Welcome Prof. Dr. Roy Gerth van Wijk, specialized in Immunotherapy and Immunomodulation of the Allergic Response and Prof. Dr. Nicolette J.T. Arends, an expert in Pediatric Allergology, from Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, to serve as Siriraj International Visiting Scholars at the Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University from November 11th – 15th, 2024.
On November 14th, 2024, a delegation from the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, led by Prof. Apichat Asavamongkolkul, Dean, included Siriraj faculty members: Prof. Thawatchai Akaraviputh, Director of Siriraj Medical School; Assoc. Prof. Tripop Lertbunnaphong, Deputy Dean for Undergraduate Education; Assoc. Prof. Sith Sathornsumetee, Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation; Asst. Prof. Prapat Suriyaphol, Deputy Dean for Information Technology; and Asst. Prof. Kanokwaroon Watananirun, Assistant Dean for International Relations, visited the University of Glasgow to renew their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and discuss potential research collaborations.
On this occasion, our delegation was welcomed by a distinguished team from the University of Glasgow, including Prof. Lindsey Pope, Dean of Internationalisation; Prof. Philippe Schyns, Dean of Research Technology; Prof. George Baillie, Professor of Molecular Pharmacology; Mrs. Linda Atkinson, Head of Academic Governance and Graduate Administration; Prof. Joanne Edwards, Professor of Translational Cancer Pathology; Prof. Malcolm Shepherd, Professor of the Undergraduate Medical School; Prof. Matthew Walters, Professor of Clinical Pharmacology; Ms. Lesley Dinning, PGR Manager; and Ms. Michelle Craig, Deputy PGR Manager.
Key Objectives of the Visit:
- MOU Renewal: Formalizing the continued partnership between Siriraj Hospital and the University of Glasgow.
- Research Collaboration: Exploring joint research initiatives.
- Facility Tour: Visiting Glasgow’s academic and research facilities to assess resources and potential for future projects.
Associate Professor Jassada Buaboonnam, MD, from the Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, was honored as a guest speaker at the “29th Congress of the Asia-Pacific Blood and Marrow Transplantation Group (APBMT)” held in Singapore from October 11th – 13th, 2024. He delivered an insightful lecture titled “Treatment of AYA ALL”, highlighting advancements in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adolescents and young adults.
This congress, themed “Harnessing the Immune System”, is a premier platform for professionals across the Asia-Pacific region engaged in blood and marrow transplantation and cellular therapies. It offers opportunities to present cutting-edge research, exchange knowledge, and attend specialized educational symposia. Key activities also include collaborative study planning, updates on APBMT working groups, and engagement with industry leaders to explore innovative initiatives.
Assoc. Prof. Buaboonnam’s contribution reflects Siriraj’s commitment to advancing medical expertise and leveraging global collaborations to enhance research, clinical practices, and institutional reputation.
On November 13th, 2024, our delegation from the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, led by Prof. Apichat Asavamongkolkul, Dean, and Mahidol University International College (MUIC), led by Prof. Chulathida Chomchai, Dean, visited RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland to exchange insights on advancing medical education and was welcomed by Prof. Celine Marmion, Academic Director of Student Engagement, Prof. Debbi Stanistreet, Head of Public Health, Ms. Abi Kelly, Director of International Engagement, and Dr. Róisín Moriarty, International Engagement Manager.
Key Discussion Topics:
- Medical Curriculum Development: Learning from RCSI’s curriculum innovations to support Siriraj and MUIC’s new 6-year international medicine program.
- Student Engagement: Exploring methods to boost student participation and leadership.
- Simulation-Based Education: Touring RCSI’s Simulation Center to enhance practical skills in Siriraj’s training.
- Entrepreneurship in Healthcare: Integrating entrepreneurial skills in medical education to foster innovation.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Discussing SDG integration to prepare students for global health challenges.
With this discussion, Siriraj and MUIC look forward to developing a comprehensive, internationally aligned medical education model in Thailand.
On November 12th, 2024, an executive team of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital: Prof. Apichat Asavamongkolkul, Dean; Prof. Thawatchai Akaraviputh, Deputy Dean and Director of Siriraj Medical School; Assoc. Prof. Tripop Lertbunnaphong, Deputy Dean for Undergraduate Education; Assoc. Prof. Sith Sathornsumetee, Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation; Asst. Prof. Prapat Suriyaphol, Deputy Dean of Information Technology; and Asst. Prof. Kanokwaroon Watananirun, Assistant Dean for International Relations, visited Newcastle University to explore potential academic and research collaborations with the welcome led by Prof. David Burn, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Medical Sciences; Prof. Joris Veltman, Dean of Biosciences Institute.
