Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Higher Graduate Diploma Program in Clinical Medical Sciences in Medicine

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

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Higher Graduate Diploma Program in Clinical Medical Sciences in Medicine is fundamentally dedicated to advancing human health and well-being. By producing expert internists with deep theoretical knowledge and practical clinical skills, the program directly and powerfully supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Its curriculum is designed to address a vast range of complex health issues, from non-communicable diseases prevalent in aging populations to emerging infectious diseases, thereby strengthening the healthcare system's capacity. As an advanced postgraduate medical program, it is a clear embodiment of SDG 4 (Quality Education), fostering lifelong learning and equipping physicians with the critical thinking and research skills necessary for evidence-based practice. The curriculum's emphasis on research methodology and literature review underpins SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by preparing graduates to contribute to and utilize scientific innovation in medicine. Furthermore, the focus on professionalism, ethics, and understanding the national public health system contributes to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by training physicians to be responsible and accountable leaders within the healthcare institution.

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

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Alignment Summary: This program is entirely focused on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being by training expert physicians in internal medicine. The curriculum provides comprehensive theoretical and clinical training to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide spectrum of communicable and non-communicable diseases. By focusing on holistic patient care, critical care medicine, and specialized areas like geriatric medicine and infectious diseases, the program directly contributes to reducing mortality and improving health outcomes for all ages.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD 797 101	Theory in Internal Medicine I	Directly supports good health by providing foundational knowledge on major diseases including cardiovascular, renal, pulmonary, and infectious diseases, which is crucial for reducing mortality from non-communicable diseases (Target 3.4).
MD 797 201	Theory in Internal Medicine II	Contributes to health and well-being by covering advanced topics in medical diseases, including critical care and geriatric medicine, which are essential for managing complex health issues in vulnerable populations.
MD 797 102	Clinical Skills in Internal Medicine I	This core course on practical patient care, including diagnosis and treatment in inpatient settings, directly contributes to ensuring healthy lives through the provision of quality medical services.
MD 797 202	Clinical Skills in Internal Medicine II	Enhances the capacity of health professionals by developing skills to manage patients with complex problems across various specialties, improving overall healthcare quality and patient outcomes.
MD 797 203	Clinical Skills in Internal Medicine III	Strengthens health services by providing advanced skills in critical care, infectious diseases, and geriatrics, directly addressing the health needs of the community and contributing to Target 3.d (health risk management).

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: As an advanced postgraduate diploma, this program epitomizes quality education by providing specialized training for medical doctors. It fosters lifelong learning skills through an emphasis on evidence-based medicine, research methodology, and continuous professional development. The curriculum is designed to produce highly skilled specialists, thereby increasing the number of adults with relevant technical and professional skills for the healthcare workforce.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD 507 102	Research Methodology in Medicine	Directly supports Target 4.4 by equipping physicians with advanced technical and research skills that are essential for high-level employment and for contributing to the body of medical knowledge.
MD 797 204	Seminar in Medical Literature Review	Promotes lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by training students to critically appraise medical literature, a key skill for staying current with medical advancements throughout their careers.
411 725	Technical English for Medical Residents	Contributes to inclusive and equitable quality education by providing the language skills needed to access global scientific knowledge, participate in international collaborations, and engage in lifelong learning (Target 4.7).

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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Alignment Summary: The program supports innovation and enhances scientific research within the healthcare industry. By providing rigorous training in research methodology and the critical evaluation of medical literature, the curriculum prepares graduates to engage in, contribute to, and apply new scientific knowledge, thereby upgrading the technological capabilities of the medical field.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD 507 102	Research Methodology in Medicine	Directly enhances scientific research (Target 9.5) by providing physicians with the skills to design, conduct, and interpret clinical research, which is the foundation of medical innovation.
MD 797 204	Seminar in Medical Literature Review	Fosters innovation by training practitioners to critically analyze and synthesize the latest medical research, facilitating the adoption of new technologies and evidence-based practices in the healthcare industry (Target 9.5).

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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Alignment Summary: The program contributes to building effective and accountable institutions by instilling a strong foundation of professionalism and ethics in medical practitioners. Courses focused on medical professionalism, ethics, patient rights, and the legal framework of civil service ensure that graduates become responsible leaders who strengthen the integrity and quality of the healthcare system.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD 937 101	Medical Professionalism	Directly supports the development of effective, accountable, and transparent institutions (Target 16.6) by educating physicians on bioethics, patient safety, and the principles of professionalism, which are vital for a just healthcare system.
MD 507 101	General Knowledge of Civil Service	Contributes to strong institutions by providing knowledge on the regulations and principles of public administration, ensuring physicians understand their role and responsibilities within the national healthcare system.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: The program promotes partnerships by preparing physicians to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams and to engage with the global scientific community. Through seminars and the development of research and language skills, graduates are equipped to share knowledge, access international best practices, and contribute to the global partnership for science and technology for sustainable development.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD 797 103	Seminar in Medical Case Study	Fosters partnerships and knowledge-sharing (Target 17.6) by providing a platform for students and faculty to discuss complex cases and share expertise, strengthening professional networks.
MD 797 204	Seminar in Medical Literature Review	Enhances the global partnership for sustainable development by training physicians to engage with and contribute to the international body of scientific knowledge through the critical appraisal and discussion of medical research (Target 17.6).
411 725	Technical English for Medical Residents	Strengthens capacity for international cooperation (Target 17.9) by equipping medical professionals with the language skills necessary to collaborate with peers globally and access international knowledge platforms.