Training and capacity building
With the appointment of the new Dean and new Deputy dean for research, and with negotiations over the new 2005-2010 memorandum of understanding about to begin, we have an excellent opportunity to integrate our activities more closely with those of other Faculty departments. This will greatly increase opportunities for training and scientific collboration, to the mutual benefit of all.
We have for many years supported the Faculty's teaching programme, giving lectures on the DTM&H and other courses, and sitting on examination committees. We are committed to continuing and expanding this, particularly now that our senior scientific staff has also expanded.
We (Nick White, Kevin Marsh) have had preliminary discussions with Dr Mark Walport and Dr Sohaila Rasten on the possibility of expanding significantly the training and capacity building components of our units, but this will form a separate proposal.
2. Postgraduate training programme
Over the past 2 years we have greatly expanded our postgraduate training programme. We now have 18 PhD students in the Unit, 8 registered with Mahidol University, 8 with the Open University in the UK, 1 with Liverpool, and 1 with London. We are aiming for our PhD programme to reach a steady state of between 6 and 8 new students per year, split between the various Unit sites, including Laos (where we currently have one student (Dr Rattanaphone) and one completed PhD (Dr Mayfong)). Mahidol University runs an excellent MSc course in Tropical Medicine, which is half taught and half project base. We are continuing to support this by encouraging all technicians to do this, and giving them release from their work to attend lectures.
3. Research capacity building in Laos
The unit in Laos is small but very influential locally. It is based in the main teaching hospital and has the best microbiology laboratory in the country. The microbiology newsletter we produce, which reports research findings and antimicrobial susceptibility data, is already used as a basis for National treatment recommendations. Dr Mayfong is based in the University and Mahosot and together with our senior colleagues plans to identify capable young scientists and physicians to join our research programme, and if appropriate, enrol for postgraduate degree studies. In this we hope to work closely with the Institut Francophone Medicine Tropicale. In Laos and in Thailand we are actively interested in ethical and social anthropology issues related to our studies (our research led to the formation of the first ethics committee in Laos), and we hope to continue to strengthen capacity in these areas as well as in medical and scientific research.
Note on ethical review process.
All clinical studies conducted by the unit are approved by the relevant local Ethics Committee. In Thailand there are National and University ethics committees (who accept each others verdicts), and in Laos there is a newly formed National Committee. In addition studies in the refugee community are reviewed with the Karen Refugee committee and community leaders. All clinical studies are also approved by the Oxford Tropical Research Ethics Committee.
A formal postgraduate training programme is in place in the Thailand Unit, developed co-operatively with the Viet Nam Unit. Students can register for PhDs at either the Open University, UK, or at Mahidol University. Full details of the programme are contained in a separate folder prepared by Dr Sharon Peacock, the Training Director.
Summary of scientific training at the Programme
| Trainee Name | Degree or Course | Notes |
| Dr Shunmay Yeung | PhD (London University) | 2001- |
| Wirichada Pongthawornpinyo | PhD (Liverpool University) | 2002- |
| Khaemaporn Boonbumrung | PhD (Mahidol University) | 2002- |
| Rachanaporn Tiyawisutsri | PhD (Mahidol University) | 2002- |
| Piengchan Sonthayanon | PhD (Mahidol University) | 2003- |
| Narisara Chantratita | PhD (Mahidol University) | 2003- |
| Dr Prakaykaew Tipmanee | PhD (Mahidol University) | 2003- |
| Anna Annerberg | PhD (Open University) | 2003- |
| Dr Karen Barnes | PhD (Open University) | 2003- |
| Dr Elizabeth Ashley | PhD (Open University) | 2003- |
| Dr Bina Maharjan | PhD (Open University) | 2004- |
| Janjira Thaipadungpanit | PhD (Open University) | 2004- |
| Dr Wirongrong Chierakul | PhD (Open University) | 2004- |
| Duangdao Nantakomon | PhD (Mahidol University) | 2004- |
| Sarinna Tumapa | PhD (Open University) | 2004- |
| Piyanuch Preechapornkul | PhD (Mahidol University) | 2004- |
| Naowarat Tanonsing | PhD (Mahidol University) | 2004- |
| Dr Rattanaphone Phetsouvanh | PhD (Open University) | 2004- |
| Forradee Nuchsongsin | MSc (Mahidol University) | 2003- |
| Juntima Sritabal | MSc (Mahidol University) | 2004- |
| All staff | CME and CPD Twice weekly malaria, microbiology and clinical pharmacology talks and journal clubs. |
Developing skills and knowledge amongst local staff is central to MORU's work
