Category: Exchange Students

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.

The Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University is thrilled to welcome 12 outstanding medical students from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” in Romania as part of the Asian Medical Student Exchange Program (AMSEP). This highly anticipated event, scheduled from August 17th to 26th, 2024, promises to be a dynamic blend of cultural discovery, academic growth, and global networking.

Assistant Professor Supawan Laohasiriwong, Assistant for International Relations and Corporate Communication, officially inaugurated the program, laying the foundation for a week filled with meaningful exchanges and memorable experiences.

Meet the Participants:

1. Ana-Maria Dragu
2. Andrada Nemesis Crisan
3. Bianca-Ilinca Moroianu
4. Diana-Ioana Pîrvu
5. Ioana-Alexandra Ciupan
6. Letitia Nan
7. Patricia Bobi
8. Rucsandra Antonia Brinzea
9. Teodora-Maria Ciubeica
10. Alexandru-Constantin Moroianu
11. Andrei Leonard Giurcă
12. George Albu

In partnership with the Student Affairs Office and AMSA Club, the program offers an immersive experience designed to enrich participants both culturally and academically, fostering new friendships and professional connections.

Program Highlights Include:

• Cultural Immersion: Engage deeply with Thai culture through interactive workshops, traditional ceremonies, and tours of significant cultural landmarks.
• Medical Exchange: Gain in-depth knowledge of Thai medical practices through specialized lectures, hands-on workshops, and hospital visits focused on areas such as tropical diseases.
• Community Engagement: Visit the “Lawa Model” project, a renowned community initiative aimed at combating liver fluke disease, offering a unique perspective on public health efforts.
• Skill Enhancement: Sharpen clinical skills in the Skill Lab and Parasitology Laboratory, with opportunities for reflective learning through group discussions.
• Networking and Social Events: Connect with peers from around the world during social gatherings, culminating in an exciting farewell celebration.

Khon Kaen University is honored to host these future medical leaders and anticipates that this exchange will inspire further collaboration and mutual understanding between the participating institutions.

On August 5, 2024, MDKKU warmly welcomed four exchange medical students from the Medical University of Innsbruck in Austria, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University in Ukraine, and the First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in the Czech Republic. The students are participating in a program to gain clinical skills, observe medical practices, and exchange experiences.

On their first day, the students attended an orientation session organized by the International Relations Office. The morning activities included an introduction to the faculty and curriculum, as well as a basic Thai language lesson covering everyday phrases such as greetings, apologies, thank-yous, and shopping expressions. They then went on a tour of key locations within the faculty, meeting with advisors and staff in their respective departments. In the afternoon, they familiarized themselves with the university’s transportation system, known as KKU Transit, and had the opportunity to ride the shuttle bus to various sites, including Food and Service Center 1 (KKU Complex), the swimming pool, KKU Fitness, the Art and Cultural Center, and the KKU night market, before returning to their dormitories.

This exchange program offers the visiting students not only an opportunity to develop their clinical skills but also a chance to immerse themselves in Thai culture and everyday life. The exposure to new environments and systems, such as KKU Transit and the local food and service centers, enhances their overall learning experience, allowing them to broaden their understanding of healthcare and cultural practices in a different part of the world.

On July 26, 2024, the Faculty of Medicine held a graduation ceremony for the exchange program participants: Dr. Phonepaserth Vongphoukham and Dr. Vilay Menivong, third-year Emergency Medicine residents from the University of Health Sciences, Lao PDR, Miss Anabelle Simone Lelong, a 4th-year medical student from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Poitiers, France, and Miss Alexandra Burianová, a 5th-year medical student from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic.

The four students presented and shared their experiences and impressions during their exchange period at the Faculty of Medicine.

Dr. Vongphoukham from Laos stated, “It has been a very valuable experience for me to learn at the Department of Emergency Medicine. I have learned a lot about teamwork and will apply this experience in my work back in my country.”

Meanwhile, Miss Burianová from the Czech Republic mentioned, “I had a great experience training in the Department of Surgery. Being part of the surgical team and receiving guidance and instruction from the professors was incredibly beneficial. I am very impressed.”

Miss Lelong from France said, “I am very impressed by the people here, who are very friendly. Especially in the General Surgery department, where the professors and staff speak excellent English, which helped me understand my studies very well. Thank you for this wonderful experience.”

Professor John F. Smith, PhD, an English Specialist from the Division of International Relations and Corporate Communication, attended the presentations and awarded certificates to all four students.

This event marked the successful completion of the exchange program, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in medical education. The students’ experiences reflect the value of cross-cultural learning and the positive impact it has on their professional and personal growth.