Category: International Conference

Khon Kaen, Thailand – The 4th ASEAN Head & Neck Dissection Course, hosted by the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Medicine and the ASEAN Head & Neck Network, is currently underway in Thailand from November 6-8, 2024. This high-profile workshop serves as a critical training ground for head and neck surgeons across Southeast Asia, focusing on advanced dissection techniques with hands-on practice using fresh frozen cadavers.

International experts, including Prof. Sheng-po Hao from Taiwan, Assoc. Prof. Marlinda Adham from Indonesia, Dr. Alexander van Bemmel from the Netherlands, and Dr. Baris Karakullukcu from Turkey, are leading the workshop, covering complex surgical procedures such as Thyroidectomy, Laryngectomy, Parotidectomy, Neck Dissection, and Maxillectomy. Participants are also trained in Local & Regional Flaps Reconstruction techniques, essential for reconstructive surgery in head and neck cancer patients.

The course features specialized demonstrations, including Conservation Laryngectomy and Transoral Laser Microsurgery (TLM), allowing participants to observe and learn techniques that prioritize tissue preservation and surgical precision. An additional hands-on workshop on Ultrasonography of the Thyroid and Cervical Lymph Nodes equips participants with diagnostic skills crucial for accurate patient assessment and treatment planning.

In the final sessions, faculty members engage participants in case presentations and panel discussions, focusing on non-technical skills such as communication and decision-making, which are essential in head and neck surgery. This comprehensive works

hop not only builds technical expertise but also fosters a collaborative network of head and neck surgeons across the ASEAN region, promoting high standards of surgical care and professional development.

การประชุมเชิงปฏิบัติการ ASEAN Head & Neck Dissection Course ครั้งที่ 4 ที่ประเทศไทย

ขอนแก่น, ประเทศไทย – การประชุม ASEAN Head & Neck Dissection Course ครั้งที่ 4 จัดขึ้นโดยสาขาวิชาโสต ศอ นาสิกวิทยา คณะแพทยศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น และเครือข่าย ASEAN Head & Neck Network ระหว่างวันที่ 6-8 พฤศจิกายน 2567 งานนี้ถือเป็นเวทีสำคัญสำหรับบุคลากรทางการแพทย์ด้านศัลยกรรมศีรษะและคอจากทั่วภูมิภาคเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ในการฝึกทักษะขั้นสูงและแลกเปลี่ยนความรู้ในเชิงปฏิบัติ

การประชุมครั้งนี้นำโดยวิทยากรผู้เชี่ยวชาญระดับนานาชาติ ได้แก่ Prof. Sheng-po Hao จากไต้หวัน, Assoc. Prof. Marlinda Adham จากอินโดนีเซีย, Dr. Alexander van Bemmel จากเนเธอร์แลนด์ และ Dr. Baris Karakullukcu จากตุรกี วิทยากรเหล่านี้ได้บรรยายและสาธิตเกี่ยวกับเทคนิคการผ่าตัดขั้นสูงหลายประเภท อาทิ การผ่าตัดต่อมไทรอยด์ (Thyroidectomy), การผ่าตัดกล่องเสียง (Laryngectomy), การผ่าตัดต่อมน้ำลาย (Parotidectomy), การผ่าตัดเนื้องอกบริเวณลำคอ (Neck Dissection) และการผ่าตัดกระดูกใบหน้า (Maxillectomy) รวมถึงการสร้างแผ่นเนื้อเยื่อสำหรับซ่อมแซม (Local & Regional Flaps Reconstruction) ซึ่งเป็นเทคนิคที่สำคัญในการรักษาผู้ป่วยที่มีปัญหามะเร็งศีรษะและคอ

นอกจากการฝึกปฏิบัติ ผู้เข้าร่วมยังได้รับโอกาสเข้าร่วมการสาธิตขั้นสูง เช่น การผ่าตัดกล่องเสียงแบบอนุรักษ์ (Conservation Laryngectomy) และ การผ่าตัดด้วยเลเซอร์ผ่านกล้อง (Transoral Laser Microsurgery, TLM) การสาธิตเหล่านี้มุ่งเน้นให้ผู้เข้าร่วมสามารถนำทักษะไปใช้จริงในผู้ป่วยได้อย่างมีประสิทธิภาพและปลอดภัย โดยการประชุมนี้ยังรวมถึงการทำอัลตราซาวด์บริเวณลำคอและต่อมน้ำเหลือง (Thyroid and Cervical Lymph Nodes Ultrasonography) เพื่อการตรวจวินิจฉัยที่แม่นยำ

