Category: Exchange Students

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

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

On May 7, 2024, MD-KKU welcomed fifth-year medical exchange students, Mr. Kentaro TANIHATA from Gifu University, Japan and Miss Mildred Fabiola GONZALEZ BERMUDEZ from Universidad Iberoamericana, Costa Rica. They 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

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 don’t have enough money. There 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 wonderful. Everyone 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

On May 6, 2024, MD-KKU welcomed Dr. Kanthana Panyasvath and Dr. Jorveu 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

On April 26, 2024, Mr. Oku Haruki, a sixth–year exchange student from Wakayama Medical University, Japan, successfully completed his 4–week elective program with MDKKU’s Department of Emergency Medicine. Professor 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 heart. I 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 university! You 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 Prof. John F Smith