In March 2024, exchange students from Aichi Medical University in Japan, the University of Bergen in Norway and residents from the University of Health Sciences in Lao PDR completed their MDKKU elective exchange program. It was a truly remarkable experience, filled with good fellowship, cultural exchange, and shared pursuit of medical knowledge and understanding.

Students shared their experiences of the impressive friendship and company they found during the program; a University of Bergen student said “Thai students and teachers are very polite and friendly. Everyone made us feel welcome. Professors were great teachers.”  An Aichi Medical University student also suggested that “The faculty of medical students was very kind.” while the resident of University of Health Sciences from Laos added that “Students are very helpful and friendly. The teachers are also very informative as they explain things in English in a way that is easy to understand.”

Apart from friendship and company, they also mentioned their own experiences and showed their gratitude on studying at MDKKU.  A University of Bergen student stated that “Medicine at KKU taught me a lot as we were at OB-GYN and PED.”  An Aichi Medical University student also said that “I was able to experience surgery for cleft lip, palate, and microtia, which are rare in Japan. Also, cosmetic surgery is not available in Japan, but in Thailand it was available for us to experience rhinoplasty and double eyelid surgery.” One of them also mentioned their experiences during the training sessions,
“It was good to see many reconstructive surgeries and many cases that I rarely see in Japan.” as well as they mentioned that “Studying at MD KKU was a wonderful experience that cannot be experienced in Japan.”

In conclusion, the students felt studying at MD KKU provided an unforgettable medical learning experience as well as great exposure to Thailand’s rich culture.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun and Waratchaya Rachpoochai

Editing by Prof. John F Smith