Walailak University, Thailand, led by Prof. Surin Maisrikrod, Vice-President for Foreign Affairs and Learning and Teaching Development; Prof. Jitbanjong Tangpong, Dean, School of Allied Health Sciences; Prof. Urai Jaraeprapal, Dean, School of Nursing; and Prof. Sittichai Koontongkaew, Dean, International College of Dentistry, were pleased to welcome the following Showa University executives:

1.Prof. Takashi MIYAZAKI, DDS, PhD,

Showa University, Vice President, Director General of the International Exchange Center;

2.Prof. Akiko TANAKA, R.N., M.N., PhD,

Professor and Chairperson of Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences;

3.Prof. Yoshinori KAGAYA, PT, JSPO-AT, PhD,

Professor and Chairperson of Department of Physical Therapy;

4.Prof. Yoshiko KUDO, MT, BSc., PhD, Professor of the International Exchange Center; from Jan 18-20, 2023.

The event was organized by the International Affairs Team of the School of Allied Health Sciences led by Asst. Prof. Rachasak Boonhok and the School of Nursing as a co-host, led by Dr. Thidarat Eksirinimit. The purpose of the visit was to have a better understanding of the Health Science program of Walailak University, to exchange teaching best practices for effective student learning, and to discuss primary healthcare in Southern Thailand as well as academic activities, which included staff and student exchange and research. The program also included a Walailak University tour and a visit to the primary healthcare facilities in Nakhon Si Thammarat. This was the first step toward international collaboration between the two universities.

        On September 12th, 2022, the Department of Medical Technology and Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, headed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jitbanjong Tangpong, the dean of the school, Asst. Prof. Dr. Suriyan Sukati, the director of the Medical Technology International and Bilingual Program, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Voravuth Somsak, the vice dean and chairperson of the Medical Technology International and Bilingual Program, Asst. Prof. Dr. Rachasak Boonhok, assistant to the dean for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Parinya Vongvaivanichakul, the head of the Physical Therapy Program, Prof. Dr. Hideyuki Majima, the visiting professor from Japan and five lecturers, one academic officer, and eight students visited the School of Allied Health Sciences at Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan, led by Asst. Prof. Takafumi Ichikawa, MD, PhD, the dean of the school.

       The program is aimed to promote academic education, research, and cultural exchange and forge the sustainable cooperative relationship in academic between the two institutions in order to promote healthcare professionals’ efficiency in terms of ethics, development and exchange of knowledge and innovative mindsets. With these qualities being instilled, we can ensure WU professionals’ abilities to meet the public needs and create sustainable community development as well as the ongoing pursuit of national and international excellence.

       School of Allied Health Science, Walailak University, maintains its commitment to producing health science professionals equipped with professional expertise, ethics and collaborative networks which will optimize exchange of the knowledge and innovations in health science. In the post-COVID 19 era in which physical mobility resumes its regular tracks, the school is accordingly in touch with international institutions and organizations for collaborative development in academics and professional skills.

Associate Professor Dr. Manas Kotepui, Medical Technology Program, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, had been invited to give a lecture on the topic “Coinfections in malaria” at the 15th International Congress on Parasitology – ICOPA 2022 in Copenhagen, Denmark on 21-26 August 2022.

ICOPA is the official academic conference of the World Federation of Parasitologists (WFP), held every four years. It is also the world’s most attended academic conference for parasitologists. It offers parasitologists from around the world the opportunity to present their research in an oral presentation and a poster presentation. Parasitologists can meet friends and colleagues, seek scientific collaboration, get inspired and motivated by keynote and guest speakers to continue research and practice in parasitology and parasitic diseases. ICOPA 2022 was hosted by the Danish Society for Parasitology (DSP) and the Scandinavian-Baltic Society for Parasitology (SBSP). More than 1,500 parasitologists from 95 countries attended this year’s conference. In the next four years (2026), ICOPA will be held in Montréal, Canada.

             On 17th August 2022 our inspiring session from a guest lecturer, khun Art Ophat (Medical Technologist, Research Director & Entrepreneur) on the topic of Going above & beyond Medical Technology working with Giant Tech companies (eg. Google, Facebook, etc..) as part of Introduction to Medical Technology (International Program) school of Allied Health Sciences at Walailak University) to 1st year students.

            This was an eye opening class for the Freshmen to understand more about the work life after graduation and the career paths beyond medical technology field, and other related industries. The class received great feedbacks for providing insights into career choices and life goals. Medical technologies can save lives, improve health and contribute to sustainable healthcare. Through innovative devices and diagnostics, the industry delivers value to patients, healthcare professionals, and healthcare systems and society. If interested to know more about our program, please feel free to contact us for further details.