Category: Internaitonal Visitor

MDKKU recently welcomed Professor Joe Iwanaga, as an overseas visiting professor from Tulane University School of Medicine, USA to our Department of Anatomy.  He visited   between February 5 and 8, 2024 and delivered lectures and workshops to faculty and postgraduate students.

Professor Iwanaga is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, dentist and anatomist and a board member of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists (AACA). His research career has been devoted to clinical anatomy and has resulted in over 250 peer-reviewed publications in the medical and scientific literature.

During his visit, he had a meeting with Assist. Prof. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin, Assistant Dean for Research and International Relations Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Jariya Umka Welbat, head of Anatomy Department, and other department staff to discuss collaborative opportunities for research and academic development between the two institutions.

He delivered a workshop on latex techniques for fresh cadaver embalming and a lecture on clinical anatomy research and its applications. Both activities were very helpful for practice and exchange of experiences on how to preserve the human body for cardiovascular system research, and for stimulating discussion on collaborative research and using high technology and innovation in anatomical research.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

On November 23, 2023, our Nursing Department welcomed a delegation from the Faculty of Health and Social Care, Molde University College – Specialized University in Logistics (MUC), Norway. Their delegation, led by Associate Professor Dr. Elin Mordal visited KKU to sign a MOU on academic cooperation with the Faculty of Nursing.

Mrs. Benchamart Channuan, RN, Deputy Hospital Director for Nursing Department, and her delegates delivered a welcome speech. MUC delegation then visited the Karunruk Palliative Care Center, Accident and Emergency Nursing Division, Wards 2B and 2D, and our Pediatric Nursing Division.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

Associate Professor Wimorat Sriraj, MD, Associate Dean for Research and International Relations Affairs recently welcomed Professor Carlito Lebrilla from the Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA.

On November 21, 2023 Professor Lebrilla made a presentation in the Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (MBMB) seminar series 2/2023 on “Structural methods to probe and characterize the glycocarlyx interactions in the cell membrane”.

His research focuses on developing bioanalytical methods based on mass spectrometry with the goals of structurally characterizing bioactives in food and determining their relationships to health and diseases. Also, he and his team use Agilent technology to analyze the components of human milk and gain a better understanding of their various functions.

On this occasion, the Department’s staff led by Associate Professor Kulthida Vaeteewoottacharn, MD, Head of the Department also met with Professor Lebrille to discuss the development of collaborative-research and clinical skills development projects between the two institutions.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

On November 7, 2023, Assoc. Prof. Apichat Jiravuttipong, MD, Dean of KKU Faculty of Medicine welcomed Professor Sophia Mavroudas, Associate Director of the Forensic Anthropology Center (FACTS) at Texas State University, USA to our faculty.

Professor Mavroudas is currently focused on the incorporation of non-traditional histomorphometric variables to improve age-at-death estimation methodologies in forensic contexts across global populations. As a forensic anthropologist, she is also involved in disaster victim identification efforts for presumed migrants who die crossing global borders.

She participated in the MD-KKU overseas visiting professor program in our Department of Anatomy and gave a guest lecturer on “The Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State (FACTS): The utility of outdoor decomposition facilities and donated skeletal collections in forensic science research.” This talk covered how FACTS uses a willed body donation program with its indoor and outdoor laboratories to conduct research related to forensic contexts. It also discussed the Texas State Donated Skeletal Collection and research done with this vital resource at both micro- and macroscopic levels.

On this occasion, the Department’s staff also attending the meeting included Assoc. Prof. Jariya Umka Welbat, Head of the Department, and Asst. Prof. Tawut Rudtanatip. They discussed the development of collaborative-research and clinical skills development projects between the two institutions.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

On October 26, 2023, Assoc. Prof. Apichat Jiravuttipong, MD, Dean of KKU Faculty of Medicine welcomed Professor Nolwenn Dheilly, Head of the Pathogen Discovery Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, France to our faculty.

Professor Dheilly’s research includes epidemiological investigations following outbreaks of known and unknown origins, characterization of virus enzootic cycles, development of diagnostic tools, and fundamental research aimed at the development of novel therapeutic and preventive strategies.

She participated in the MD-KKU overseas visiting professor program in our Tropical Medicine Department between October 23 and 27, 2023 and gave a guest lecturer on “Metagenomics to identify novel and unexpected pathogens for improved diagnoses and prevention: From coronaviruses to arboviruses and viruses of parasitic worms.”

The Department’s staff led by Assoc. Prof. Sutas Suttiprapa also attended the meeting to discuss guidelines for NIH Research Project Grant Program (RO1), academic support provision in developing collaborative studies in Tropical Medicine and supervision of staff and students in relevant subjects.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

MD-KKU recently welcomed two nursing students from Kumamoto Health Science University (KHSU), Japan. They participated in an exchange program at the Faculty of Nursing, KKU between September 7 and 20, 2023.

On September 11, 2023, Asst. Prof. Samoraphop Banharak, Associate Dean for Research, Innovation and International Affairs, Faculty of Nursing, KKU, led them on a visit to Samliam Primary Care Unit of Srinagarind Hospital. This unit integrates medical, nursing, psychological, and social sciences knowledge for treatment, rehabilitation, health promotion and disease prevention in this urban setting.

