International Relations Office Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University
On January 16, 2023, we welcomed Dr. Lasonthanou Thongpaseuth and Dr. Keomanivong Thaisavang from the Subspecialty Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Lao PDR, as elective residents at our Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine between January 16 th and 31 st , 2023.
Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun
Editing by Prof. John F Smith
On behalf of His Majesty the King, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously presided over the Commencement Ceremony of Khon Kaen University for the year 2022
Photo Illustration: HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn bestowed an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Medical Biochemistry and Molecular-biology to Professor Norie ARAKI, on December 19, 2022
On December 20, 2022, the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University hosted the Congratulatory Ceremony for the Honorary Doctorate Degree in Medical Biochemistry and Molecular-biology awarded to Professor Norie ARAKI, Department of Tumor Genetics and Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Science, Kumamoto University, Japan. The Venue was the Fah Mui Rooms 1-2, Pullman Raja Orchid Hotel, Khon Kaen.
Participants at the Ceremony were Professor Professor Chanchai Panthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University, Associate Professor Apichat Jiravutthipong, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Professor Norie ARAKI, Professor Tomohiro ARAKI, Associate Professor Wimorat Sriraj, Associate Dean for Research and International Affairs, Professor Sopit Wongkham, and distingshed guests.
Photo Illustration: Baisi Ceremony (Thai blessing ceremony).
Associate Professor Apichat Jiravutthipong, express the Faculty’s congratulations to Professor Norie ARAKI on the award of her KKU Honorary Doctorate Degree in Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and our gratitude for the longstanding friendship between Kumamoto University and Khon Kaen University. Professor Araki has been a key person in weaving the strong connection, not only between the Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University and the Faculty of Medicine but also with other Faculties at Khon Kaen University, such as Faculty of Sciences and Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences. For over twenty years, Professor Araki has put much effort into support our staff, postgraduate and undergraduate students from Khon Kaen University.
The Dean also expressed our deep gratitude to Professor Araki for her long-time support, collaboration, and generosity to our Faculty members and students. And the hope that this warm friendship will endure and grow forever.
This congratulatory ceremony on December 20, 2022, was arranged by Department of Biochemistry and the Research and International Relations Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, KKU.
News written by Duangsamorn Chankwang, English Editing by Professor John F. Smith
On December 15, 2022, Associate Dean for Research and International Relations Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Wimonrat Sriraj welcomed a delegation from the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Lambung Mangkurat (ULM), Indonesia to the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, for discussion on opportunities for collaboration and MOA establishment. The ULM delegation included Dr. Mohammad Bakhriansyah, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. r. Istiana, Vice Dean for Financing and General Affairs, Dr. Agianto, Head of Cooperation and Public Relation Unit, Dr. dr. Meitria Syahadatina Noor, Director of Public Health Master Program, Vina Yulia Anhar, Cooperation and Public Relation Unit, Henry Setiawan, Coordinator of Nurse Profession, and Bernadetta Germia Aridamayanti, Cooperation and Public Relation Unit.
The participants from MDKKU included Assoc. Prof. Wimonrat Sriraj, Associate Dean for Research and International Relations Affairs, Asst. Prof. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin, Assistant Dean for Research and International Relations Affairs, Prof. Kwanchanok Yimtae, Director of Academic Clinical Research Office (ACRO), Mrs. Duangsamorn Chankwang, Head of International Relations Office, and Prof. John F Smith, English Specialist.
“At the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, we see strategic partnerships as the best way to increase the effectiveness and impact of our activities. Therefore, we are looking forward to strengthening our collaboration with the Universitas Lambung Mangkurat,” Assoc. Prof. Wimonrat Sriraj said.
Dr. Mohammad Bakhriansyah said he was pleased and excited about the cementing the collaboration with MDKKU.
ULM and MDKKU agreed to set up a student and staff exchange program with MDKKU agreeing to accept medical students and doctors from ULM for the clinical observership training program at Srinagarind Hospital for between 1-3 months.
After the discussion, Prof. Kwanchanok Yimtae, Director of ACRO presented the research services of ACRO and Asst. Prof. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin presented the services of Khon Kaen University International Phenome Laboratory to ULM delegation.
