Life-Changing Experiences: Discovering Plastic Surgery at The Chinese University of Hong Kong
International Relations Office Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University
Pharmacy Students from Indonesia Visit Srinagarind Hospital
On September 30, 2024, a group of pharmacy students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia, had the opportunity to visit the Pharmacy Department at Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University. This study tour aimed to deepen the students’ understanding of hospital pharmaceutical management and enhance their knowledge in the field.
The visit is part of a comprehensive educational exchange program, which began on September 16 and will run until October 5, 2024. Throughout the program, students have been immersed in various aspects of hospital pharmacy operations. They have explored the management of medications and medical supplies, the intricacies of dispensing medications to patients, and the importance of ensuring patient safety through accurate pharmaceutical care. Additionally, the students have observed how pharmacists work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in a multidisciplinary hospital environment, ensuring the best outcomes for patients.
This visit has not only provided valuable hands-on experience but also allowed the students to witness firsthand how an effective hospital pharmacy department functions. The knowledge and insights gained from this program are expected to significantly contribute to the students’ future professional development as they prepare to enter the field of pharmacy.
Malaysian Surgeon to Undergo Advanced Hepatobiliary Surgery Training at Khon Kaen University
On September 30, 2024, Dr. Balakumaran Balaravi Pillai, a specialist in hepatobiliary surgery from Malaysia, was selected to participate in an advanced specialized surgical training program at the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand, scheduled from September 30 to October 11, 2024. This prestigious training is supported by Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital.
With over six years of experience in general surgery, Dr. Pillai is expanding his expertise in hepatobiliary surgery under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing the importance of improving his surgical skills to benefit patient care in Malaysia. Additionally, he highlighted the recognition of Khon Kaen University as a leading institution in the management of liver and biliary tract cancers, which would further enhance his abilities.
This advanced training program will not only improve Dr. Pillai’s capabilities but also strengthen the ties between healthcare professionals in Thailand and Malaysia. This collaboration is expected to lead to better healthcare outcomes for patients across Southeast Asia, particularly in the area of liver and biliary diseases.
International Exchange Students Complete Program at KKU Faculty of Medicine
On September 27, 2024, four international medical exchange students successfully completed their program at the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University. The students included Mr. Simon Laurent Pellarin, Miss Viktoria Bachmann, and Miss Judith Grasl from the Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria, as well as Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Chuong from Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Vietnam.
On the final day of the exchange, the students presented a summary of their learning experiences and shared insights from their time in Khon Kaen. Their presentations highlighted both the academic and cultural aspects of their exchange. Professor John F. Smith, PhD, an English Specialist from the Division of International Relations and Corporate Communication, was present to provide feedback and comments on the students’ presentations.
A student from the Medical University of Innsbruck remarked, “This exchange has been an eye-opening experience for us. We gained hands-on clinical exposure and were able to learn about the healthcare system in Thailand, which is quite different from our own. The cultural exchange was equally valuable as we were warmly welcomed by everyone at the Faculty of Medicine.”
Similarly, a student from Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine shared, “My time at Khon Kaen University has broadened my perspective, especially in terms of medical practices and teamwork. The support from the faculty and fellow students has been incredible. I will take these experiences with me back to Vietnam.”
In conclusion, the exchange program fostered not only academic growth but also personal development, encouraging students to adapt to new environments and engage with peers from diverse backgrounds. Khon Kaen University continues to provide a nurturing platform for future healthcare professionals from around the world to thrive and contribute to global medical knowledge.
Faculty of Medicine Hosts Inspiring Event on International Electives: Sharing Global Experiences
On September 11, 2024, the International Relations Office of the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, organized the event Let’s Go Elective: Sharing is Caring. The event aimed to provide a platform for students who had previously received scholarships for international medical school exchanges to return and share their enriching experiences, while also engaging in discussions with their peers.
The event was officially opened by Assoc. Prof. Thuss Sanguansak, Vice Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication, who addressed the audience and remarked, “Opportunities like these not only broaden academic horizons but also foster personal growth, cultural understanding, and global collaboration, which are vital in today’s interconnected world.” His words resonated deeply with participants, setting an encouraging tone for the rest of the event.
