Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Higher Graduate Diploma Program in Surgery is fundamentally aligned with the principles of sustainable development, with its most direct and profound impact on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). By producing specialist surgeons with the knowledge and skills to manage a wide range of surgical conditions—from trauma and critical care to subspecialties like neurosurgery and pediatric surgery—the program directly strengthens the healthcare system's capacity to provide life-saving interventions and improve patient outcomes, aligning with Thailand's 20-Year National Strategy for public health excellence.
As a postgraduate diploma, the program is a cornerstone of SDG 4 (Quality Education), offering high-level, specialized training that promotes lifelong learning and equips medical professionals with advanced skills for a demanding field. The curriculum's strong emphasis on research methodology and innovation supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by preparing graduates to contribute to medical advancements. Furthermore, the focus on professionalism, ethics, and legal frameworks in courses like "Medical Professionalism" reinforces the development of accountable and just healthcare systems, aligning with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), while the requirement for English proficiency fosters the global collaboration essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-beingAlignment Summary: This program's core mission is to improve public health by training competent and ethical surgeons. The curriculum covers the full spectrum of surgical patient care, including emergency and trauma management, critical care, and specialized surgical procedures. By producing skilled graduates, the program directly strengthens the healthcare workforce, enhances the capacity to provide essential surgical services, and improves health outcomes for all ages, contributing significantly to reducing mortality from injuries and non-communicable diseases.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| MD 567 101 | Correlation of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Medical Sciences | Provides essential knowledge of immunology and pathophysiology, which is foundational for understanding disease processes and providing safe surgical care to promote good health. |
| MD 937 101 | Medical Professionalism | Contributes to well-being by emphasizing patient safety, ethical decision-making, and principles of palliative care, ensuring high-quality and compassionate patient treatment. |
| MD 738 101 | Surgery 1 | Focuses on foundational surgical knowledge, including preoperative and postoperative care, trauma, and critical care, directly contributing to the graduation of skilled health professionals (Metric 3.2). |
| MD 738 102 | Surgery 2 | Develops advanced skills in managing complex surgical patients and emergencies, directly supporting the delivery of essential health services and strengthening health system capacity (Metric 3.3). |
| MD 738 201 | Advanced Surgery 1 | Covers specialized surgical fields such as pediatric, plastic, and neurosurgery, directly contributing to the fight against a wide range of health conditions and non-communicable diseases (Target 3.4). |
| MD 738 202 | Advanced Surgery 2 | Provides in-depth training in subspecialties like cardiothoracic and urological surgery, enhancing the capacity to manage complex health challenges and improve health outcomes for all. |
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: As a higher graduate diploma, this program exemplifies quality education by offering specialized, advanced training for medical doctors. It promotes lifelong learning by equipping graduates with skills in research, evidence-based practice, and continuous professional development, ensuring they have relevant technical and vocational skills for high-level employment in the demanding field of surgery.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| MD 507 102 | Research Methodology in Medicine | Directly supports Target 4.4 by providing students with advanced technical and research skills that are essential for high-value employment and innovation in the medical field. |
| 411 725 | Technical English for Medical Residents | Enhances lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by giving graduates the communication skills needed to access global research and stay current with international advancements. |
| MD 738 103 | Research in Surgery | Promotes quality education by teaching students how to critically appraise scientific literature and conduct research, fostering a culture of lifelong inquiry and evidence-based practice. |
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureAlignment Summary: The program fosters medical innovation by training surgeons in research and the application of advanced surgical techniques. By equipping graduates with the skills to conduct research and critically evaluate new technologies, the curriculum supports the enhancement of scientific research and the upgrading of technological capabilities within the healthcare sector.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| MD 738 103 | Research in Surgery | Directly aligns with Target 9.5 by enhancing scientific research capabilities. This course trains surgeons to engage in research, which drives the innovation and development of new surgical practices and technologies. |
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsAlignment 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 Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| MD 507 101 | General Knowledge of Civil Service | Aligns with Target 16.6 by developing effective, accountable, and transparent institutions through education on public administration principles and laws relevant to medical practice. |
| MD 937 101 | Medical Professionalism | Contributes to strong institutions by fostering a culture of ethics, accountability, and patient safety, which are core components of good governance in healthcare. |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment Summary: The program fosters partnerships for sustainable development by enhancing the capacity of its graduates to engage with the global scientific community. By developing skills in research and technical English, the curriculum enables future specialists to collaborate internationally, share knowledge, and contribute to the global effort to address complex health challenges.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| MD 507 102 | Research Methodology in Medicine | Promotes partnerships for knowledge (Target 17.6) by teaching the universal principles of research, allowing graduates to contribute to and collaborate with the international scientific community. |
| 411 725 | Technical English for Medical Residents | Enhances the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.6) by improving the capacity for international communication and knowledge sharing. |