Ms. Wisavaporn Niamsang, a Prosthetist & Orthotist, Research Assistant, and Ph.D. candidate in Prosthetics and Orthotics at the Sirindhorn School of Prosthetics and Orthotics (SSPO), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, participated in the “10th International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH) Congress 2024″, held at The Palais des Congrès de Paris, France, from October 28th – 31st, 2024. She delivered an oral presentation titled “Analysis of Monitoring Physical Activity in Prosthesis Users and Able-Bodied Individuals in the US and Thailand” during the session on “Physical Activity and Disabilities”.

The congress, hosted by the French Society of Public Health (SFSP) and co-sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO), brought together researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers to address inequalities in access to and participation in physical activity. It focused on fostering collaboration at global, national, and local levels to create sustainable changes in systems, environments, and opportunities that support physical activity for all.

Ms. Wisavaporn highlighted the following benefits for Siriraj Hospital stemming from her participation:

1. Knowledge Exchange: She engaged in discussions with researchers worldwide on topics such as physical fitness and innovative approaches to physical activity, gaining valuable perspectives from diverse disciplines.

2. Promotion of Prosthetics and Orthotics: Through her interactions, she raised awareness about prosthetics and orthotics, ensuring greater understanding and accessibility among attendees.

3. Collaborative Opportunities: She established connections with researchers for potential future collaborations in prosthetics, orthotics, and physical activity research.

4. Observations of Global Advancements: She explored international advancements in physical activity, which could inspire innovative practices at Siriraj Hospital.

Ms. Wisavaporn expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to attend the ISPAH Congress, emphasizing her commitment to applying the knowledge gained across clinical, educational, and research endeavors at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University.

From October 16th – 31st, 2024, a team from the Division of Medical Bioinformatics, Department of Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, led an intensive training workshop titled “Nanopore Sequencing Workshop: Lactic Acid Bacterial Genome Sequencing and Bioinformatics” at the University of Parma, Italy. Conducted by Lecturer Thidathip Wongsurawat, Ph.D., Lecturer Piroon Jenjaroenpun, Ph.D., Lecturer Worarat Kruasuwan, Ph.D., and Research Technical Officer Ms. Aunthikarn Sudjai, the workshop paved the way for collaboration between the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, and the University of Parma, culminating in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing.

Building on this collaboration, the Siriraj team was invited as instructors for the MYCOBEANS project workshop, “Exploring (Emerging) Mycotoxins Risk in Beans: A Global Alliance for Climate Change Resilience,” held from October 28th – 29th, 2024. This workshop gathered over 50 participants from various European countries, covering topics such as:

“Introduction to Oxford Nanopore Technologies & Its Applications” by Lecturer Thidathip Wongsurawat, Ph.D.

“Introduction to MinKNOW” by Lecturer Piroon Jenjaroenpun, Ph.D.

“Overview of the Bioinformatics Pipeline for Nanopore Data Analysis” and “EPI2ME – Real-time Data Analysis Q&A with Participants’ Projects” by Lecturer Piroon Jenjaroenpun, Ph.D., and the Siriraj Long-read Lab (Si-LoL) team

“ONT Flow Cell Priming and Loading” and “Library Preparation” by Lecturer Worarat Kruasuwan, Ph.D., and the Si-LoL team

During this event, Lecturer Thidathip Wongsurawat, Ph.D., and the Si-LoL team presented the signed MOU from the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, to the University of Parma. They also engaged with principal investigators across various faculties, exploring future international funding and research collaborations, further strengthening ties between the two institutions.

Assistant Professor Chalermchai Mitrpant, M.D., Ph.D., from the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, represented Siriraj at the “18th International Congress on Neuromuscular Diseases (ICNMD) 2024” held between October 25th – 30th, 2024, in Perth, Australia. Asst. Prof. Mitrpant presented a poster titled, “Assessing Toxicity of Splice-Switching Antisense Oligonucleotides on Different Backbone Chemistries Using Zebrafish Larvae”. His visit also aimed to strengthen research collaborations with Siriraj’s partners in Perth, exploring new research agreements.

The International Congress on Neuromuscular Diseases is organized on behalf of the Specialty Group on Neuromuscular Diseases (NMD) of the World Federation of Neurology (WFN). The aim of the ICNMD Congresses is to offer attendees an updated view on neuromuscular disorders and networking opportunities to increase their international experience and collaborations. The scientific and program committees are invited from all continents around the world to enable this wide spectrum.

Doctor Pannathat Soontrapa, M.D., a clinical educator of the Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, attended the “18th International Congress on Neuromuscular Diseases (ICNMD) 2024″ from October 25th – 29th, 2024, in Perth, Australia. Dr. Soontrapa chaired an oral presentation session and delivered an oral presentation titled “Distinctive Clinical Features in Biopsy-Confirmed Nerve Large-Arteriole Vasculitis and Nerve Microvasculitis Cases”, emphasizing clinical insights that can enhance diagnostic precision. He also aimed to foster collaborations with international institutions and improve patient care at Siriraj Hospital.