The visit aimed to gain insights into Newcastle’s approach to developing an international curriculum, and the collaboration discussions covered areas where Siriraj has notable expertise: dengue infection control, allergy and immunity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity, metabolomics, systems biology, and cancer precision medicine.
Additionally, Siriraj explored potential partnerships with the National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA) and the National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD) to advance research in age-related health and data science. The delegation expressed interest in establishing student exchange programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and discussed overseas study opportunities for future international students. During the visit, our team toured Newcastle’s FMS facilities, simulation center, and The Helix.
On November 11th, 2024, the administrative members of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, led by Prof. Apichat Asavamongkolkul, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Prof. Thawatchai Akaraviputh, Deputy Dean and Director of Siriraj Medical School, Assoc. Prof. Tripop Lertbunnaphong, Deputy Dean of Undergraduate Education, Assoc. Prof. Sith Sathornsumetee, Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation, Asst. Prof. Prapat Suriyaphol, Deputy Dean of Information Technology, and Asst. Prof. Kanokwaroon Watananirun, Assistant Dean for International Relations, visited King’s College London, UK. The group was warmly welcomed by Prof. Nicki Cohen, Dean of Medical Education, and Dr. Lisa Story.
The visit facilitated a productive exchange of knowledge and insights, particularly in data science and artificial intelligence in medicine. The Siriraj team toured the London Medical Imaging and AI Centre for Value-Based Healthcare, fostering discussions on future collaborations in AI-driven medical advancements.
Lecturer Pitchaya Maneeprasopchoke, MD, from the Department of Dermatology, represented Siriraj Hospital as a guest speaker at the “Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress (AMWC) Japan” held in Tokyo, Japan, from November 10th – 11th, 2024. She delivered two lectures on her research topics: “Lip Refining Technique for Natural Looks” and “A New Therapeutic Approach with Skin Booster”, highlighting her innovative contributions to dermatology.
Her participation not only elevated the global visibility of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital but also fostered opportunities for research collaborations and advancements in dermatological care.
AMWC is the premier international medical conference series, renowned for its reputation in sharing expertise. The event will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, with a significant number being globally active doctors. Attendees can look forward to valuable lectures enriched by their extensive experience.
Assoc. Prof. Sqn. Ldr. Khamin Chinsakchai, M.D., from the Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, participated as a distinguished guest speaker at the “11th VERVE and LINC Australia Symposium” held in Sydney, Australia, from November 5th – 11th, 2024.
He delivered an insightful lecture titled “Endovascular versus Open Repair for Infective Native Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Redefining Treatment Paradigms—A 15-Year Odyssey”, sharing his extensive experience in treating complex vascular cases. The presentation highlighted innovative approaches, treatment outcomes, and lessons from over a decade of practice, contributing valuable knowledge to the field of vascular surgery.
The VERVE and LINC Australia Symposium 2024 serves as a platform for a multidisciplinary gathering of vascular specialists from across Australia, New Zealand, the Asia-Pacific region, and beyond. Its mission emphasizes advancing vascular disease prevention and cure through education, research promotion, and fostering an inclusive, collegial environment.
Assoc. Prof. Chinsakchai’s participation underscores Siriraj Hospital’s ongoing contributions to global advancements in vascular medicine.
Assoc. Prof. Prapat Wanitpongpan, Deputy Dean for Corporate Communication and International Relations, Assoc. Prof. Rungsima Wanitphakdeedecha, Chairperson of the Department of Dermatology and Assoc. Prof. Penvadee Pattanaprichakul, from Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, welcomed Assoc. Prof. Alvaro Christian Laga Canales from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA, an expert in Dermatopathology and Infection Pathology, serve as the Siriraj International Visiting Scholars from November 4th to November 15th, 2024.
Ms. Lalita Matthapan, a scientist from the Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, represented Siriraj at the “8th Congress of the Asia-Pacific Society for Medical Mycology (APSMM 2024)” in Kyoto, Japan, held from November 5th – 9th, 2024. She delivered an oral presentation on the topic “Optimal Duration for Specimen Transportation Using Specimen Storing Envelopes in Superficial Fungal Infections”. Ms. Matthapan aims to bring back insights and innovative ideas to enhance departmental work processes, fostering efficiency and encouraging new approaches within the organization.
