Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Higher Graduate Diploma Program in Pharmacotherapy

SDG Alignment for Higher Graduate Diploma Program in Pharmacotherapy

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Higher Graduate Diploma Program in Pharmacotherapy is fundamentally designed to produce expert practitioners who can ensure the safe, effective, and rational use of medicine. This mission places the program in direct and powerful alignment with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), as its core focus is to improve patient health outcomes through advanced pharmaceutical care. By training specialists in complex therapeutic areas such as oncology and palliative care, the curriculum directly addresses the global burden of non-communicable diseases. As an advanced postgraduate program, it represents a commitment to lifelong learning and the provision of high-level professional training, making it a strong contributor to SDG 4 (Quality Education). The integration of courses like Health Research Methodology and Digital Health prepares graduates to engage with and drive innovation within modern healthcare systems, aligning with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Finally, through seminars and engagement with current scientific literature, the program fosters a culture of knowledge-sharing and collaboration essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

▶

Alignment Summary: This program is centered on improving health outcomes by producing expert clinical pharmacists. The curriculum provides in-depth knowledge of pharmacotherapy for a wide range of communicable and non-communicable diseases, from cardiovascular conditions to cancer. Through extensive practical training, graduates are equipped to provide direct patient care, manage complex medication regimens, and work within multidisciplinary health teams to ensure the safety and efficacy of treatments, directly contributing to the goal of ensuring healthy lives for all.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
PS517 711	Current topics in Pharmacotherapy I	Directly supports health outcomes by covering up-to-date drug therapies for major non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular, respiratory, and endocrine disorders, aligning with Target 3.4.
PS517 712	Current topics in Pharmacotherapy II	Contributes to fighting communicable and non-communicable diseases (Target 3.3 and 3.4) by focusing on therapies for infectious diseases, cancer, and conditions affecting specific populations like pediatrics and geriatrics.
PS517 723	Pharmacy Practice I	This course provides hands-on pharmaceutical care practice, which is essential for ensuring the effective and safe use of medicines to improve patient health and well-being across various healthcare settings.
PS517 724	Pharmacy Practice II	Enhances health services by providing advanced training in managing patients with complex, chronic non-communicable diseases, directly addressing the need for long-term care and improved quality of life (Target 3.4).
PS517 725	Clinical and communication skills in Pharmaceutical Care	Improves the quality of healthcare by developing essential skills for patient care, clinical decision-making, and professional communication, leading to better health outcomes and patient safety.
PS517 733	Basic Pharmacotherapy in Cancer	Directly addresses a major global health challenge by providing specialized knowledge in oncology pharmacy, contributing to the reduction of mortality from non-communicable diseases (Target 3.4).
PS517 734	Basic Pharmacotherapy in Palliative Care	Promotes well-being by teaching skills in symptom management and psychosocial support for patients with serious illnesses, enhancing their quality of life.

SDG 4: Quality Education

▶

Alignment Summary: This Higher Graduate Diploma program is a prime example of advanced, quality education. It provides a pathway for lifelong learning for pharmacy professionals, equipping them with specialized technical and vocational skills that are highly relevant for employment in advanced clinical practice. The curriculum's focus on research methodology, critical appraisal, and evidence-based practice ensures graduates are prepared for a knowledge-driven healthcare environment.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
PS517 713	Health Research Methodology and Biostatistics	Directly supports Target 4.4 by equipping students with advanced technical and research skills in data analysis and research design, which are crucial for high-level professional roles.
PS517 725	Clinical and communication skills in Pharmaceutical Care	Enhances quality education by developing the sophisticated problem-solving and communication skills necessary for effective professional practice, thereby increasing the number of adults with relevant skills for employment (Target 4.4).
PS517 731	Seminar in Pharmacotherapy	Promotes lifelong learning skills (Target 4.3 and 4.7) by training students to systematically search, critically evaluate, and present scientific information, which is essential for continuous professional development.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

▶

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation within the healthcare sector. By including a dedicated course on digital health, it prepares pharmacists to utilize and contribute to the development of modern health technologies like telemedicine and telepharmacy. This focus on technological integration enhances the efficiency and reach of healthcare services, aligning with the goal of upgrading technological capabilities.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
PS517 713	Health Research Methodology and Biostatistics	Supports scientific research and innovation (Target 9.5) by providing the foundational skills needed to conduct and interpret clinical research, which drives technological and therapeutic advancements in the health industry.
PS517 732	Digital Health	Directly aligns with fostering innovation by teaching the application of digital technologies, telemedicine, and telepharmacy, which helps to upgrade the technological capabilities of the healthcare industry (Target 9.5).

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

▶

Alignment Summary: The program fosters partnerships by training professionals to work effectively in multi-stakeholder environments, such as multidisciplinary healthcare teams. The seminar course requires engagement with the global body of scientific knowledge, promoting the sharing of science, technology, and innovation. The program also leverages international academic collaborations, directly embodying the spirit of partnership to enhance educational capacity.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
PS517 724	Pharmacy Practice II	Strengthens partnerships by training graduates to effectively transfer knowledge to and collaborate with multidisciplinary health teams, enhancing multi-stakeholder partnerships for patient care (Target 17.17).
PS517 731	Seminar in Pharmacotherapy	Enhances the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.6) by requiring students to access, critically evaluate, and discuss international scientific literature, thereby promoting knowledge-sharing across borders.