IR FK-KMK UGM. The Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) conducted a study visit to the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand. This study visit aimed to broaden students’ understanding of current public health practices and their implementation in Thailand.
The delegation from FK-KMK UGM consisted of 24 participants, including faculty members, staff, and students of Batch 5 from the Implementation Research program at FK-KMK UGM. The visit to Mahidol University took place over three days (October 17-19, 2023).
Associate Professor Dr. Weeraphong Phumratanaprapin, M.D, the Dean of the Faculty of Tropical Medicine at Mahidol University, expressed his gratitude for the visit from FK-KMK UGM. He hoped that this visit could serve as an opportunity to share information and update knowledge related to public health. Associate Professor Dr. Weeraphong Phumratanaprapin, M.D welcomed the FK-KMK UGM delegation along with Prof. Dr. Kesinee Chotivanich (Deputy Dean for International Relations), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kraichat Tantrakarnapa (Deputy Dean for Facilities and Environment), and their team.
Beyond study visits, this occasion facilitated meetings between the Faculty of Tropical Medicine at Mahidol University and the Master’s Programs in Public Health and Tropical Medicine at FK-KMK UGM. Among the key topics of discussion was the exploration of academic collaborations, including student exchange initiatives.
This study visit is a regular agenda organized by the Special Program of Implementation Research WHO TDR, aiming to enhance students’ insights and knowledge regarding public health and its implementation, especially in the South-East Asia Region (SEARO). Previously, in 2018, a delegation from FK-KMK UGM visited Mahidol University as part of the Joint International Tropical Medicine Meeting (JITMM) event.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. E. Elsa Herdiana Murhandarwati, M.Kes., Ph.D, the head of the FK-KMK UGM delegation, mentioned that the visit to Mahidol University is also a follow-up to the extension of cooperation between the two universities. FK-KMK UGM and the Faculty of Tropical Medicine at Mahidol University have been collaborating since 2018.
Prof. Elsa hopes that this cooperation will strengthen both institutions in the development of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly in the fields of Education and Research. Moreover, through this collaboration, FK-KMK UGM can also send faculty members and students to participate in student exchanges and engage in activities organized by both universities.