies. The morning activities concluded with a campus tour to familiarize them with various locations in the Faculty of Medicine.

In the afternoon, they took part in a KKU campus tour to get acquainted with facilities and amenities within the university using the transportation system called KKU Smart Transit (KST). They tried this transit system to visit various places such as the KKU Sports Complex, swimming pool, art center, and the Food and Service Center 1 (KKU Complex).

The orientation activities organized by the Faculty of Medicine for these two exchange students are hoped to be beneficial for their adaptation to the environment, faculty, and Thai friends, as well as for their survival in a culturally different society. Most importantly, it aims to make them feel warm and part of our community.

 

 

 

Residents from Indonesia and Laos Successfully Complete Exchange Program at Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Medicine

 

On June 28, 2567, Dr. Prisilla Desfiandi, a dedicated Orthopaedic and Traumatology resident, along with Emergency Medicine Residents from Laos, including Drs. Phaengkham Ondala, Phaithong Phengpanya, and Sourivong Khounthikoumman, concluded and shared their exchange program experiences at the Faculty of Medicine.

During the presentation, they had the honor of being joined by Professor John F. Smith, PhD, English Specialist from the Division of International Relations and Corporate Communication.

All residents were impressed and gained valuable experience from this exchange, such as teamwork and new medical practices. Dr. Khounthikoumman expressed, “I had a great opportunity to exchange here. Besides gaining new medical knowledge to develop medicine in my country, I learned to work in teams with many kind-hearted Thai friends.”

Simultaneously, Dr. Desfiandi was impressed by the people here, despite language and cultural differences. She stated, “The Thai friends here are very kind. Although English was sometimes a barrier in communication, everyone tried to explain everything to me. Thank you so much.”

The Faculty of Medicine is delighted to serve as a hub of opportunity for international students interested in exchanges with us. This knowledge and experience will greatly benefit the future development of the medical field for humanity.

This exchange program underscores the collaborative spirit and commitment to enhancing medical education and cultural understanding among participants from Indonesia, Laos, and Thailand.

 

 

 

Khon Kaen University Hosts Esteemed Guests from Japan and Singapore

 

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

 

MDKKU collaboration with Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam

 

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

 

Discover Dr. Mohd Hijaz Zainudin’s Exciting Spine Fellowship Journey at Khon Kaen University

 

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Mohd Hijaz Zainudin, an esteemed orthopaedic surgeon from the Orthopaedic Department at Hospital Shah Alam, Malaysia, has applied for a Spine Fellowship at Khon Kaen University.

Dr. Mohd Hijaz Zainudin will undertake his fellowship under the mentorship of Associate Professor Permsak Paholpak at the Department of Orthopaedics, Khon Kaen University, from June 3, 2024, to July 14, 2024.

We are excited to welcome Dr. Mohd Hijaz Zainudin and are confident that his participation in this Spine Fellowship will significantly contribute to his professional development. This collaboration will also enhance the exchange of medical expertise between Orthopaedic Department at Hospital Shah Alam, Malaysia and Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University.

 

Elective Rotation of Lao Emergency Medicine Residents at Khon Kaen University

 

Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Medicine proudly announces the arrival of three accomplished Lao Emergency Medicine residents for an elective rotation at our esteemed Department of Emergency Medicine.

Drs. Phaengkham Ondala, Phaithong Phengpanya, and Sourivong Khounthikoumman, all third-year residents from Laos, will embark on this enriching opportunity from June 4, 2024, to June 28, 2024. During their tenure, they will immerse themselves in diverse clinical scenarios, cutting-edge medical practices, and engage in invaluable academic exchanges.

This initiative not only highlights Khon Kaen University’s dedication to fostering global medical collaboration but also underscores our commitment to nurturing future healthcare leaders. The Lao residents’ participation promises to enhance their skills, broaden their perspectives, and strengthen Thailand/Lao PDR ties in emergency medicine.

Join us in welcoming Drs. Phaengkham Ondala, Phaithong Phengpanya, Sourivong Khounthikoumman, and all our Lao colleagues to Khon Kaen University. Together, we look forward to a fruitful exchange of knowledge and experiences that will benefit healthcare communities in Laos and Thailand alike.