ในช่วงสุดท้าย วิทยากรได้จัดการประชุมเชิงอภิปรายแลกเปลี่ยนประสบการณ์และนำเสนอกรณีศึกษา โดยเน้น การสื่อสารและการตัดสินใจที่สำคัญในการผ่าตัดศีรษะและคอ ทำให้การประชุมนี้มีความหลากหลายและครอบคลุมทุกด้านของการศัลยกรรมเฉพาะทางด้านศีรษะและคอ

Assoc. Prof. Pattarapong Makarawate, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University, was a featured speaker at the 65^th Anniversary Celebration International Forum organized by the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University. The forum, held from October 24-25, 2024, focused on the theme “Global Health Challenges and Solutions: A Collaborative Approach” and brought together international experts and healthcare professionals to address pressing global health issues.

Assoc. Prof. Makarawate presented on the topic “Best Practices in Preventive Care,” sharing insights into innovative approaches and effective strategies to enhance preventive healthcare. His presentation highlighted how preventive care can play a critical role in managing health challenges on a global scale, aligning with the forum’s collaborative focus.

The event underscored the importance of partnerships and shared knowledge in advancing global health solutions, with participants from various countries contributing perspectives and strategies to tackle healthcare challenges collectively.

คณบดีคณะแพทยศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น ได้รับเกียรติให้เป็นวิทยากรในงานThe 65^th Anniversary Celebration International Forum มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่

รศ. นพ. ภัทรพงษ์ มกรเวส คณบดีคณะแพทยศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น ได้รับเกียรติให้เป็นวิทยากรหลักบรรยายในหัวข้อ “Best Practices in Preventive Care”  ในงานประชุม The 65^th Anniversary Celebration International Forum ซึ่งจัดขึ้นโดยคณะแพทยศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่ งานประชุมนี้จัดขึ้นระหว่างวันที่ 24-25 ตุลาคม พ.ศ. 2567 ภายใต้หัวข้อ “Global Health Challenges and Solutions: A Collaborative Approach” โดยรวบรวมผู้เชี่ยวชาญและบุคลากรทางการแพทย์จากนานาชาติเพื่อหารือเกี่ยวกับประเด็นสำคัญด้านสุขภาพระดับโลก

Khon Kaen, Thailand – Mr. Nutt Trakarnthai, a medical student from the Cho-Kalaphruek Excellent Research Project for Medical Students (CERPMS) cohort 2, and his advisor, Asst. Prof. Charupong Saengboonmee from the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, have won the prestigious first-place award in the international Factor X Video Competition at the Biomolecular Horizons 2024 conference.

This renowned event was co-organized by the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) and the Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists (FAOBMB). It took place from September 22-26, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia.

Their winning entry demonstrated groundbreaking insights into biochemical research, showcasing innovative approaches that impressed an international panel of judges. The competition was part of a broader event that gathered leading scientists and researchers from around the world to discuss advances in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Khon Kaen University celebrates this achievement as a significant milestone, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to excellence in research and its international reputation.

On September 20, 2024, the British Council Thailand, in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, extended a warm welcome to the Honourable Catherine West, UK Minister for Indo-Pacific Affairs, for a bilateral meeting in order to advance and support scientific collaboration between researchers from Thailand and the UK, highlighting the strong partnership in higher education and research between the two nations.

A research team from Khon Kaen University (KKU) had the privilege of presenting their collaborative project with Imperial College London. The team included Assistant Professor Dr. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin from the Faculty of Medicine and Chairperson of the Phenomic Research and Academic Services Steering Committee at KKU, Dr. M.L. Manida Suksawat from the International College and member and assistant secretary of the Phenomic Research and Academic Services Steering Committee at KKU, and Mr. Theerayut Bubpamala, a graduate student in the Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program at the Faculty of Medicine, KKU.