Assoc. Prof. Praew Kotruchin, Vice Dean for Student Development, also honored the event with her presence. She engaged with the students and shared her thoughts, stating, “These experiences help shape the future of our young medical professionals, allowing them to develop a broader perspective and the resilience needed to thrive in a global healthcare environment.”
The event featured a presentation by staff from the International Relations Office introducing the “Let’s Go Elective” scholarship, followed by an inspiring session where students who participated in exchange programs during the 2024 fiscal year shared their experiences in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. These firsthand stories sparked engaging discussions and gave fellow students valuable insights into pursuing their own international academic journeys.
The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, where participants eagerly asked questions about the exchange opportunities and how they could apply for future scholarships, leaving attendees motivated and well-informed about the exciting global opportunities available to them.
This event provided students with a meaningful opportunity to share, learn, and grow, not only academically but also personally. It highlighted the importance of global academic exchange in developing well-rounded, culturally aware medical professionals ready to meet the challenges of a diverse healthcare landscape.
Khon Kaen University Hosts Japanese Medical Students for Academic Exchange and Training
Khon Kaen, Thailand – The Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University has welcomed a group of Japanese medical students from Kumamoto Health Science University and Fujita Health University for an academic exchange program. The students will engage in clinical observation and practical training at Srinagarind Hospital and the Queen Sirikit Heart Center of the Northeast from September 7 to 21, 2024.
The exchange students, including Miss Izumi Nishimura and Mr. Shuto Iwakiri from Kumamoto Health Science University, along with Miss Mio Kaneko and Miss Risa Kato from Fujita Health University, will participate in various hands-on sessions. These include learning about physiotherapy, medical laboratory science, and the use of advanced diagnostic tools such as ECG (Electrocardiography) at the hospital’s physical rehabilitation and central blood bank departments
This program highlights Khon Kaen University’s commitment to fostering international collaboration in medical education and enhancing cross-border academic exchange. It aims to provide students from both countries with valuable insights into innovative treatment techniques and the opportunity to learn about the cultural and medical practices in Thailand.
As part of its broader mission, Khon Kaen University continues to solidify its role as a regional leader in medical education, offering a platform for future medical professionals to share knowledge and improve healthcare on a global scale.
Khon Kaen University Welcomes International Exchange Students: A Confluence of Cultures and Medical Expertise
Khon Kaen University is delighted to host a distinguished group of exchange students from Austria, Norway, and Vietnam at our Faculty of Medicine from September 2nd to 27th, 2024. These students, each bringing a unique blend of knowledge and expertise, will participate in an immersive Medical Elective Exchange Program designed to elevate their clinical skills and broaden their medical perspectives.
From the Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria:
Miss Judith Grasl and Miss Viktoria Bachmann – ENT (Otorhinolaryngology)
Mr. Simon Laurent Pellarin – Surgery (Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery)
As part of the esteemed ASEA-UNINET program, these Austrian students arrive with a solid foundation in their respective fields and a passion for honing their clinical abilities. Their experience at Khon Kaen University will be enriched by hands-on practice, exposure to a wide range of complex medical cases, and collaboration with our accomplished faculty and peers.
From the University of Bergen, Norway:
Miss Torine Ødven, Miss Målfrid Pettersen Lunde, Miss Kristiane Aass Vågmo, and Mr. Trond August Flatås – Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics
This Norwegian cohort will focus on Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Pediatrics, gaining valuable insights into maternal and child healthcare within the Thai context. Their participation in clinical rotations, integrated as part of a credit transfer program, will not only deepen their medical expertise but also foster an enriching exchange of knowledge and cultural perspectives between Norway and Thailand.
From Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Vietnam:
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Chuong – Surgery, Orthopedics
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Chuong, the first student to join this exchange under a new partnership between Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine and Khon Kaen University, embarks on a significant journey to advance his expertise in Surgery and Orthopedics. His training at Khon Kaen University will offer comprehensive exposure to surgical practices, equipping him with skills that will greatly benefit the healthcare system in Vietnam.