ULM delegation also visited the Platform Advanced Laboratory led by Asst. Prof. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin, the Simulations Center led by Assoc. Prof. Rattapon Uppala, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, and Department of Emergency Medicine led by Dr. Thanat Tangpaisarn.
Universitas Lambung Mangkurat y (ULM) is conveniently located in North Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan. It is the oldest and biggest university in Kalimantan, and is based in South Kalimantan, with two campuses; one in Banjarmasin, and the other in Banjarbaru. The Banjarmasin campus is only 10 minutes from downtown, and around 45 minutes from Syamsuddin Noor Airport. The other campus, located in Banjarbaru, is only 15 minutes from Syamsudin Noor Airport.
The Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University recently held an International Short Course Training Program in Research Methodology and Biostatistics from 1 August to 30 November, 2022. The aim of the course was to enhance statistical and methodological skills for medical research.
This course had 14 Thai physicians and 5 from Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia and Iran with funding support from the National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) & Fogarty International Center (FIC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Award Number: 1D43DE032294-01A1.
This Short Course is part of the Medium-term training program for Clinical and Public Health Research Training in Oral Health for Southeast Asia Course, a collaborative venture between the Faculties of Medicine and Dentistry, Khon Kaen University.
On December 8, 2022, the Associate Dean for Research and International Relations Affairs (Associate Professor Wimorat Sriraj, MD), welcomed Dr. Yuichiro Morishita, MD, PhD, Dr. Hiroaki Sakai, MD, PhD, and Dr. Tetsuo Hayashi, MD, PhD, experts from the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spinal Injuries Center, JAPAN, to our Faculty.
These experts participated in the MD–KKU overseas visiting professor program in our Department of Orthopedics between December 7 and 8, 2022. The visit’s objectives were 1) To explore future collaborative research possibilities between our two institutions on Spinal Injury Research, and 2) for visitors share academic knowledge as invited speakers at the “Spinal injury and spinal cord injury” conference organized by our Department of Orthopedics.
On this occasion the Head of Department of Orthopedics (Associate Professor Taweechoke Visanuyothin, MD), also attended this meeting with four other department staff of the Department: Associate Professor Surachia Sae–jung, MD, Associate Professor Kriangkrai Wittayapairoj, MD, Associate Professor Permsak Paholpak, MD, and, Dr. Kittipong Wittayapairoj, MD.
They discussed on the future development of collaborative-research and clinical skills development projects between the two institutions.
MD-KKU has a policy for promoting international academic standards by supporting Visiting International Faculty through its “Overseas Visiting Professors” administered by International Relations Office. We would like to express our appreciation to key people involved in these internationalization activities.
Written by Duangsamorn Chankwang
English editing by Professor John F. Smith
Dr. Ratanapoom Songsermsawad, MD, 3rd-year resident of Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University has recently completed the Clinical Observership Program at the Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University between October 31, 2022 – November 27, 2022 . He was the first MD-KKU doctor to go to Aichi Medical University after almost 3 year suspension of all international activities between Aichi Medical University and Khon Kaen University due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Ratanapoom Songsermsawad said: “It was such a great opportunity for me to come to Aichi Medical University, an institution which is considered to be one of the best in the field in Nuclear Medicine. I am very grateful to all professors and staff of Aichi Medical University for providing such a great welcome and fantastic experience to me.”
On November 15, 2022, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine (Associate Professor Apichat Jiravuttipong, MD) and Associate Dean for Research and International Relations Affairs (Associate Professor Wimorat Sriraj, MD), welcomed Professor Reza Alaghehbandan, MD, MSc (Epi), FRCPC, FCAP, FACE, FIAC, Department of Anatomic Pathology, Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, USA, to the Faculty. Professor Alaghehbandan participated in the MD-KKU overseas visiting professor program in our Department of Pathology between November 7 and 17, 2022.
On this occasion the Head of Department of Pathology (Assistant Professor Sukkarn Sangkhamanon, MD), also attended with two other MD-KKU clinical staff who have completed further specialty training at the Cleveland Clinic:
1) Dr. Vivian Klungboonkrong, MD, who held Graduate Research Fellowship in vascular and body radiology intervention there, and
2) Associate Professor Vichai Senthong, MD, who was a Clinical Fellow in Cardiovascular Medicine.
