News & Events 

Delegates from Srinakharinwirot University visit USF Health

In January 2008, the College of Medicine, Office of International Affairs welcomed five dignitaries from Srinakharinwirot University College of Medicine (SWU COM) in Nakornnayok, Thailand.  Dr. Somkiat Wattanasirichaigoon, Dean of SWU COM, Dr Somchai Santiwatanakul, Associate Dean of Research and International Affairs, Dr. Suthat Rungruanghiranya, Assistant Dean of International Affairs and Dr. Niyom Laoopugsin, Director of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirinthorn Medical Center traveled to Tampa, FL with the goal of  establishing an affiliation agreement, developing a medical student exchange program and exploring the possibility of an international MD program between SWU and USF Colleges of Medicine.

Led by Dr. Charurut Somboonwit, Assistant Professor at USF Infectious Disease and Country Coordinator for Thailand, the dignitaries toured the campus and met with USF President, Judy Genshaft, Senior Vice President for USF Health and Dean of USF COM, Dr. Stephen Klasko, Associate Dean of International Affairs, Dr. John Sinnott, Associate Dean of Research, Dr. Wilber Milhous, Associate VP of Innovations, Dr. Paul Sanberg, and Associate Dean of Continuing Professional Development,  Dr. Deborah Sutherland  to open a dialogue between the two universities.  They discussed the possibilities of student exchange programs for undergraduate, public health and medical students, ACLS training for SWU faculty, faculty training and exchange, a joint symposium and an international MD program.

Research is an area in which the two universities are anxious to share experience and knowledge including the areas of: 

• Immunology
• Infectious disease
• Stem cell
• Solid organ transplantation

 

The distinguished guests had the opportunity to tour the Interdisciplinary Research Building (IRDB) at USF, the TB and Specialty Care Clinic at the Hillsborough County Health Department, and the Children’s Research Institute in St. Petersburg.  

Dr. Wattanasirichaigoon and his colleagues visited the Infectious Disease Division at Tampa General Hospital and met with President and CEO Mr. Ron Hytoff and Senior VP and CMO Dr. Sally Houston to discuss the integration of Tampa General Hospital and its affiliated facilities as part of the exchange program.

Faculty from both institutions look forward to an active and successful collaboration that will prepare students and faculty for the challenging landscape of international medicine and create lasting ties across the globe.

--Newsbrief by Brooke Engman and Karina D'Souza, Office of International Affairs, College of Medicine