The ICNMD International Congress on Neuromuscular Diseases is organized on behalf of the Specialty Group on Neuromuscular Diseases (NMD) of the World Federation of Neurology (WFN). Since 2014, the Congress has taken place in a two-year cycle. The ICNMD Congresses aim to offer attendees an updated view on neuromuscular disorders and networking opportunities to increase their international experience and collaborations. The scientific and program committees are invited from all continents around the world to enable this wide spectrum.

Asst. Prof. Thatsaphan Srithongkul, M.D., a clinical instructor of the Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, participated in the “American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2024” in San Diego, USA, from October 21st – 29th, 2024. Asst. Prof. Srithongkul presented a poster titled “Glycemic Profile Assessed by Continuous Glucose Monitoring in ESKD Patients Treated with Automated Peritoneal Dialysis.” In addition to presenting, she aimed to submit a manuscript for publication and gain advanced insights into kidney disease to enhance practices in the Division of Nephrology.

The ASN represents over 21,000 kidney health professionals dedicated to improving care for individuals with kidney diseases. Through the ASN Alliance for Kidney Health, the society continues its mission to advance knowledge and work toward a world without kidney diseases.

From October 23rd – 27th, 2024, Asst. Prof. Mutita Junking, Ph.D., Head of the Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, participated in “The 9th Federation of Immunological Societies of Asia-Oceania Congress (FIMSA2024)” in Taipei, Taiwan. She presented a research poster titled “Enhancing Mucin1-specific CAR T cell Efficacy in Breast Cancer Using PD-1/CD28 Switch Receptor”.

The Federation of Immunological Societies of Asia-Oceania (FIMSA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1992, promotes immunology research across the Asia-Pacific region. Membership is open to immunological societies and associations in the region that are part of the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS). Current members include Australia & New Zealand, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Japan, Korea, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. Societies that don’t qualify for full membership may join as Observers, with current Observers including Bangladesh, CIS, and Russia.

 

Dr. Posatorn Suwanpongsai, MD, Clinical Educator of the Division of Orthopaedic Trauma, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, attended the Orthopaedic Trauma Association’s 40th Annual Meeting held from October 23rd – 26th, 2024, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Dr. Wongcharoenwatana presented a poster on “Factors Influencing Early Post-operative Mobilization in Geriatric Hip Fracture Patients.” His participation promises to enhance patient care, foster knowledge sharing, drive research development, and elevate institutional recognition upon his return to Siriraj Hospital.

Assistant Professor Thanyaporn Rakbangboon from the Sirindhorn School of Prosthetics and Orthotics (SSPO) was invited as a guest speaker at the hands-on workshop titled “Orthotic Treatment for AIS Patients: Cheneau Brace Based on Sobernheim 3D Schroth Concept”. The event was held from October 17th –20th, 2024, at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Illinois, USA, and there was 14 prosthetists and orthoptists attended the workshop.

The workshop featured comprehensive in-person training on Cheneau Brace fabrication for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) patients. Key components included patient assessment, measurement and casting techniques, plaster model preparation, orthotic design and fabrication, and device fitting. These activities offered participants an in-depth, practical understanding of scoliosis management through orthotic interventions.

In addition to the workshop, Assistant Professor Thanyaporn had the opportunity to visit Northwestern University’s Prosthetics and Orthotics Center, where she observed their educational and training methodologies.

She extends her sincere gratitude to Mr. Bryan Malas, Director of Prosthetics and Orthotics at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, for the invitation and opportunity to contribute as a workshop speaker.

Doctor Varis Manomaivong, M.D., from the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, participated in “The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry’s 2024 Annual Meeting” in Seattle, Washington, USA, from October 14th – 19th, 2024. He presented a research poster titled “Diagnosis Disclosure to Adolescents with ASD at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand”.

Dr. Manomaivong gained valuable insights into Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the conference, including approaches for behavioral management, therapeutic interventions, and pharmacological treatments. These insights will enhance the quality of care for ASD patients at Siriraj Hospital.

The AACAP Annual Meeting is the world’s largest gathering of child and adolescent psychiatrists, bringing together professionals from over 60 countries to share knowledge and foster international collaboration.

Assoc. Prof. Jeerunda Santiprabhob, M.D., Chief of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, joined the “50th Anniversary of the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) Conference” themed “Inclusion & Innovation in Pediatric Diabetes” in Lisbon, Portugal, between October 16th – 19th, 2024. She presented an E-Poster titled “Effect of Diabetes Camp on Glycemic Control, Diet-related Behaviors, and Diabetes Knowledge Among Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Attending the Diabetes Camp”. Her participation aims to update the Siriraj diabetes care team, endocrine fellows, and residents on emerging insights in youth-onset diabetes care and practice guidelines.

The 2024 ISPAD Conference highlighted a shift from traditional hormone substitution to disease modification strategies, including immune modulation, beta cell replacement, and advanced automated insulin delivery. While groundbreaking developments in pediatric diabetes research, precision medicine, and AI bring hope, global disparities in access to insulin, technological tools, and challenges with social stigma remain critical issues in the diabetes community.