Members on the Move: Improving Professional Cardiovascular Education in Thailand

The CVRPC, under the direction of Group Captain Gumpanart Veerakul, MD and Air Vice Marshall Obkaew Dabpetch, MD, has participated in many local and international studies, including: Primary angioplasty for acute MI, Sudden Death, and more recently, Acute Coronary Syndromes. The Center recently hosted a special anniversary ceremony in which Thai Buddhist monks offered their prayers and special blessings for continued success. Many local dignitaries and government officials attended the ceremony, led by the Hospital Director, Air Vice Marshal Apichart Koysuklo, MD. TCIS: The Thai Cardiovascular Invasive Society In addition to his work as an interventional cardiologist and investigator, Dr. Gumpanart Veerakul serves as the General Secretary of the Thai Cardiovascular Invasive Society (TCIS), a group of physicians, nurses and technologists dedicated to promoting excellence in patient care, leadership, and professional development in its members. Thailand's Ministry of Public Health has committed resources to establish cardiac centers in rural, underserved areas throughout the country. TCIS has been identified as a leader in providing both basic and advanced education to the clinicians who staff these centers. Many of these hospitals have little access to continuing education and current (by U.S. standards) technology. The 7th TCIS/SICP Joint Review Seminar, Cardiac Catheterization 2005 Owing to the positive feedback from its 2004 cardiology course, TCIS, in collaboration with the SICP, was approached by the Thai Ministry of Public Health (MPOH) to conduct a two-and-half day advanced teaching course in cardiac and peripheral vascular technologies. Experienced speakers traveled from Germany (Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg), the U.S. (Sentara Heathcare in Norfolk, Virginia, and the Sacramento VA Medical Center in California) and from Thailand. Speakers from Thai facilities such as Siriraj, Chulalongkorn, Central Chest, Vajira, Ramathibodee, Bangkok Heart Hospital, Maharaj Chiengmai, Srinakarin Khonkan, Ubolrajthanee, St. Louis and Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital were all committed to sharing their expertise. The program was accredited by the Thai Nursing Council, TCIS, and the SICP, and was held from September 30th-October 2nd. On the first day of the 7th TCIS/SICP Joint Review Seminar, Cardiac Catheterization 2005, members of the Thai and international cardiovascular community were recognized for their leadership and ongoing support by the CVRPC. Highlights from this year™s course included practical concepts of coronary and peripheral intervention, and advanced concepts such as new devices, cardiac imaging, and panel reviews of complex coronary and peripheral cases. At the conclusion of the teaching sessions, a special meeting of TCIS was held. On the evening of October 2nd, participants were invited to attend the annual dinner meeting of TCIS/SICP. In keeping with many Thai traditions, the stage was set for sharing of ideas and information while enjoying good food, good company, and exceptional entertainment as TCIS members performed skits and traditional Thai dance. SICP Members Present During the trip to Thailand, SICP past presidents Charles Barbiere and Chris Nelson were invited to speak at the Annual Academic Meeting held at the newly dedicated Bangkok Heart Hospital. They also traveled to Chandarubeksa RTAF Hospital, located approximately 100 kilometers outside of Bangkok, to lecture to medical students and nurses on selected topics in cardiovascular care. Future plans for the TCIS and SICP The TCIS CME committee is already planning for the next teaching course and is working with representatives from the U.S. to develop a training program or possibly a CVT School for Invasive Cardiovascular Technology. Plans are also underway to publish a textbook in Thai for interventional cardiovascular technology.

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