The Dean and Professor Reza and participants had a discussion on the development of collaborative-research and clinical skills development projects between the two institutions in the future.
During his visit, Professor Reza Alaghehbandan delivered special lectures and workshops on Surgical Pathology and Cytology in our Department of Pathology, MD-KKU. He used interactive techniques to teach reading and interpretation of pathological slides to classes of more than thirty participants each time. He also had academic discussions and supervised laboratory skills training in anatomical pathology with pathology residents with interests in breast, genito-urinary system, and gynecology.
MD-KKU has a policy for promoting international academic standards by supporting Visiting International Faculty through its “Overseas Visiting Professors” administered by International Relations Office. We would like to express our appreciation to key people involved in these internationalization activities, including: Associate Professor Supinda Koonmee, Assistant Professor Sakda Wara-asawapati, Dr. Chaiwat Aphivatanasiri, and others. Written by Duangsamorn Chankwang, Head of International Relations Office. English Editor: Professor John F. Smith.
Khon Kaen University cohost with the Parliament of Thailand for an international conference on Digital Health Innovation.
On August 25, 2022, 08:45, the President of Khon Kaen University, Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, MD, presided over the opening ceremony of the 18th ASIAN CONFERENCE ON COMPUTER AIDED SURGERY AND MEDICINE 2022: Digital Health Innovation.
There were international keynote speakers from world leading IT countries such as:
– Professor KWON Dong-soo, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), President of ASIAN SOCIETY OF COMPUTER AIDED SURGERY, who lectured on “Flexible Endoscopic Surgery Robots“;
– Professor CHINZEI Kiyoyuki, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (NIAIST) of Japan, lectured on “Safety and cleanness considerations of robotically assisted surgical systems”;
– Professor Young Soo KIM, MD, PhD, Hanyang University, Republic of Korea, presented on “Clinical Experience of Stereotactic Neurosurgical Robot”;
– Professor CHUI Chee KONG, National University of Singapore (NUS), lectured on “Intelligent Cyber–physical System for Robot–assisted Drug Development”;
– Professor Jumpei ARATA, Kyushu University, Japan:, lectured on “Flexible mechanism toward medical applications”; and
There were eight as online keynote speakers from world leading IT countries:
– Professor Siyang Zuo, Tianjin University, PR China:, lectured on “Key technology of flexible robot for endoscopic surgery“;
– Professor Cao Qixin, Shanghai Jiaotong University, PR China, lectured on “Research on Ubiquitous Medical Robots Based on RTF“;
– Professor Makoto Hashizume, MD, PhD, FACS, Emeritus Professor of Kyushu University, Kitakyushu Koga Hospital, Japan, lectured on “Future Medicine based on Multidisciplinary Computational Anatomy“;
– Professor Hongen LIAO, Tsinghua University, PR China, lectured on “Intelligent Diagnostic and Therapeutic Devices for Future Medicine“;
– Professor Yoshifumi Morita, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan, lectured on “Testing and training device “iWakka” for adjustability for grasping force and its various applications”;
– Professor Yoshinobu Sato, Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Japan, lectured on “Musculoskeletal medical image AI”;
– Professor Etsuko Kobayashi, The University of Tokyo, Japan, lectured on “Medical robotics and devices for minimally invasive surgery”;
– Professor Kensaku Mori, Nagoya University, Japan:, lectured on “AI for CAS – Current and Future– ”
The conference also had more than fifty research papers presented by innovators, researchers and postgraduate students from many international institutions.
There were special lectures by the President of the Royal College of Radiology (Associate Professor Wiwattana Thanomkeat, MD) and colleagues on topics such as: 1) Basic AI for Medicine; 2) AI update: Future Trend Benefit and Limitation; 3) AI in Nuclear Medicine: Cyclotron and Pet Scan; 4) AI in Community Health Care: COVID Era; 5) AI in Clinical Practice: Neuroimaging; 6) Experience of AI for Chest Radiography; 7) Computer assisted implant surgery: does it help improve the accuracy of implant position; 8) GlauCUTU: Time Until Perceived Virtual Reality Perimetry With Humphrey Field Analyzer Prediction-Based Artificial Intelligence”; and, 9) AI in Nuclear Imaging
ACCAS 2022 or 18th ASIAN CONFERENCE ON COMPUTER AIDED SURGERY AND MEDICINE 2022: Digital Health Innovation. The rationale and background to this international academic conference.
