The Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University hosted the 8th Khon Kaen University International Challenge on Emergency Medicine and related basic science 2023 (KKU ICEM 2023) between March 15 and 20, 2023. KKU ICEM is a competition focused on emergency conditions and their management. International medical students compete against each other in clinical workshops and academic competitions as well as share cultural experiences.
At the opening ceremony Assoc. Prof. Praew Kotruchin, MD, Project Advisor to the 8th KKU ICEM; welcomed the delegates “We have put every effort in to making this year the best that we can. I hope you enjoy the competition. Of course, the competition isn’t all about winning but also about making friends, connections, and having fun,” she said. “Apart from academic activities, I’m sure our medical students will share their Thai culture with and develop friendships for the future,” she added.
Prof. Songsak Kiatchoosakun, MD, Director of Srinagarind Hospital, then delivered an opening speech. “This event will be a great opportunity for you to gain meaningful experiences and to utilize in your future medical careers,” he stated.
KKU ICEM included cardiovascular and general emergency workshops for the students to learn from professional cardiologists and emergency physicians.
The cardiovascular emergency workshop had opportunities for the participants to gain experience in echocardiogram, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), ECG interpretation, and murmur auscultation.
They also had opportunities in the general emergency workshop for experience with endotracheal tube intubation, intercostal drainage (ICD), first aid in vascular injury, and advanced trauma life support (ATLS).
KKU ICEM academic team and individual competitions had 4 rounds: multiple choice question, modified essay question, semi-finals, and finals. The competition winners are shown below:
In addition to the academic experiences, KKU ICEM participants also joined in cultural exchange activities, such as Khon Kaen trips and night events where they spent their time together enjoying traditional shows and making new friends.
They visited important attractions in Khon Kaen: Wat Nong Waeng, a 9-storey pagoda temple with a 360-degree panoramic view of Khon Kaen city from the top, Mekin Farm, Nong Rua to see organic plantations and cook healthy homemade dish and desserts, and Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum, a geological museum exhibiting dinosaur fossils.
KKU ICEM organized an “Esan Fun Fair” where participants joined various activities costumes, such as Thai folk plays, Isan folk music and performance, and local food. The successful “Temple Fair” party, with participants in colorful national costumes, was a fitting farewell celebration of the week of academic, clinical, and multicultural exchange experiences.
Participants were clear they had a great time at KKU ICEM, and it was a great honor for KKU-MD to have had them here.
“I would like to express my gratitude to everyone for gracing this competition with your presence. Thank you for being a part of this competition and hope you had a great time with us,” said Miss Passamon Engchanil, KKU medical student and President of the 8th KKU ICEM in her farewell comments.
Assoc. Prof. Apichat Jiravuttipong, MD, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine also warmly farewelled the delegates: “On behalf of Khon Kaen University, Faculty of Medicine, we are very grateful to have each and all of you as a part of this year KKU ICEM. I hope you all have great memories and are full of knowledge and fun to take home with you.”
Source: https://www.facebook.com/kkuicem
Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun
Editing by Prof. John F Smith