A Commitment to Global Medical Excellence:
The arrival of these international exchange students underscores Khon Kaen University’s dedication to fostering global medical education and collaboration. Their diverse backgrounds and specializations create a vibrant and dynamic learning environment where knowledge and cultural exchange are paramount. We are confident that this program will have a lasting positive impact on both the visiting students and the broader academic community at Khon Kaen University, further strengthening ties between our institutions and contributing to the advancement of healthcare globally.
Medical Students from Austria, Czech Republic, and Ukraine Showcase Their Internship Experiences at Khon Kaen University
Khon Kaen, Thailand – In an event that underscored the importance of international medical exchange, medical students from Austria, the Czech Republic, and Ukraine presented their findings and reflections after completing a month-long internship at Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Medicine. The event, held on August 30, 2024, featured presentations by Mr. Emanuel Hafner and Miss Christina Schreder from the Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria; Mr. Matej Visna from Charles University, Czech Republic; and Miss Sofiia Stanislava Yaremko from Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Ukraine.
During their internship, which spanned from August 5 to August 30, these future medical professionals engaged in specialized fields such as Emergency Medicine, Community Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Neurosurgery. The students shared their observations, insights, and the profound impact that this international exposure has had on their medical training.
The presentations highlighted the diverse clinical environments and complex cases they encountered at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University’s affiliated teaching hospital. The students reflected on how these experiences have equipped them with invaluable skills that they will bring back to their home countries, contributing to the advancement of their respective medical fields.
Each student expressed deep appreciation for the warmth and hospitality extended by their peers, professors, and the medical staff at Khon Kaen University. They noted that the collaborative environment fostered by the university not only enhanced their learning experience but also allowed them to forge meaningful professional relationships that transcend borders.
The event was graced by the presence of Professor John F. Smith, an esteemed English Consultant, who attended the presentations, offered his congratulations, and presented certificates of completion to the students. Professor Smith lauded the students for their dedication and encouraged them to continue pursuing excellence in their medical careers.
The success of this internship program underscores the significance of international medical collaborations in fostering a global exchange of knowledge and expertise. Such initiatives not only enhance the educational experience for medical students but also contribute to the strengthening of global healthcare systems.
Cambodian Doctor, Dr. Dawin Rotha, Completes Advanced Specialist Training at Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Dawin Rotha, a distinguished otorhinolaryngologist from Cambodia, has successfully completed a rigorous specialist medical course in Otorhinolaryngology at Khon Kaen University’s prestigious Faculty of Medicine. This milestone marks a significant achievement, not only in Dr. Dawin’s career but also in fostering cross-border medical collaborations.
Throughout the program, hosted at Srinagarind Hospital, Dr. Dawin honed her skills in diagnosing and treating a wide array of complex conditions affecting the ear, nose, and throat (ENT). She mastered advanced surgical techniques such as Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, Myringoplasty (eardrum repair), and Tonsillectomy. These procedures are critical in addressing various ENT disorders and require a high degree of precision and expertise.
In addition to her clinical training, Dr. Dawin gained valuable experience in managing emergency situations frequently encountered in the field of otorhinolaryngology. She adeptly handled cases of Acute Otitis Media (severe ear infection) and upper airway obstructions, demonstrating her ability to respond swiftly and accurately under pressure.
One of the significant challenges Dr. Dawin faced was adapting to the cultural and linguistic environment in Thailand. Despite these hurdles, she succeeded in improving her communication skills with Thai patients, particularly in medical contexts. Her proficiency in the Thai language became an essential tool in building trust and ensuring clear communication between physician and patient.
Dr. Dawin expressed her gratitude to Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Medicine and Srinagarind Hospital for the opportunity to advance her medical expertise and personal development. She also extended her thanks to the faculty members and medical teams who provided invaluable support and shared their extensive knowledge.
Dr. Dawin Rotha’s successful completion of this specialist training program not only underscores her adaptability and commitment to learning but also highlights her potential to enhance patient care in Cambodia. Her achievement is a testament to the strength of international medical collaboration, paving the way for continued partnerships that contribute to the global advancement of healthcare.
Exchange in Japan: KKU Medical Student’s Unforgettable Clinical Adventure at Gifu University