The project, titled “Personal Health AI for Phenomic Medicine Open Data Infrastructure for Research, Development and Innovation in Thailand,” is a joint effort with Associate Professor Dr. Jia Li and a team of experts from multiple fields such as phenomics, data science, and artificial intelligence at Imperial College London. Imperial College, recognized as the second-best university globally by the QS World University Rankings, stands as a world-renowned institution of academic excellence.

This collaborative project highlights the increasing significance of AI and phenomic medicine in advancing healthcare and scientific research in Thailand, representing a key milestone in fostering international academic collaboration.

Photo credit: British Council Thailand

The Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, extends its congratulations to Assist. Prof. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin, PhD, from the Department of Systems Biosciences and Computational Medicine, who also serves as Chairman of the Committee to Drive Research and Academic Services at the Phynomics Phenome Center, on the occasion of being one of six researchers worldwide to receive the “2024 Metabolomics Society L.M.I.C. Travel Award” at the 20^th Annual International Conference of the Metabolomics Society: Metabolomics 2024 in Osaka, Japan. The research by Assist. Prof. Phetcharaburanin and his team was selected for an oral presentation on the topic “Metabolome-microbiome Dynamics Following Cholangiocarcinoma-derived Fecal Microbiota Transplantation and Oral Bile Reinfusion in Wistar Rat” by the Metabolomics Society.

This research utilizes the technique of human fecal microbiota transplantation into experimental animals combined with metabolomics and microbiomics approaches. The aim is to study the function and mechanisms of gut microbiota from Cholangiocarcinoma patients on the host’s gut health. This investigation seeks to provide functional insights at the molecular level into the gut microbiota of Cholangiocarcinoma patients and to examine the effects of oral bile reinfusion on gut microenvironment recovery. This foundational molecular evidence will be valuable for medical personnel caring for Cholangiocarcinoma patients and serve as a significant knowledge base for researchers and innovators in developing future medical advancements.

The international conference was attended by over 800 participants from universities and research institutions worldwide. It aims to provide a platform for metabolomics researchers to meet and present their work through oral and poster presentations. The conference also seeks to build a robust network of metabolomics research and engage in academic discussions on world-class research in a relaxed and collegial atmosphere. The research topics at the conference are divided into various themes, including Technology Advances; Computational Metabolomics, Statistics, and Bioinformatics; Metabolomics in Health and Disease; Metabolomics of Food, Plants, and Environment and Microbes.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

On April 23, 2024, MD-KKU representatives led by Assoc. Prof. Thuss Sanguansak, Vice Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication, Assoc. Prof. Warachaya Phanphruk, Assistant for International Relations and Corporate Communication, and Dr. Nantaporn Wongsurawat, Assistant for Academic Affairs, welcomed delegations from Institute of International Education (IIE) under the International Academic Partnership Thailand (IAPP Thailand). A total of 20 representatives from US embassies and universities met at the Sarasin Meeting Room, 2^nd floor, Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University.

Assoc. Prof. Nawarat Wara-Aswapati, PhD, Vice President for International Affairs, welcomed the delegations with a warm welcome speech on partnership and collaboration. “It’s a pleasure to welcome you all to our campus and we look forward to productive discussion, connection and friendship, as well as many more collaborations to come,” she said.

US delegations and KKU deans discussed and exchanged their vision for academic partnerships.

Courtney Temple, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, one of the representatives from USA institutions suggested international exchange and collaboration, stating: “If we have chances to collaborate, we will definitely have a beautiful world because we have learned from each other.”

As for MD KKU, we are looking forward to further collaboration with US institutions since we believe that fostering such partnerships will lead to mutual growth and innovation.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun & Waratchaya Rachpoochai

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

A MD-KKU delegation recently attended a workshop on Universal Newborn Hearing Screening in Sydney, Australia with delegations from the National Health Security Office (NHSO), Chulalongkorn University, and the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. The workshop ran between July 18 and 21, 2023.

The MD-KKU delegation was led by Assoc. Prof. Wimorat Sriraj, MD, Associate Dean for Research and International Relations Affairs together with Prof. Kwanchanok Yimtae, MD, Director of Academic Clinical Research Office (ACRO), Assoc. Prof. Pakaphan Kiatchoosakun, MD, Head of Pediatrics Department, and Dr. Nichtima Chayaopas, Department of Otorhinolaryngology. They also visited Macquarie University and the Shepherd Centre.

