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School of Allied Health Sciences and School of Nursing collaboratively organized the Global Multi-Professional and Cultural Camp 2023 in partnership with Showa University, Japan. Running from 7 – 12 August 2023 at Walailak University, the event aimed to promote academic and cultural exchanges.

On 8 August 2023, the opening ceremony of the Global Multi-Professional and Cultural Camp 2023 with Showa University took place at Chorpradu Chamber of Walailak University Hospital. The ceremony brought together participants from Thailand and Japan, marking a significant step towards cross-cultural collaboration.

Presiding over the opening event was Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University. Also in attendance were Associate Professor Dr. Jitbanjong Tangpong, Dean of School of Allied Health Sciences; Associate Professor Dr. Urai Jaraeprapal, Dean of School of Nursing; and Assistant Professor Dr. Patnarin Supakorn, Director of Center for International Affairs.

A delegation of 14 students from Department of Nursing, Department of Physical Therapy, and Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Nursing and Rehabilitation Sciences, Showa University, was led by Professor Dr. Yoshiko Kudo from the International Exchange Center, Professor Dr. Yoshinori Kagaya, Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy, and Professor Dr. Akiko Tanaka, Chair of the Department of Nursing.

Associate Professor Dr. Jitbanjong Tangpong, as a host from Walailak University, emphasized that "The Global Multi-Professional and Cultural Camp 2023, with support from the Walailak Center for International Affairs, facilitates collaborative learning through medical case studies from community patients. It serves as a platform for idea exchange, data gathering, research, and joint presentations."

Professor Dr. Yoshiko Kudo shared that Showa students are highly enthusiastic. They are interested in Thailand's healthcare system and conducted in-depth research on Japan's healthcare system before their arrival. This preparation will allow them to discern distinctions and commonalities within health systems while visiting Walailak University Hospital, traditional medicine hospitals, or community hospitals as well as provide them with a deeper understanding of health and its impact on people.

In addition to students from Showa and Walailak, the 2023 camp also welcomed students from UCSI University, Malaysia, who are engaged in research and sample collection at Walailak University. Their research advisor is Associate Professor Dr. Veeranoot Nissapatorn, a lecturer from Walailak School of Allied Health Science who is recognized as a World's Top 2% Scientist according to the Stanford University World’s Top 2% Scientists List 2022.

During their time at Walailak University, students also have the opportunity to visit the Primary Health Center in Pakppon Subdistrict, visit Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan - the main Buddhist temple of Nakhon Si Thammarat, and partake in city and nature tours.

Photos by Theeraphong Nooplod, Natthawut Piwnimnuan and Settaboot Onphakdee
News by Settaboot Onphakdee
Division of Corporate Communication.