Phramongkutklao College of Medicine

The Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok is a distinguished institution of medical education in Thailand. Established in 1975 by a royal command of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the college is the only medical cadet school in the country, and it only accepts students whose parents are both natural-born citizens.

The college’s history can be traced back to the Army Medic School, which was established in 1939 to train doctors serving in the Royal Thai Army. After a hiatus, the school was revived as a Medical Cadet College in 1973, and subsequently renamed Phramongkutklao College of Medicine in 1974.

The mission of Phramongkutklao College of Medicine is to produce competent and compassionate medical professionals who are committed to providing quality care to the people of Thailand. The college strives to achieve this goal through a rigorous academic curriculum, clinical training, and military training, which emphasizes discipline, leadership, and service to the nation.

The college’s values are rooted in the principles of excellence, integrity, and social responsibility. Students are expected to embody these values in their academic pursuits and their interactions with patients and colleagues.

Overall, the Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, is a unique and respected institution that has played a vital role in advancing medical education and healthcare in Thailand. Its commitment to producing well-rounded medical professionals who are prepared to serve the needs of the nation reflects its enduring legacy of excellence, integrity, and social responsibility.

Campus

The Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, is located on a spacious campus in the heart of the city. The campus covers an area of approximately 110 hectares and is situated in close proximity to the Phramongkutklao Hospital, one of the premier medical facilities in the country.

The campus comprises several buildings, including academic buildings, administrative offices, a library, a student center, and dormitories for students. The academic buildings house state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and research facilities, which are equipped with the latest technology to facilitate learning and research.

The campus is well-maintained and features a beautiful landscape with greenery, gardens, and walkways. The college also has a sports complex, which includes a gymnasium, tennis courts, and a football field, where students can participate in various sports and recreational activities.

Overall, the campus of Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, provides an ideal environment for learning and personal development, with modern facilities and a serene atmosphere conducive to academic and personal growth.

Academics

Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, offers a comprehensive academic program that emphasizes both theoretical and practical aspects of medical education. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the biomedical sciences, clinical skills, and military training, preparing them to become competent and compassionate medical professionals.

The academic program is divided into three parts over six years. In the first (pre-medical) year, students study at the Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, where they take courses in chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics. In the second and third (preclinical) years, students study at the college, where they take courses in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and other related subjects.

In the fourth, fifth, and sixth (clinical) years, students receive hands-on training at the Phramongkutklao Hospital, where they rotate through various departments, including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and others. The hospital is equipped with modern facilities and equipment, providing students with ample opportunities to develop their clinical skills and gain practical experience in patient care.

In addition to the academic curriculum, students also receive military training, which emphasizes discipline, leadership, and service to the nation. The military training component is provided by the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, where students receive training in military tactics, weapons, and other related subjects.

Overall, the academic program at Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, is rigorous and comprehensive, providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them to become competent and compassionate medical professionals.

Management

Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, is managed by a team of administrators and faculty members who work together to ensure the smooth functioning of the institution and the delivery of high-quality education to students. The management team comprises the Dean, Vice Dean, Heads of Departments, and other administrative staff members.

The Dean is the top administrator of the college and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the institution, including academic programs, research, student affairs, and budgetary matters. The Vice Dean works closely with the Dean and assists in the management of the college.

The Heads of Departments are responsible for overseeing the academic programs and research activities within their respective departments. They work with faculty members to develop and implement curriculum, supervise research projects, and ensure the delivery of high-quality education to students.

Other administrative staff members, such as the Registrar, the Director of Admissions, and the Director of Student Affairs, are responsible for managing various aspects of student life, including admissions, enrollment, academic records, financial aid, and student activities.

Overall, the management team at Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, is dedicated to providing students with a supportive and stimulating learning environment that fosters personal and academic growth. They work together to ensure that the institution runs smoothly and that students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for successful careers in medicine.

Admission

Admission to Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, is highly competitive and selective. The college only accepts students whose parents are both natural-born citizens of Thailand, and admission is based on a combination of academic achievement, personal qualities, and other criteria.

To be eligible for admission, students must pass the Consortium of Thai Medical Schools Examination (กสพท), which is a standardized test that measures a student’s aptitude in science and math. The exam is held annually, and students can apply to take it after completing their high school education.

In addition to the exam, students must meet other admission criteria, which may include a personal interview, letters of recommendation, and a review of their academic transcripts and extracurricular activities.

Once admitted, students enroll in a six-year program of study that combines pre-medical coursework with clinical training. The first year of the program is completed at the Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, while the second and third years are completed at Phramongkutklao College of Medicine. The final three years of the program are dedicated to clinical training and are completed at Phramongkutklao Hospital.

Overall, admission to Phramongkutklao College of Medicine is highly competitive, and students must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and personal qualities to be considered for admission. The college’s rigorous academic program and extensive clinical training prepare graduates for successful careers in medicine, whether as military or civilian doctors.

Achievement

Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, has achieved many notable accomplishments since its establishment in 1975. Here are some of its achievements:

• Accreditation: The college is accredited by the Office of the Higher Education Commission of Thailand, and its medical program is accredited by the Medical Council of Thailand. This demonstrates the college’s commitment to maintaining high standards of academic quality.
• Research: Phramongkutklao College of Medicine has an active research program that focuses on a wide range of medical topics, including infectious diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Its researchers have published numerous articles in prestigious medical journals, and the college has received funding from both national and international organizations to support its research efforts.
• Clinical training: The college’s clinical training program is highly regarded, and many of its graduates have gone on to successful careers as military and civilian doctors. The college’s affiliation with Phramongkutklao Hospital provides students with access to a wide range of clinical experiences and opportunities to work with leading medical professionals.
• International collaborations: Phramongkutklao College of Medicine has established collaborations with several leading medical institutions around the world, including Harvard Medical School and the University of Sydney. These collaborations provide opportunities for students and faculty to participate in joint research projects, exchange programs, and other initiatives.
• Community engagement: The college is actively engaged with the local community, providing free medical services to underserved populations through its mobile clinics and other outreach programs. Its commitment to community engagement demonstrates its dedication to improving the health and well-being of all Thais.

Overall, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine has achieved many notable accomplishments in its nearly 50-year history, and its commitment to academic excellence, research, clinical training, international collaborations, and community engagement has earned it a reputation as one of Thailand’s leading medical institutions.