During the years 2020 – 2022 the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the great potential of telemedicine. Digital Technologies are now part of daily life for most human beings. “Biomedical Engineering” or “Computer aided medicine” or “Deep technologies in healthcare” are now completely changing the structure of medicine and medical service delivery. Traditional research processes are being re-placed by “Big Data”, and real time data processing now has a major role in medical services process, including image processing and Artificial Intelligence or AI. The Thailand Medical Council has officially announced the 21st century as the opening of the new Era of Digital Medicine in Thailand. The Asian Society of Computer Aided Surgery (ASCAS) was jointly established together with Japan Society of Computer Aided Surgery by professors of Medicine and professors of Engineering from University of Tokyo, Kyushu University, and many Universities in Asia, such as Republic of Korea, PR China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, including Thailand. ASCAS has organized this academic conference annually for 17 years now, with rotating conference hosts. Thailand previously host the conference in the year 2011 in Bangkok
For 2022, Thailand was selected to host the 18th conference again, with theme of “DIGITAL HEALTH MEDICINE” to promote digital health medicine advances in the modern era. This conference was for academic scholars in medicine, biomedical engineering, computer science, including users in primary care health stations, hospital in sub-districts, health promotion stations, medical doctors and health science personnel from the Ministry of Public Health and other Ministries, and medical schools and other relevant organizations.
This academic conference will further promote: a) the development of Digital Medicine operationally and academically by cooperation between various research and innovation groups; b) the development of collaborative networks for future cooperation; and c) inspire and disseminate international level academic / research results on medical innovations.
Telemedicine will change all future healthcare and be widely used in conjunction with modern medicine in Thailand. Digital consultation will increase health care access for rural or regional consumers and primary health facilities to major health centers within Thai health service system.
The Organizing Committee of this Conference was Professor Mionchai Duangchinda, Vice President for Research andGraduate Studies; Professor Pewpan Maleewong, M.D, Assistant to the President; Associate Professor Apichat Juravuttipong, MD, Dean of Faculty of Medicine, Deans of Faculties; Associate Professor Supat Sinawat, MD, Director of Khon Kaen University Library; Associate Professor Wimorat Sriraj, MD, Associate Dean for Research and International Relations; Associate Professor Daris Teerakulpisut; Associate Professor Wunchana Seubwai, International Club of Nursing Department of Srinagarind Hospital.
Onsite and online participants included lecturers, researchers, postgraduate students from Japan: Osaka University, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Osaka institute of Technology, Kyoto University, Keio University, The University of Tokyo; Waseda University; Kyushu University; Kyushu University Hospital; Kobe University; Nagoya Institute of Technology; Tottori University; Yasuda Women’s University; Hiroshima City University; Tokyo Denki University; Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd; Plastic surgery, Cancer Institute Hospital; University of Yamanashi; University of Tsukuba; Nara Institute of Science and Technology; Ehime University; National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Korea: University of Science and Technology; Seoul National University; EasyEndo Surgical Inc.; ROEN Surgical Inc.; CUREXO, Inc.; DIGITRACK, Inc.; AIRS Inc. Robot Innovation Center; Pusan National University; Daegu Gyeongubuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST); Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital; National Cancer Center; Cure-in Inc.; Medical device and Robot institute of Park; Yonsei University; Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), PR China: Tsinghua University; Beijing Institute of Technology; Biopsee (Wuhan) Medical Technology; Shanghai Jiaotong University; Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics; Pakistan: UET, Lahore, Narowal Campu; Poland: Lodz University of Technology.
Written by Duangsamorn Chankwang
Edited by Professor John F. Smith
As the Department of Community, Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand receives three grants for international students. Foreign students, who are interested in MSc in Occupational Medicine and Occupational Health (International program), Department of Community, Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, please follow the instructions below. Remember to first submit the applications directly to the course director (Assoc. Prof. Naesinee Chaiear, naesinee@kku.ac.th) by April 30, 2022 prior to the formal application process.
