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.

 

Japanese medical exchange students complete MDKKU elective program: May 2024

 

On April 26, 2024, Mr. Kentaro TANIHATA from Gifu University who has joined our department of Department of Otorhinolaryngology for four weeks, and Mr. Yutaro Sakanaka from University of Tsukuba who has joined our department of Emergency Medicine for two weeks, fifth-year exchange students from Japan successfully concluded MDKKU elective program.

 

 

Mr. TANIHATA shared his impression on his experience that he encountered clinical cases that he has never seen in Japan, “I experienced cases that I’ve never seen in Japan. I was impressed with a case of gunshot wound, and many cases of traffic accidents” he said. He noted that these experiences were particularly striking because such cases are uncommon in his home country, offering him a valuable and eye-opening perspective on the diversity of medical emergencies faced in different regions.

Mr. Sakanaka also expressed his deep appreciation for the warmth of the community and the heartfelt welcome extended by KKU personnel.  “The students at KKU students were very welcoming and supportive during my stay, providing me with valuable insights about KKU, hospital, and local area” he shared.

 

“I strongly recommend visiting KKU as a medical elective program student!” – Mr. Sakanaka

“KKU provided such a high quality program!” – Mr. TANIHATA

 

 

Lao medical residents complete MDKKU elective program: May 2024

 

On May 30, 2024, Dr. Kanthana Panyasvath and Dr. Jorveu Yianouchongteng, third-year emergency medicine residents from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Health Sciences in Laos, successfully completed their four-week elective program with our Department of Emergency Medicine. Their program ran from May 6 to May 31, 2024.

They shared their impressions of the seamless teamwork within the emergency team. This high level of organization allowed the team to provide swift and effective care, minimizing wait times and optimizing patient outcomes. Dr. Yianouchongteng said “The emergency  team, doctors and nurses work like autosystem, so patients get quickly to the treatment”

They noted that this combination of friendliness and professionalism created an inviting and supportive environment, making their transition smooth and their stay enjoyable. The welcoming atmosphere fostered a sense of belonging and collaboration, enhancing their overall experience and reinforcing the value of community in the medical field. “Residents and staff are very friendly and professional,” they shared.

“Great system, clean, and friendly staff” – Dr. Jorveu

 

 

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, MrKentaro TANIHATA from Gifu University, Japan and Miss Mildred Fabiola GONZALEZ BERMUDEZ from Universidad Iberoamericana, Costa RicaThey 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

 

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 dont have enough moneyThere 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 wonderfulEveryone 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 DrKanthana Panyasvath and DrJorveu 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

 

Japanese medical exchange student completes MDKKU elective program: April, 2024

 

On April 26, 2024, Mr. Oku Haruki, a sixthyear exchange student from Wakayama Medical University, Japan, successfully completed his 4week elective program with MDKKUs Department of Emergency MedicineProfessor John F Smith, Division of International Affairs and Corporate Communications, presented him with his certificate.

 

 

During his time in the emergency room, Mr. Haruki had the opportunity to train alongside resident doctors. Reflecting on this experience, he shared, The resident ER doctors taught me the way to use echo and how to listen to the noise of lungs and heartI gained real   practical knowledge of medicine.” This practical hands-on experience also deepened his understanding of emergency medicine.

He also encountered medical cases that he had never seen or experienced in Japan. I saw a lot of medical cases, not only typical cases, but also rare medical cases for me, such as heat stroke and motorbike accident trauma.”

He also appreciated his social and cultural experience of living and exploring Khon Kaen, and was grateful for the warmth of the community and the warm welcoming of KKU personnel.

 

 

In conclusion, Mr. Haruki expressed his deep appreciation for his time in Khon Kaen. Excellent universityYou should come.”  The KKU-MD community was delighted to have him as part of our faculty and to contribute to his medical career development.

 

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun & Kunthida Paiyasen

Editing by ProfJohn F Smith

 

An inspiring chapter unfolded at MDKKU for medical exchange students and residents: March 2024

 

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

 

MD-KKU welcomes Japanese exchange student from Wakayama Medical University: April 2024

 

On April 1, 2024, MD-KKU warmly welcomed Mr. OKU HARUKI, a fifth-year medical exchange student from Wakayama Medical University, Japan, to our Department of Emergency Medicine. Mr. Haruki will be with us for a duration of four weeks, from April 1 to April 26, 2024.

On the morning of his orientation day, the International Relations Officers began by providing Mr. OKU HARUKI with a concise overview of the Faculty of Medicine and Khon Kaen University. Additionally, we introduced him to some essential Thai words and phrases for everyday communication. Following this, we escorted him to his department where he met with his program supervisors.

 

Introduction of KKU and Faculty of Medicine

 

Introduction to Department of Emergency Medicine

 

Following that, he embarked on a brief tour of the Faculty of Medicine and Srinagarind Hospital, during which we highlighted key locations within the faculty. Subsequently, he visited the canteen, where he utilized the Thai phrases he had learned earlier in the day to buy his lunch.

 

Ordering lunch

 

In the afternoon, we conducted a campus tour utilizing the KKU smart transit system (shuttle bus) to familiarize him with the routes and boarding procedures. Our first stop was the KKU Sports Complex, encompassing fitness facilities, a swimming pool, and a sports stadium, providing him with an overview of recreational options on campus. Next, we visited the KKU Art and Culture Center, offering insights into Thai culture through its diverse collection of artworks. Continuing the tour, he went to the Food and Services Center 1 (Complex), where he practiced his Thai language skills while making purchases. Lastly, we concluded the tour at the Learning Center, the KKU Library, where we provided him with a brief orientation on library services, usage guidelines, and operating hours.

 

Visiting KKU fitness center

 

Visiting KKU Library

 

We hope that this orientation provided on his first day will help Mr. Haruki begins his journey in the medical school at Khon Kaen University. By familiarizing him with the campus, introducing essential language skills, and showcasing key facilities, we aim to ensure that he feels well-prepared and supported as he navigates his studies and life in a new environment.

 

 

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun, Kunthida Paiyasen

Editing by Prof. John F Smith