Igniting a Health Revolution: Siriraj Launchs ‘SIRIRAJ H SOLUTIONS’ Proactive Healthcare Center

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On July 20th, 2023, Prof. Apichat Asavamongkolkul, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University together with Siriraj’s executive members, inaugurated the launch of ‘Siriraj H Solutions,’ a holistic healthcare center located outside the hospital, aiming to provide affordable healthcare services in cooperation with ICS Lifestyle Complex. The center’s primary objective is to establish proactive healthcare services for all groups of Thai people, both current and new recipients, ensuring easy access to facilities and services.

Siriraj H Solutions is a center dedicated to the three core principles of ‘Healthy, Happy, and Holistic.’ By putting ‘Healthy First,’ the center prioritizes Thai people’s well-being, helping them live efficiently. Not only does the center provide medical services, but it also offers various activities to enhance the well-being and longevity of its recipients. With a customer-centric approach, the center aims to reduce congestion in the hospital area by integrating the same health information system as Siriraj Hospital, ensuring a seamless service experience for all.

Assoc. Prof. Visit Vamvanij, Director of Siriraj Hospital, highlighted that the center will offer comprehensive medical services in five key areas: deep health assessment, preventive care, enhancing balance, Rehabilitation, and slowing down the degenerative process. These services will be available through 16 clinics, such as the General Medicine Clinic, Non-Communicable Diseases Health Promotion Clinic, Health Check-up Center, Vaccination Center, Men’s Health Clinic, Women’s Health Clinic, Pediatrics and Adolescent Clinic, Mental Health Clinic, Sports Performance Enhancement Center, Physical Rehabilitation Clinic, Dermatology and Beauty Laser Clinic, Sapaya (Traditional Thai Medicine) Clinic by Siriraj’s Applied Thai Medicine Physicians, Specialty Clinic, and Tanayarak (Holistic) Center.

For more info https://sirirajhsolutions.com/en

Siriraj Signed MOU with Chulalongkorn University

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On July 20th, 2023, Prof. Apichat Asavamongkolkul, M.D., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University and Prof. Pornanong Aramwit, Pharm.D., Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy Practice, Chulalongkorn University, together with the administrative members of both universities: Prof. Uraiwan Panich, M.D., Ph.D., Chairwoman of the Department of Pharmacology (Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital) and Prof. Pithi Chanvorachote, Pharm.D., Ph.D., Associate Dean for Research Affairs (Faculty of Pharmacy Practice), presided over the “Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signing Ceremony” between the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, and the Faculty of Pharmacy Practice, Chulalongkorn University, for the collaboration on academic, and research development between Siriraj and Chulalongkorn University.

Depression – the Silent Pain

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The topic of depression is one that is gaining more attention, but it can still be confusing and uncertain for many people. There are questions about what causes it, how severe it can be, and what kind of help is available for those who may be struggling with it. However, what matters most is finding ways to prevent depression and supporting those who are affected by it.

Depression vs Sadness?

Experiencing sadness is common for individuals, and there is no need to worry as long as these emotions can be managed effectively. It is important to note that experiencing sadness for prolonged periods can negatively impact one’s daily life. However, as long as one is able to keep their emotions in check, they can continue to go about their daily routine as usual. On the other hand, depression is a mental illness that causes abnormal emotions. Individuals with depression feel a stronger and longer-lasting sense of sadness or hopelessness than usual, which can persist for at least two weeks.

Signs of Depression

Those emotions involving depression can have an impact on their behavior. They may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, experience changes in appetite, and begin to eat less. They may also have sleeping problems, fatigue, lack of concentration, negative self-perceptions, low self-esteem, view things negatively, and in extreme cases, have thoughts of suicide. If an individual or their loved one suspects they may be at risk of depression, seeking help from mental health professionals is crucial. These professionals use interviews, medical histories, and mental examinations to diagnose the condition.

Cause of Depression

The causes of depression can be physical or biological, such as chemical imbalances in the brain or certain physical illnesses. Additionally, the use of substances or certain medications can lead to depressive symptoms. Psychological factors, like coping skills, stress management, and personality, play a role, as well as social factors, such as loss, stress in close relationships, or chronic illness.

