Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Higher Graduate Diploma Program in Radiology at Khon Kaen University is fundamentally aligned with the principles of sustainable development, with its most significant impact on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). By producing highly skilled radiologists, the program directly strengthens the healthcare system's capacity for accurate diagnosis and treatment, particularly for non-communicable diseases and conditions prevalent in an aging society. This aligns with the 20-Year National Strategy for public health excellence in Thailand.
As a postgraduate program, it is a cornerstone of SDG 4 (Quality Education), providing specialized, lifelong learning skills that empower medical professionals to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. The curriculum's strong emphasis on advanced technology—such as CT, MRI, and Artificial Intelligence—positions its graduates as key contributors to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), fostering innovation and resilience in medical diagnostics.
Furthermore, the program's focus on professionalism, ethics, and legal frameworks in courses like "Medical Professionalism" supports the development of accountable and just healthcare systems, aligning with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The requirement for multidisciplinary collaboration and English language proficiency also fosters the partnerships and knowledge exchange essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-beingAlignment Summary: This program is dedicated to advancing human health by training expert radiologists who are critical for the accurate diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of diseases. The curriculum covers a comprehensive range of imaging modalities and their application across all body systems, directly contributing to improving health outcomes, patient safety, and the capacity of the healthcare system to manage both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| MD 567 101 | Correlation of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Medical Sciences | Provides the foundational knowledge of pathophysiology and immunology, which is essential for understanding disease processes and making accurate radiological diagnoses. |
| 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 care. |
| MD 728 101 | General Radiology I | Builds the core knowledge and skills in medical physics and diagnostic imaging that are fundamental to providing essential health services and ensuring patient safety. |
| MD 728 102 | General Radiology II | Introduces advanced imaging technologies and radiobiology, strengthening the capacity for early warning, risk reduction, and management of national and global health risks (Target 3.d). |
| MD 728 201/202 | Advanced Diagnostic Radiology I & II | Focuses on advanced diagnostic and interventional radiology, which are crucial for treating complex diseases and improving health outcomes. |
| MD 728 203/204 | Advanced Radiotherapy and Oncology I & II | Directly addresses Target 3.4 by training specialists in radiation therapy for cancer, a leading non-communicable disease, thereby helping to reduce premature mortality. |
| MD 728 205/206 | Advanced Nuclear Medicine I & II | Contributes to good health by providing expertise in advanced molecular imaging and targeted radionuclide therapies, which are vital for both diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. |
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: As a higher graduate diploma program, this curriculum embodies quality education by providing inclusive and equitable advanced training. It equips medical doctors with highly specialized technical and research skills for high-level employment in radiology, fostering lifelong learning and the ability to adapt to rapid technological progress in medicine.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| MD 507 102 | Research Methodology in Medicine | Directly supports Target 4.4 by equipping 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 providing graduates with the communication skills needed to access global research and stay current with international advancements. |
| All Core & Elective Radiology Courses | Various | The entire program structure 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 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureAlignment Summary: This program fosters medical innovation and strengthens healthcare infrastructure by training professionals in the use of state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. The curriculum’s focus on advanced imaging modalities like CT and MRI, and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, directly contributes to upgrading the technological capabilities of the healthcare industry and building resilient infrastructure.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| MD 728 102 | General Radiology II | Introduces new technologies in radiology, promoting the adoption of innovation and upgrading the technological infrastructure of healthcare facilities (Target 9.4). |
| MD 728 201/202 | Advanced Diagnostic Radiology I & II | Supports Target 9.5 by enhancing scientific research and technological capabilities through training in advanced imaging techniques, interventional radiology, and Artificial Intelligence. |
| MD 728 203/204/205/206 | All Advanced Elective Courses | These courses provide in-depth training on modern, high-technology equipment and techniques, directly contributing to building a resilient and innovative healthcare infrastructure. |
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsAlignment Summary: The program helps build strong and accountable healthcare institutions by instilling 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 graduates' capacity for global scientific collaboration and domestic interdisciplinary cooperation. Training in research, technical English, and multidisciplinary teamwork enables professionals to share knowledge and work effectively with diverse partners to address complex global health challenges.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| 411 725 | Technical English for Medical Residents | Enhances the global partnership for sustainable development by developing capacity for international communication and knowledge sharing (Target 17.6). |
| MD 728 201/203/205 | All Advanced Courses | These courses include requirements for multidisciplinary seminars, which directly promote multi-stakeholder partnerships (Target 17.17) by fostering collaboration between different medical specialties. |