Meeting Held on Joint Degree Program with Mahidol University, Khon Kaen University, and Kumamoto University
The Graduate School of Medical Sciences (GSMS) at Kumamoto University is in discussions to establish a Joint Degree Program (JDP) in collaboration with Siriraj Hospital at Mahidol University in Thailand. To further advance these discussions, a JDP meeting was held, bringing together key participants from both universities as well as Khon Kaen University which was the first to establish a double degree program with GSMS.The meeting participants included Associate Professor Peti Thuwajit and Associate Professor Siwanon Jirawatnotai (Liaison Professor of Kumamoto University) from Mahidol University, who are expected to play key roles in the development of the JDP. From Khon Kaen University, Professor Kulthida Vaeteewoottacharn (Liaison Professor of Kumamoto University) and Associate Professor Raksawan Deenonpoe participated; Khon Kaen University has had nearly 20 years of exchange with Kumamoto University. Kumamoto University’s delegation included Executive Vice President Kazuhito Tomizawa, Executive Vice President Jun Otani, Professor Seiji Okada (the JDP representative), Professor Hiroyuki Oshiumi (Chair of the GSMS Education Committee), and Professor Wen-Jie Song (Vice Chair of the GSMS Education Committee).
The meeting began with Associate Professor Peti Thuwajit sharing Mahidol University’s experiences with its JDPs, proposing that the JDP be developed with Kumamoto University based on these findings. Professor Okada then presented the current progress of the JDP discussions, while Professor Oshiumi outlined the program’s prospects, leading to a broader discussion of future directions.
Both Siriraj Hospital’s Department of Pharmacology at Mahidol University and the GSMS at Kumamoto University agreed to continue discussions with the goal of launching the JDP in the 2027 academic year. These discussions will continue through online meetings and reciprocal visits.
Additionally, Professor Kulthida Vaeteewoottacharn from Khon Kaen University expressed strong interest in the JDP and said that she would like to refer to the experience of Mahidol University and the current program development as valuable references.
Introduction of Participants by Prof. Seiji Okada
Presentation on JDPs conducted at Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University by Drs. Peti Thuwajit and Siwanon Jirawatnotai
