The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) warmly welcomed the representatives of The Medical Council of the Kingdom of Thailand at the Tadena Hall on August 29, 2024.

UNP President Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna emphasized the importance of The Medical Council’s visit in UNP.

“We are embarking on a journey of collaboration, and mutual growth. The challenges facing global healthcare are complex and multifaceted. By promoting international relations, we can share knowledge, resources, and best practices that transcend borders. This partnership is essential, especially as we navigate issues such as emerging diseases, healthcare accessibility, and the integration of technology in medicine,” Cadorna said.

“We hope to further strengthen our ties with The Medical Council of Thailand, we also look forward to establishing student exchange programs, which will allow our students to gain firsthand experience in different healthcare systems, cultural competence, and a broader understanding of global health issues. It is through these experiences that our future physicians will become adaptable, empathetic, and well-rounded practitioners,” he added.

Dr. Amorn Leelarasamee, one of the representatives of The Thai Medical Council, expressed his sincerest gratitude to the University, and shared his observations and similarities between the UNP and the universities in Thailand.

“The University of Northern Philippines started as a high school in 1906, and that made me think of my own College of Medicine in Thailand, Mahidol University and Chulalongkorn University, who had many long years of development. And I think that is one of the similar features of any college or university that has a very long years of development. Their advantage is that they have a good quality of curriculum,” Leelarasamee stated.

“When I looked at the medical curriculum you gave to us, I think it’s impressive… I’m also impressed by one of your students during the chest examination, she described it very good, and she passed the exam. And that shows the quality of education you cast out,” he added.

DOST Region 1 Director Dr. Teresita Tabaog also gave her impression on UNP’s medical school and the University’s efforts toward internationalization. “The medical course is very much needed not only in our country, but also these are our potential exports to the other countries needing medical services, thus this specialization. Hence, we always emphasize collaboration,” Tabaog said.

“As a member of the Board of Regents, I’m happy to note that that our president here is really working so hard to level up the status of the scores of this University,” she added.

The Medical Council of Thailand is currently visiting the Philippines to validate the medical curriculum presented by the University’s College of Medicine, hoping to create a fruitful partnership between the two entities. They are scheduled to visit affiliate hospitals that are within UNP’s medical curriculum.

Also present in the event were Engr. Jordan Abad (DOST Ilocos Sur Provincial Director), Dr. Rolando Navarro (Vice President for Academic Affairs), Dr. Fatima Rocamora (Vice President for Research and Extension), Mr. Albert Tejero (Vice President for Finance and Administration), Dr. Pablo Quedado (Dean of the College of Medicine), Dr. Dominetta Gonzalo (Assistant Dean), top officials, deans, Medicine faculty and staff, and medical students of the University.

Article by Jed Asuncion. Photos by Joel Tipon.