Chulalongkorn University Faculty of Medicine Department of Orthopedics Partners with Medtronic (Thailand) Co., Ltd. to Launch Training Center for Spinal Surgery

Chulalongkorn University Faculty of Medicine Department of Orthopedics Partners with Medtronic (Thailand) Co., Ltd. to Launch Training Center for Spinal Surgery

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.”