Treatment

  • Medication: Specific drugs designed to address depression or chemicals that target the brain.
  • Psychotherapy: Communication with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or another mental health provider, seeking help, and finding new problem-solving strategies.
  • Social Engagement: Involving family and close friends, making environmental changes, and participating in stress-relieving activities.
  • Self-Care: Reducing the risk of depression by taking care of physical health, avoiding substance abuse, and learning to manage anxious emotions.

If you need help

If you find yourself in a situation where you need help, please know that you are not alone. Seeking help is the best thing you can do for yourself. We encourage you to reach out to emergency services or a hotline.

Mental Health Hotline (domestic call) 1323

Samaritans Thailand Hotline 02-113-6789

Don’t be afraid, if you need help. Your well-being is important, and help is available.

 

It’s important for patients to have the support of close friends and family who are aware of their condition and understand their illness. If these individuals notice any changes in the person’s behavior, such as feelings of sadness, irritability, loss of interest, or lack of motivation, they should not assume that the person is seeking attention. Instead, they should ask how they can help and offer support. If depression is suspected, it’s crucial to encourage the person to seek treatment. The most important thing is to listen without judgment or abandonment.

 

Original Content by:

Assist. Prof. Kitikan Thana-udom

Specialized in Mood disorder, Geriatric psychiatry

Department of Psychiatry

Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital

Reference:

https://www.si.mahidol.ac.th/th/healthdetail.asp?aid=1341

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356013

https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/depression-vs-sadness#symptoms

Siriraj Signed MOU with Three Prestigious Institutes in Thalassemia and Gene Therapy

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On July 18th, 2023, Prof. Apichat Asavamongkolkul, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, and his administrative members: Assoc. Prof. Prapat Wanitpongpan, Deputy Dean for Corporate Communication and International Relations; Assoc. Prof. Sith Sathornsumetee, Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thawonchai Limjindaporn, Deputy Dean of Postgraduate Education; Prof. Dr. Vip Viprakasit from the Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Pediatrics; Assoc. Prof. Theera Ruchutrakool, Chief of the Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine & Assoc. Prof. Ekapun Karoopongse; presided over the MOU Signing Ceremony between the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, and the BGI Health (HK) Co. Ltd.; Bangkok Genomics Innovation Public Co., Ltd.; and Hemogen Hong Kong Alpha Technology Limited. This MOU will focus on Thalassemia Screening and Gene Therapy Project between the four institutes.

Siriraj International Residents & Fellows Exchange Program 2023 (Round 4)

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On July 17th, 2023, the Siriraj International Residency & Fellow Exchange Program Committee included Assoc. Prof. Prapat Wanitpongpan, MD, Deputy Dean for Corporate Communication and International Relations; Asst. Prof. Kanokwaroon Watananirun, MD, Assistant Dean for Corporate Communication and International Relations; Assoc. Prof. Thawornchai Limjindaporn, MD, Ph.D., Deputy Dean of Postgraduate Education; and Asst. Prof. Sani Baimai, MD, Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education conducted an onsite interview session for the “Siriraj International Residency & Fellow Exchange Program 2023” fellows/residents: Dr. Thanut Boonhaijaroen and Dr. Nattamol Kosaiyaganonth from the Department of Ophthalmology (both third-year residents) and Dr. Varis Manomaivong from the Department of Pediatrics (a second-year fellow).

Also, the committee took the opportunity to review the onsite reflection presentations of participants from Rounds 2-3:

  1. 2nd-Year Fellow, Dr. Nichkamol Lertamornkitti from the Department of Pediatrics training at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) from April 1st – 30th, 2023.
  2. 2nd-Year Resident, Dr. Vanthana Charoensawatsiri from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology training at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine from April 10th – May 5th, 2023.

