On 14–15 October 2025, Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Romyen Kosaikanont, Vice President, and Assoc. Prof. Preecha Soontranan, M.D., Dean of the School of Medicine, welcomed a high-level delegation from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), USA. The visit aimed to discuss academic collaboration in medicine and public health, reviewing the progress of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and planning for medical student and staff exchanges in the coming year.
The delegation from OHSU was led by Professor Nathan R. Selden, M.D., Dean of the School of Medicine, together with Justin Denny, M.D. M.P.H. and Dr. Leah Cronn from the OHSU Global Health Center, along with Mrs. Patricia Robertson and Mr. Pete Prasarttongosoth.
The meeting covered several key topics, particularly the progress of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a major joint initiative between MFU and OHSU. Both parties reviewed the current status of the project and discussed future directions to further strengthen medical cooperation and regional disease control capacity.
In addition, both institutions discussed exchange programmes for 2026. These programmes will include sending OHSU medical students to MFU for research on postoperative pain management, and sending MFU medical students and researchers to OHSU for joint research, particularly on HPV vaccine development.
During their visit, the OHSU delegation toured key landmarks at MFU, including the HRH Princess Srinagarindra statue, the Mekong Basin Civilization Museum, the Mae Fah Luang University Hospital, and the School of Medicine. The delegates were briefed on MFU’s history, development, and future directions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the university’s context and capabilities.
The partnership between Mae Fah Luang University and Oregon Health and Science University is expected to significantly enhance medical and public health capacity across the Mekong Subregion, while promoting sustainable knowledge and experience exchange among students and medical professionals from both countries. This collaboration will contribute to the long-term development of healthcare systems and disease control and prevention in the region.
