International Relations Office Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University
“Engaging in case discussions, one-on-one sessions with mentors, and surgical lectures enriched my medical knowledge and honed my clinical reasoning abilities.”
“In Mie, Helicopter or Doctor Heli is also used for transporting patients from far locations or for accidents that require management at the scene.”
“The Interventional Radiology of Teikyo University is one of the top teams in Japan. It is an honor for me to be able to closely observe their technique, as I may need endovascular skills in the near future during my residency training.”
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
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
“Teikyo University Hospital has a good reputation for interventional radiology, which makes me want to observe and see new technologies, as well as the work of doctors in Japan.”
On March 5, 2024, MDKKU welcomed two public health master’s students, Elvira and Kaia, from Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Norway to the Tropical Disease Research Center (TDRC). Both are involved in the multi-country project named “Pandemic Literacy and Viral Zoonotic Spillover Risk at the Frontline of Disease Emergence in Southeast Asia to Improve Pandemic Preparedness (PANDASIA).” Their research is under the supervision of Dr. Hans Overgaard, the Project leader who holds a joint appointment with MDKKU and NMBU.
They met with Professor Dr. Banchob Sripa, Director of KKU-TDRC, along with Dr. Overgaard, Assoc. Prof. Sirikachorn Tangkawattana, KKU Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and TDRC staff, and discussed research and plans for field work in hi-risk communities.
PANDASIA is investigating potential pandemic drivers along nature-rural-urban gradients through a comprehensive collection of social and biological data and predictive modelling of zoonotic spillover rates and disease emergence in high-risk settings in Thailand and Lao PDR.
Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun
Editing by Prof. John F Smith
“I feel very fortunate to have this chance to be able to have great friends across the globe”
“My experience involved a combination of hands-on clinical practice and theoretical learning, aiming to understand and implement effective strategies for addressing the needs of an aging population in Thailand.”
Five medical exchange students from Nagoya City University and Wakayama Medical University recently completed electives at MDKKU during February 2024. They were based in different departments including Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orthopedics, and Surgery.
“KKU Staff took very good care of us with excellent clinical internships,” said a Nagoya City University student. “Professors and Thai medical students immediately translated what patients said in Thai to English and then they explained it to me and they also took us to the cafeteria after class and introduce us to Thai food,” he added.
They were also excited with many new clinical experiences and systems and enjoyed their clinical class with some rare cases they have never experienced before.
“I was really surprised to see that the medical school system is completely different from Japan,” said a Wakayama Medical University student. “I was able to see the difference between the tests conducted on pregnant women in Thailand and Japan, and I was glad to be able to study a rare disease in Japan like Thalassemia,” she added.
Overall, they considered they had very impressive medical exchange experiences and enjoyed learning about the people, activities, cultures, food, and places in Khon Kaen. Although they initially met language barriers, they met a lot of kindness with people helping them to communicate in many situations both inside and outside of the classroom.
We are very delighted to welcome and congratulate all of them.
Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun
Editing by Prof. John F Smith