On September 18, 2023, they met the Director of the Nursing Division of Srinagarind Hospital and were introduced to the hospital nursing service system and also visited Ward 4B. They learned about our Hospital’s strategies for providing high quality nursing services to meet our customers’ needs. They were also shown our nursing service program for professional excellence development in nurses.

On September 19, 2023, they visited the Tawanchai Center for Cleft Lip-Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Deformities, a Royal Grant Project. They learned many things concerning caring patients with cleft lip and cleft palate including rehabilitation by interdisciplinary health professionals, research and innovation promotion, and collaboration with related organizations.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

On September 11, 2023, MD-KKU welcomed two physical therapy students from Kumamoto Health Science University (KHSU), Japan. They participated in an exchange program at the Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, KKU between August 20 and 31, 2023 to gain clinical experience as well as learning about Isan culture.

They visited our physical therapy service at the Queen Sirikit Heart Center of the Northeast to observe medical services such as physical check-up and examination as well as development of effective cardiac rehabilitation plans to improve patients’ daily activities.

They also visited Srinagarind Hospital Rehabilitation Clinic to observe management of patients’ physical problems at Rehabilitation Ward 2F, Physical Therapy Unit, and Occupational Therapy Unit. This out-patient clinic provides patient-centered rehabilitation medicine and prevention and health promotion strategies to support patients’ quality of life and well-being.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

On August 31, 2023, a MD-KKU delegation led by Assoc. Prof. Charoonsak Somboonporn, MD, Head of Radiology Department together with Asst. Prof. Woranan Kirisattayakul, Radiology Department welcomed Professor Hidetsugu Fujigaki from the Department of Advanced Diagnostic System Development, Fujita Health University (FHU), Japan to our faculty.

Professor Fujigaki is an expert in cell biology and has research interests in tumors, psychiatric disorders, therapeutic and diagnostic drug development, kynurenine pathway, tryptophan metabolism, antibody testing, and development of novel therapeutic agents that inhibit enzymes involved in tryptophan metabolism.

Asst. Prof. Attawut Chaibunruang, Assistant Dean for Special Affairs, Corporate Communication and International Relations, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences (AMS), Dr. Naraporn Maikong, MD-KKU Radiology Department, Mrs. Duangkamol Srisawasdi, MD-KKU International Relations Officer, and Ms. Supaporn Panya, International Relations Officer, AMS Faculty also attended the meeting. They discussed the feasibility of student exchange programs in radiological technology between FHU and MD-KKU and also expanding exchange opportunities for graduate students and researchers.

The meeting was very productive. “Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to discuss exchange program for radiological technology field,” said Professor Fujigaki. “It’s our great opportunity to have you here particularly for the possibilities of exchange program with Fujita Health University, Japan,” said Professor Somboonporn.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

On August 23, 2023, MD-KKU welcomed Professor Mayumi Negishi and a group of nursing students from the University of Shizuoka, Japan. They participated in an exchange program at the Faculty of Nursing, KKU between August 20 and 31, 2023.

They visited Srinagarind Hospital Center of Excellence for Kidney Disease at the Galyani Vadhana Memorial Building to observe the outpatient clinic and Hemodialysis Unit services, including Hemodialysis, On-line Hemodiafiltration, Plasmapheresis, and Hemoperfusion.

The Center of Excellence was founded to care for kidney disease patients by experienced medical professionals with advanced medical tools and technology. It also supports professional service and is a research development center providing Fellowship Training Program in Nephrology and a Nursing Specialty Nurse Practitioner program in Renal Replacement Therapy.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

On September 4, 2023, Assoc. Prof. Wimorat Sriraj, MD, Associate Dean for Research and International Relations Affairs together with Assist. Prof. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin, Assistant Dean for Research and International Relations Affairs welcomed Professor Elizabeth Jane Phillips from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA to our faculty.

Professor Phillips is a Professor of Medicine, Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology. She focusses on the immunopathogenesis of severe adverse drug reactions and using innovative technologies to define genetic, molecular and cellular signatures.

She participated in the MD-KKU overseas visiting professor program in our Pharmacology Department between August 31 and September 10, 2023. Her visit’s objectives were to supervise and discuss pharmacogenetic testing in clinical practice at Pharmacogenetic Analysis Unit, attend the pre-congress on “Pharmacogenetics and Its Applications in Clinical Practice,” deliver a lecture “Updates on Immunopathology and Genomics of Severe Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions,” discuss research collaboration development with pharmacology staff, attend a special seminar related to research specialization, and supervise manuscript writing for our pharmacogenetic researchers.

The Department’s staff led by Assoc. Prof. Laddawan Sengkanprai also attended the meeting to discuss pharmacogenetic research collaboration, clinical skills development projects, and future collaborative activities between our two institutions. This visit can help MD-KKU implement pharmacogenetics for optimal drug therapy particularly in disease-risk prediction, decisions on drug dosages, drug-disease interaction management, and minimizing adverse drug reactions in patients.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith