On Sunday, 16 November 2568, Assoc. Prof. Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D, Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization, representing the President of Khon Kaen University (KKU), visited the area to observe and offer encouragement to students participating in the 43rd Community Field Practice Programme (COMMED 43rd). She was accompanied by Ms. Jaidsadaporn Sriradtanapraphun, Director of the Student Affairs and Alumni Relations Division, and supporting staff. The visit took place in Tha Kraserm Sub-district, Nam Phong District, Khon Kaen Province.
During the site visit, the administrative team received a warm welcome from Assoc. Prof. Piyathida Kuhirunyaratn, Director of the COMMED Field Practice Programme, along with faculty members, participating students, community leaders, Village Health Volunteers (VHVs), and local residents.
The COMMED Field Practice Programme is an integral project that Khon Kaen University has continuously organised for 43 years. The primary objective is to enable health science students to learn collaborative work through Interprofessional Education (IPE) and study authentic community health issues within their actual context. Students train to work effectively with local residents, community leaders, and relevant agencies to plan holistic health problem-solving strategies. This approach aims to enhance direct experience and cultivate positive attitudes towards working in community settings.
This year’s field practice is taking place from 11 to 20 November 2568, involving students from six faculties: the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Dentistry, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the Faculty of Public Health, the Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, and the Faculty of Nursing. A presentation of the field practice outcomes will be held at Khon Kaen University on 13 December.
During the visit, the Vice President and the executive team attended a presentation of the students’ academic findings and practical lessons. The presentation successfully showcased the entire work process, ranging from conducting community data surveys and problem analysis to developing practical health service projects and implementing them in the field. The students demonstrated their strong potential in applying knowledge from their respective disciplines to benefit the community.
Associate Professor Pensri Jaroenwanit praised and offered encouragement to all students and faculty members dedicated to the programme. She also expressed sincere gratitude to the community leaders, VHVs, and local residents for their excellent hospitality and cooperation.
The Vice President emphasised the significance of the programme: “The Community Field Practice Programme is not only about professional skill development; it is also about cultivating graduates with a Social Devotion mindset, which is one of Khon Kaen University’s core missions. The experience gained by these students today will serve as a vital foundation for them to grow into truly high-quality personnel who genuinely understand the community in the future.”
The programme constitutes a crucial mechanism for producing graduates who are ready to collaborate happily and efficiently with others, thereby responding sustainably to the University’s policy of addressing the genuine needs of people in the Northeastern region.
Those interested in the Community Field Practice Programme can find further details at: https://kkucommed.kku.ac.th