 

Orthopaedic Resident Dr. Prisilla Desfiandi Joins Khon Kaen University for Academic Exchange

 

Khon Kaen University is delighted to announce the participation of Dr. Prisilla Desfiandi, MD, from Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia, in our Academic Exchange Program.

Dr. Prisilla Desfiandi, a dedicated Orthopaedic and Traumatology resident, will embark on an enriching international experience at Khon Kaen University in Thailand from June 1 to June 30, 2024.

Currently in the sixth semester of residency, Dr. Prisilla Desfiandi brings a profound commitment to expanding medical knowledge and expertise across diverse settings. With a particular interest in pediatric orthopaedic cases, Dr. Prisilla Desfiandi is dedicated to delivering exemplary patient care, driven by a passion for excellence in Orthopaedics.

This academic exchange represents a pivotal opportunity for Dr. Prisilla Desfiandi to advance in the field of Orthopaedic surgery through hands-on experience and cross-cultural learning. Their journey is marked by a steadfast dedication to patient care excellence and continuous professional development.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Prisilla Desfiandi as they join our academic community at Khon Kaen University.

 

MD-KKU Researcher Honored with Metabolomics Society Award at International Conference in Japan

 

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 20th 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

 

MDKKU Strengthens Academic Collaboration with Chinese Consuls

 

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

 

MDKKU, AstraZeneca, and depa Thailand Join Forces to Use AI for Early Detection of Heart Failure and Lung Cancer

 

Khon Kaen, Thailand – June 11, 2024 – In a landmark collaboration aimed at revolutionizing early disease detection, the Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University (MDKKU), AstraZeneca (Thailand) Company Limited, and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency of Thailand (depa) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today. This partnership focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technology to significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of early screening for heart failure and lung cancer.

The agreement was signed by representatives as follows:

  • MDKKU:
    • Associate Professor Dr. Phattharaphong Makornwet, Dean
    • Associate Professor Dr. Thuss Sanguansak, Vice Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication
  • AstraZeneca (Thailand) Company Limited:
    • Ms. Apinya Viriyaramphanon, Head of Business Excellence and Innovation
    • Mr. Jondy Syjuco, Senior Business Unit Director, CVRM & Core Brands
  • depa Thailand:
    • Ms. Kasama Kongsak, Assistant Director General, Strategy and Security Group

 

 

Through this collaboration, MDKKU will utilize AI technology provided by AstraZeneca. This AI will be instrumental in detecting early warning signs of heart failure and lung cancer, enabling faster and more precise diagnoses, which holds the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes.

The ultimate goal of this partnership is to reduce mortality rates from these two leading causes of death and enhance the overall quality of life for patients. Early detection allows for timely intervention and treatment, leading to better prognoses and improved health outcomes. Additionally, depa’s involvement will ensure the development of a robust digital infrastructure to support the sustainable implementation of this AI-powered screening system.

The MOU signing ceremony was witnessed by distinguished representatives from all three parties.

AstraZeneca (Thailand) Ltd.:

  1. Tanika Pannoppa Business Unit Director – Oncology
  2. Narubon Kanungsatitkit Product Manager, CVRM (Head of Project from CVRM)
  3. Rattakorn Chaokunha National Sales Manager
  4. Sawacke Wuthithanchamroen BBU Expansion Commercial Head
  5. Tanitra Ju-ngam Business Unit Director – Rare Disease
  6. Kritamait Vithayaruksun Government and Public Affairs Manager

Digital Economy Promotion Agency of Thailand

  1. Pradit Kongpunga Interim Division Manager,Lower Northeastern Provincial Cluster Office
  2. Acting Lt. Din Supawat Senior Officer, Central Northeastern Provincial Cluster Office

Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University

  1. Prof. Sirirat Anutrakulchai Vice Dean for Research and Innovation
  2. Prof. Warachaya Phanphruk Assistant Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication
  3. Prof. Burabha Pussadhamma Head, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine
  4. Montri Yasud Assistant Dean for Physical Facilities and Environment Management
  5. Manun Tanaichot Head, Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Queen Sirikit Heart Center of the Northeast
  6. John F. Smith English Specialist, International Relations Office

The signing of this MOU marks a significant step forward in Thailand’s healthcare landscape. By embracing AI technology, this collaboration paves the way for a future where early disease detection becomes more efficient and accurate, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for all.