Training Programs in “Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Fellowship” and “Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship”

Professor Pisake Lumbiganon, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, was a co-chair presiding over the MOU Signing Ceremony of a multi-party cooperation at the University of Health Sciences, Vientiane, Lao PDR, on June 8, 2012.  The three other co-chairs were: Dr. Somchith Boupha (President of University of Health Sciences, Lao PDR), Professor Charas Suwanwela (President of Pfizer Thailand Foundation), and Dr. Emily Esmali (Pediatrics and Internal Medicine Residency Coordinator, Health Frontiers Field Representative, Lao PDR).

On this occasion, Professor Ouyporn Panamonta, Head of Pediatrics Department, Professor Arunee Jetsrisuparb, Professor Pakakrong Lumbiganon, Associate Professor Surapon Wiangnon and Associate Professor Pope Kosalaraksa accompanied the Dean to participate in the ceremony as chairpersons of two training programs and sub-specialists in the “Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Fellowship Program” and the “Pediatrics Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program”.

The MD-KKU will facilitate two training programs for two pediatricians (viz., Dr. Bandith Sounphonphakdy and Dr. Sonephet Saysouligno) from Lao PDR for three years.  Pfizer Thailand Foundation will provide ~1 million baht grant support for the two grantees.  Each grantee will receive an annual scholarship of 170,000 baht.  Over the next three years, after they have completed their respective training programs, they will return to Lao PDR to serve as clinical lecturers/staff at the medical school and affiliated hospitals.