If any further details require please feel free to get back to naesinee@kku.ac.th.
Procedures for application submission
*The candidates must be nominated by the National Focal Point for International Development Cooperation (such as Ministry of Foreign Affairs) or by relevant central government agencies for which the nominated candidates currently work. Nomination must be in line with relevant rules and regulations of nominating countries/territories. The National Focal Point will forward the United Nations/Royal Thai Consulate-General accredited to eligible countries/territories.
Please prepare one original with two copies of each document as these following items:
*1. TIPP application form (Download at: https://tica-thaigov.mfa.go.th/en/page/75500-tipp-application-form?menu=605b13dbb6f1b76ed31778b3)
*2. Medical report (If candidate had submitted other health certification without the medical report form their application will not be accepted for consideration.)
*3. Transcript of Bachelor’s degree (to show the courses that have learnt throughout Bachelor’s degree)
*4. Certificate of Bachelor’s degree
*5. Recommendation Letter from at least 2 person (1 person per letter) e.g. university instructor, supervisor in the candidate’s organization, employer etc.
*6. English test score (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) as required by the academic institution
*7. Other document as required by the academic institution (please see the course detail: subject “Document Required” for more information)
ALL forms are duly filled out and endorsed by the candidates’ supervisor and the National Focal Point for International Development Cooperation. All of related documents must be in English.
The documents number 1-6 are mandatory. If candidates fail to provide the specified document, their application will not be accepted for consideration.
Each of eligible countries/territories can nominate up to five candidates per academic programme.
3. Application from should be summited to the Royal Thai Embassy/Permanent Mission of Thailand to the United Nations/Royal Thai Consulate-General accredited to eligible countries/territories within May 15, 2022 respectively, in order to be sent to Thailand International Cooperation Agency before the application’s closing date.
Download : Application_Form_for_TIPP
H.E. Mr. Allan McKinnon PSM, Australian Ambassador to Thailand paid his first official visit to Khon Kaen University on 31 March 2022. He met with Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University and other KKU administrators to discuss the feasibility of further academic collaboration between Australian universities and Khon Kaen University such as student exchange programs, human resource developments, and research.
Associate Professor Apichat Jiravuttipong, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University was one of the KKU administrators to welcome and discuss the collaboration between MDKKU and the Australian universities. He said, “As an alumnus of Australia, I have a great pleasure and honor to welcome H.E. Mr. Allan McKinnon to Khon Kaen University today. I look forward to giving full support, in my capacity as the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, to make our collaboration with Australia fruitful”.
KKU also welcomed two senior staff from the Australian Embassy who accompanied the Ambassador, Ms. Anita Wise, Second Secretary for Political Affairs and Mr. Chanapat Maneedul, Senior Staff on Political Affairs.
The meeting was held in the Sarasin Meeting Room, KKU, and the following administrators also joined the discussion:
1. Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, President KKU
2. Associate Professor Nawarat Wara-Aswapati, Vice President for International Affairs
3. Associate Professor Apichat Jiravuttipong, Dean, Faculty of Medicine
4. Associate Professor Peerasit Kamnuansilpa, Dean, College of Local Administration
5. Associate Professor Jureerat Daduang, Dean, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences
6. Associate Professor Darunee Jothityangkoon, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture
7. Associate Professor Pensri Jaroenwanit, Dean, Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy (KKBS)
8. Dr. Ploypailin Kikasiwat, Asistant Dean for International and Communication Affairs, Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy (KKBS)
9. Assistant Professor Sirimonbhorn Thipsingh, Dean, Khon Kaen University International College
10. Assistant Professor Chavis Ketkaew, Associate Dean for Strategy, Research, and International Affairs, Khon Kaen University International College
11. Associate Professor Teekayu Plangkoon Jorns, Associate Dean for Research, Graduate Studies and International Affairs, Faculty of Dentistry
12. Assistant Professor Thanapauge Chamaratana, Assistant to the Dean for Academic and International Affairs, the Faculty of Humanities and Sochoal Sciences
13. Mrs. Wilawan Ungsunantawiwat, Acting Director, International Affairs Division