Furthermore, three fellows/residents submitted their online presentations as reflections to be reviewed:

  1. 2nd-Year Fellow, Dr. Nophathai Sojisirikul from the Department of Pediatrics training at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), USA, from April 1st – 30th, 2023.
  2. 3rd-Year Resident, Dr. Natrinee Naksupphamit from the Department of Pediatrics, training at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), USA, from April 1st – 30th, 2023.
  3. 1st-Year Fellow, Dr. Theeradej Tepkasetkul from the Department of Medicine training at the National Epilepsy Center, NHO Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders, Japan, from May 29th – June 23rd, 2023.

The review of these presentations allowed the committee and participants to understand the transformative impact of the exchange program on the residents and fellows involved. It also emphasized the importance of international cooperation and knowledge sharing in advancing the field of medicine on a global scale.

Elective Study at Division of Trauma Surgery and Division of Pediatric Surgery

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Welcome, Mr. Raphael Angel SJ Satiago, a 5th-year medical student from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, to undertake an elective study at the Division of Trauma Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital Mahidol University starting from July 17th – 28th, 2023 and Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery from July 31st – August 11th, 2023.

Clinical Observership Program at Division of Respiratory Disease and Tuberculosis

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Welcome, Dr. Dhruv Shah, an intensivist & pulmonologist from Cura Hospitals Group, India, to attend the “Clinical Observership Program in Interventional Pulmonology” at the Division of Respiratory Disease and Tuberculosis, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, starting from July 17th – 27th, 2023, under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Jamsak Tscheikuna and Dr. Supparerk Disayabutr. Dr. Shah aims to understand how to perform invasive procedures on the lungs and update his diagnostic part with accuracy and proper treatment flow.

Siriraj Faculty Abroad at the AHNS 2023 in Canada

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Assoc. Prof. Warut Pongsapich and Dr. Apipat Wiriya from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, attended and presented their research presentations at “The AHNS 11th International Conference on Head & Neck Cancer” hosted by the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) held between July 8th – 12th, 2023, in Montreal, Canada. Assoc. Prof. Pongsapich has presented his research on the topic “Comparative study of optimal compression pressure between conventional Barton’s dressing and prefabricate germent in parotidectomy patients”, and Dr. Wiriya has presented his research on the topic “Clinical Predictive Factors of Malignancy in Parotidectomy Patients.”

Assoc. Prof. Warut Pongsapich from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology

The AHNS 2023 is the scientific program designed to bring together all disciplines related to the treatment of head and neck cancer. The AHNS 2023 assembled group of renowned head and neck surgeons, radiologists and oncologists have identified key areas of interest and major topics for everyone to explore.

Dr. Apipat Wiriya from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology

Siriraj’s Student Exchange Fair 2023

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On July 12th, 2023, the Siriraj Medical Student Union held an event called ‘Siriraj’s Student Exchange Fair 2023’ to provide an incredible opportunity for Siriraj’s medical students to explore various available exchange programs presented by the representatives from The International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA) and The Siriraj International Relations Division, including the inspiring session from former exchange students who shared their personal insightful experiences!

👉 If you’re Siriraj’s medical student and are interested in applying for Siriraj’s Exchange Program, don’t miss a chance and start visiting our website for more information at our website.
📢 But, please remember, the deadline is August 11th, 2023!

Siriraj Explores Collaborative Partnerships in a Japan Trip

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On July 12th, 2023, Prof. Apichat Asavamongkolkul, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, along with Clin. Prof. Visit Vamvanit, the Director of Siriraj Hospital, and Prof. Weerasak Muangpaisan, the Head of the Division of Geriatrics in the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology in Japan. The visit aimed to explore opportunities for future collaboration between the two institutions.

During the visit, H.E. Singtong Lapisatepun, the Ambassador of the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo, warmly welcomed our faculty members. The discussions took place at the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo, where they exchanged ideas and perspectives on potential collaboration and cooperation between the Thai and Japanese institutions.

This meeting demonstrates the dedication of Japan’s top institutes and Siriraj to improving medical research and developing innovations in geriatrics and gerontology. It emphasizes the significance of global collaborations in advancing healthcare and addressing the requirements of a growing elderly population.