The Department of Orthopedics at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Medicine has partnered with Medtronic (Thailand) Co., Ltd. to establish a dedicated Training Center for Spinal Surgery. This collaborative effort, formalized through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aims to cultivate a premier training facility and equip healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and medical personnel, with specialized knowledge in this critical field.
Professor Chanchai Sittipunt, M.D., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University and Director of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society, acknowledges the demographic shift towards an aging population in Thailand, mirroring a global trend. This phenomenon is characterized by a declining birth rate and a growing elderly population. In Thailand, the number of newborns currently falls slightly above 600,000 annually, while those aged 60 and over have outnumbered children under 15 for the past three years.
Musculoskeletal disorders, a significant contributor to
diminished quality of life in elderly patients, are a prominent health concern
among this demographic. Additionally, the prevalence of spinal and nervous
system diseases is steadily rising in Thailand, particularly affecting office
workers, agricultural workers, and the general white-collar workforce. These
sedentary occupations, with limited opportunity for exercise and frequent
prolonged sitting, increase the risk of such conditions. Interestingly, this
trend disproportionately affects females compared to males, with the age groups
of 45-54 and 55-64 demonstrating the highest incidence.
The establishment of this training center underscores the
growing need for specialized personnel to ensure high-quality spinal care for
patients in Thailand and the broader ASEAN region. This partnership fosters the
development of a training center focused on spinal surgery, ultimately
promoting public health, and improving patient outcomes.
In response to a rising public health issue,
Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Medicine Department of Orthopedics and
Medtronic (Thailand) Co., Ltd. announced the establishment of a dedicated
Training Center for Spinal Surgery. This collaboration, formalized through a
signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signifies a commitment to addressing
the growing need for specialized spinal care professionals in Thailand and the
ASEAN region.
Associate Professor Dr. Chanchai Sittipunt, Dean of the
Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University and Director of King Chulalongkorn
Memorial Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society, highlighted the increasing
burden of spinal disorders. "Spinal conditions not only impact individual
health but also contribute significantly to economic and social strain,"
Dr. Chanchai remarked.
As a leading medical school in Thailand, Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Medicine has a long-standing tradition of nurturing highly skilled medical personnel. "We are committed to providing continuous learning opportunities for our graduates," Dr. Chanchai explained. "This collaboration with Medtronic presents a unique chance to develop a world-class Training Center for Spinal Surgery. Our shared vision is to become a model medical institution, offering exceptional knowledge transfer at both domestic and international levels."
Associate Professor Dr. Wichan Yingsakmongkol, Head of
the Department of Orthopedics, emphasized the department's dedication to
excellence in spinal care. "As Thailand transitions towards an aging
society by 2030," Dr. Wichan stated, "we are actively preparing to
become a leading provider in orthopedic care, with a particular focus on
effective spinal disorder treatment."
The department's commitment extends to equipping medical students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills, emphasizing the use of modern technology and patient-centered care. "We strive to be at the forefront of spinal disorder treatment, delivering high-quality services that meet international standards," Dr. Wichan concluded.
Leveraging the Department of Orthopedics' extensive
knowledge, expertise, and experience in modern treatment methods, the Training
Center for Spinal Surgery represents a significant step forward. This
initiative aligns with the department's vision: "To be a leading
orthopedics provider in the country that effectively imparts theoretical
knowledge and practical experience to medical students, medical graduates and
resident doctors, aiming to provide service with virtue and professional ethics
while producing research that meets societal needs." The center aims to
empower doctors not only in Thailand but across the ASEAN region, fostering a
future of enhanced spinal care.
Associate Professor Dr. Worawat Limthongkul, Head of the Spine Surgery Unit and Director of the Center of Excellence in Biomechanics and Innovative Spine Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, said that from the collaboration in establishing the "Training Center for Spinal Surgery", the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University and Medtronic aim to develop curricula on knowledge of modern technologies and treatments to provide effective and safe spinal care for patients in Thailand and the ASEAN region. This prepares specialized spine doctors for various hospitals, allowing trained doctors to develop knowledge and capabilities in providing modern treatment services in line with international standards.
Currently, the Department of Orthopedics and King
Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society, are researching
the application of robotic navigation technology to assist in minimally
invasive spinal surgery treatments, studying the benefits and safety of using
this technology to treat patients. If this research is successful, it will help
elevate spinal care in Thailand and the ASEAN region.
This collaboration is a pride in presenting learning
opportunities for medical personnel to gain knowledge, develop surgical skills
and utilize highly effective and modern treatment technologies optimally. It
provides a learning experience and increases access to quality training from
faculty of the
Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine,
Chulalongkorn University, together with Medtronic, a leader in medical device
technology. This aims to increase the number of specialty spine experts both
domestically and internationally, consequently enhancing patient access to
highly effective treatments.
Medtronic, a global leader in healthcare
technology with over two decades of presence in Thailand, has consistently
championed collaboration with the government and healthcare providers across
various sectors. This commitment manifests in numerous partnership projects,
particularly with leading medical and public health universities. Its focus
areas encompass promoting technology transfer, fostering a skilled healthcare
workforce through complex procedure training, and strategically deploying
knowledgeable personnel across Thailand. This comprehensive approach aims to
increase public access to modern treatments, drive innovation through research
initiatives, and elevate the standards of surgical training centers nationwide.
Ultimately, these efforts contribute significantly to propelling Thailand's
public health system towards international benchmarks.
Ms. Suchada Tanaviboonsate, Senior Country
Director of Medtronic (Thailand) Ltd., emphasized the company's focus on
patient well-being. "Medtronic prioritizes patients by developing
cutting-edge technologies that enable precise and safe surgeries," Ms.
Tanaviboonsate explained. "We are dedicated to empowering specialist
doctors with advanced surgical capabilities, ultimately providing patients with
highly effective and superior quality treatments."
"We are honored to partner with such a
prestigious institution like the Chulalongkorn University. This collaborative
project exemplifies our commitment to knowledge development alongside esteemed
institutions, " remarked Mr. Paul Verhulst, Vice President of Mainland
Southeast Asia for Medtronic. "We believe this joint effort serves as a
springboard for the sustainable development of Thailand's public health system
and fosters increased public access to advanced healthcare technology. It
symbolizes a significant step forward, marking a positive impact on the future
of spinal care across the region.”
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