A workshop on Universal Newborn Hearing Screening hosted by Australian Hearing Hub (AHH)

The workshop on Universal Newborn Hearing Screening was hosted by the Australian Hearing Hub (AHH) with many speakers sharing their experiences. Lecture sessions covered AHH background and its collaboration with private and public sectors to develop newborn hearing screening systems for better access to effective treatment and family support systems to optimize the daily lives of children with hearing loss.  In group discussions, delegates discussed progress, obstacles, and possible solutions for newborn hearing problems in Thailand, and brainstormed approaches to solve problems, provide medical services, and increase human capital especially audiologists.

Lecture Session

Group Discussion Session

The MD-KKU delegation also visited Macquarie University in Sydney, a leader in developing private-public collaborations in education, research, and medical service. The delegation also met the chief executive of the Macquarie University to discuss strategies and collaborations at national and international levels to support children with hearing loss.

MD-KKU delegation visits Macquarie University and meets the chief executive.

The delegation also visited the Shepherd Centre in Sydney. For more than 50 years, the Centre has cared for children with hearing loss and their families. It is supported by private and public sectors as well as donors for facilities and activities like developmental surveillance, hearing aids, auditory skill and language practices, preparation for the real world, counseling, and health care delivery.

A visit to the Shepherd Centre

The workshop on Universal Newborn Hearing Screening was beneficial for KKU to improve its capacity for treatment of children with hearing loss. Improvements in rapid screening, language and communication development, and social skills enhancement should empower children to have productive and fulfilled lives.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

Assistant Professor Rit Apinyankul, MD, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University was recently an invited speaker at the 2023 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting held in Las Vegas, USA between March 7-11, 2023.

He spoke on  “Complications, Implant Survivorships and Functional Outcomes of Conversion Total Knee Arthroplasty With Prior Hardware”

His co-authors were Alexander Y. Hui, MD, PhD; Katherine Hwang, MPH; Nicole Alexandriadria Segovia, MS; Derek F. Amanatullah, MD, PhD; James I. Huddleston, MD; William J. Maloney, MD; and, Stuart B. Goodman, MD, PhD, from the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center Outpatient Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.

Dr. Rit is a key innovator for quality of life research for knee and hip arthroplasty patients at Srinagarind Hospital.

During his research fellowship at Stanford University two years ago (2021), he was involved in arthroplasty technology development with the innovative research team there.

Besides academic, clinical services, research and innovation work at MD-KKU, Dr.  Rit also on the executive administrative team as Assistant to the Dean for Administration.

Detailed disclosure information is available via:

AAOS Orthopaedic Disclosure Program: www.aaos.org/disclosure

Published on The Journal of Arthroplasty 2023 Elsevier

News Reported by Professor John F. Smith and Duangsamorn Chankwang, International Relations Office, MD-KKU

Assistant Professor Artit Boonrod, MD, Department of Orthopedics, and Dr. Sarat Tiangwan, MD, recently presented their research at the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) Congress 2023, held in Boston, USA between June 18 and 21.  The ISAKOS Congress is the premier international meeting for sharing the latest advancements in arthroscopy, knee surgery and sports medicine. It also covered a variety of new and cutting edge surgical techniques and approaches to clinical management, and current controversies in orthopaedic practice.

Our KKU-MD delegates also visited the medical center for knee surgery due to sports injury and shoulder arthroplasty at the New England Baptist Hospital in Boston. This visit was supervised and facilitated by Dr. Michael Ackland, Dr. Glen Ross, and Dr. Paul Weitzel.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith

Professor Pisake Lumbiganon, MD, President of Asia & Oceania Federation of Obstetrics & Gynecology (AOFOG) and KKU-MD ex-dean, recently attended the Federation’s Executive Board and Council meetings at the Vietnam National Conference on Obstetrics and Gynecology. The conference ran between June 13 and 16, 2023 in Hanoi.

Professor Lumbiganon delivered a speech at the opening ceremony to specialists, scientists, and medical professionals gathered from 25 countries in region and around the world.

AOFOG is an organization of the national societies of Obstetrics & Gynecology of countries in the Asia region to promote the science and art of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology, to support the study and implementation of population control, and to promote international cooperation and goodwill particularly in Asia & Oceania.

Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun

Editing by Prof. John F Smith