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Khon Kaen University

Higher Graduate Diploma Program in Clinical Medical Sciences in Rehabilitation Medicine

SDG Alignment for Higher Graduate Diploma Program in Clinical Medical Sciences in Rehabilitation Medicine

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Higher Graduate Diploma Program in Rehabilitation Medicine is fundamentally aligned with the principles of sustainable development, with its most profound impact centered on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). By training specialist physicians to restore function and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions, the program directly addresses the needs of an aging population and strengthens the healthcare system's capacity for comprehensive, long-term care. This focus on rehabilitation is crucial for ensuring that all individuals can lead healthy and productive lives.

The curriculum's emphasis on returning patients to their fullest potential has a direct impact on SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by enabling the social and economic inclusion of persons with disabilities. As a postgraduate program, it is a cornerstone of SDG 4 (Quality Education), providing high-level skills and promoting lifelong learning. The program's content on community-based rehabilitation also contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Furthermore, the focus on professionalism, ethics, and interdisciplinary collaboration reinforces the development of strong institutions and partnerships, aligning with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 3 Icon SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Alignment Summary: This program is dedicated to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being by training specialist physicians in rehabilitation medicine. The curriculum focuses on restoring physical, mental, and social function for individuals affected by illness, injury, or disability. By producing skilled graduates, the program directly strengthens the healthcare workforce and enhances the capacity to provide essential rehabilitation services, which are critical for improving the quality of life for all ages.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
MD 567 101Correlation of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Medical SciencesProvides essential knowledge of pathophysiology and pharmacology, which is foundational for understanding disease processes and developing effective rehabilitation plans.
MD 937 101Medical ProfessionalismContributes to well-being by emphasizing patient safety, ethical decision-making, and patient-centered care, ensuring high-quality and compassionate treatment.
MD 797 101Rehabilitation Medicine 1Covers the core principles of disability prevention and rehabilitation, directly contributing to the graduation of skilled health professionals (Metric 3.2).
MD 797 102Rehabilitation Medicine 2Focuses on clinical application and patient management, directly supporting the delivery of essential health services for people with disabilities and chronic conditions (Metric 3.3).
MD 797 201Advanced Rehabilitation Medicine 1Addresses specialized care for conditions like spinal cord injury and stroke, directly contributing to the fight against non-communicable diseases and their disabling consequences (Target 3.4).
MD 797 202Advanced Rehabilitation Medicine 2Includes community-based rehabilitation and research, which enhances health outreach and strengthens the capacity for managing health risks (Target 3.d).

SDG 4 Icon SDG 4: Quality Education

Alignment Summary: As a higher graduate diploma, this program exemplifies quality education by offering specialized, advanced training for medical professionals. It promotes lifelong learning by equipping graduates with skills in research, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice, ensuring they have relevant technical and vocational skills for high-level employment in the healthcare sector.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
MD 507 102Research Methodology in MedicineDirectly supports Target 4.4 by providing students with advanced technical skills in research and critical appraisal, which are essential for high-level employment in medicine.
411 725Technical English for Medical ResidentsEnhances lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by giving graduates the communication skills needed to access global research and stay current with international advancements.
All Core Rehabilitation Medicine CoursesVariousThe entire program provides an advanced, specialized education that increases the number of adults with relevant technical and professional skills for a specialized field of medicine (Target 4.4).

SDG 8 Icon SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to inclusive and sustainable economic growth by enabling individuals with disabilities to achieve their maximum functional potential. By facilitating their return to work and society, rehabilitation medicine helps to ensure that all members of the community can participate in and contribute to economic life.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
MD 797 201Advanced Rehabilitation Medicine 1Directly aligns with Target 8.5 by providing the medical expertise needed to achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all, including persons with disabilities.

SDG 10 Icon SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Alignment Summary: Rehabilitation medicine is a key discipline for reducing inequalities by promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of persons with disabilities. This program trains physicians to provide the essential care and support that empower individuals to overcome physical limitations and participate fully in society, ensuring equal opportunity for all.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
MD 797 201Advanced Rehabilitation Medicine 1Supports Target 10.2 by empowering and promoting the social and economic inclusion of persons with disabilities through specialized medical care for conditions like spinal cord injury and amputation.
MD 797 202Advanced Rehabilitation Medicine 2Directly contributes to reducing inequality through community-based rehabilitation, which ensures that rehabilitation services are accessible to all members of the community.

SDG 11 Icon SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to creating inclusive and sustainable communities by focusing on community-level health and rehabilitation. Through training in community-based rehabilitation, graduates are prepared to develop and implement programs that make communities more accessible and supportive for persons with disabilities, enhancing the well-being of all residents.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
MD 797 202Advanced Rehabilitation Medicine 2Directly aligns with the 'Sustainable practices' metric by including community-based rehabilitation, which supports and promotes the well-being and inclusivity of local communities (Metric 11.4).

SDG 16 Icon SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Alignment Summary: The curriculum helps to build strong and accountable healthcare institutions by embedding a deep understanding of medical ethics, professionalism, and the legal framework of public service. Graduates are equipped to uphold high standards of integrity and governance, contributing to a more just, transparent, and effective healthcare system.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
MD 507 101General Knowledge of Civil ServiceAligns with Target 16.6 by developing effective, accountable, and transparent institutions through education on public administration principles relevant to medical practice.
MD 937 101Medical ProfessionalismContributes to strong institutions by fostering a culture of ethics, accountability, and patient safety, which are core components of good governance in healthcare.

SDG 17 Icon SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Alignment Summary: The program fosters partnerships by enhancing the capacity of its graduates to engage with the global scientific community and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. Skills in research and technical English enable professionals to share knowledge internationally, while the team-based nature of rehabilitation medicine promotes effective multi-stakeholder partnerships at the local level.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
411 725Technical English for Medical ResidentsEnhances the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.6) by improving the capacity for international communication and knowledge sharing.
MD 797 202Advanced Rehabilitation Medicine 2Promotes multi-stakeholder partnerships (Target 17.17) by requiring collaboration with community organizations and multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive rehabilitation services.