Imagine a world without specialized knowledge of tropical diseases. It is a grim picture. Here at the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, MU, that future is being actively avoided. This is Thailand’s only faculty specializing in tropical medicine.
Founded on April 6, 1960, the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, MU, emerged from a critical need. Visionaries Professor Dr. Chamlong Disakul and Professor Dr. Khunying Tranakchit Harinasuta recognized a gap. Thai medical education lacked specialized training in tropical diseases. Doctors seeking expertise had to venture abroad. They needed to go to institutions in the UK.
Thailand’s tropical location meant a constant demand for diagnosing and treating these illnesses. Key figures rallied to support the initiative. Professor Dr. Swasdi Dangsuwang, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, offered his support. Professor B.G. Maegraith, from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, also assisted. Dr. Kamhaeng Pholangkur and General Sarit Thanarat helped too.
Initially named the Faculty of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, it operated under the Faculty of Medicine. Its mission was clear. It would educate doctors and medical personnel. They would gain expertise in treating and preventing tropical diseases. Research would be conducted to solve tropical disease problems. Patient care and consultation services would be offered.
The Faculty of Tropical Medicine, MU’s first temporary office was at the Medical Technical School. In 1962, the Hospital for Tropical Diseases opened. All offices and departments then moved to this location. Initially, it had only five departments and an administrative division. These included Tropical Medicine Protozoology Helminthology Medical Entomology and Tropical Hygiene.
In its early years, the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, MU offered a Graduate Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. By 1967, it became The National Center for Tropical Medicine and Public Health. This designation was from the Thai government. It served as a development center for teaching and training in tropical diseases.
The Faculty of Tropical Medicine also became the coordination center for the SEAMEO-TROPMED Network. This made its teaching international. Experts from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine revised the D.T.M.&H. program. It gained international recognition as a leading school of tropical medicine.
Later, in 1993, the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, MU was elevated to a SEAMEO Regional Center for Tropical Medicine. It is responsible for postgraduate teaching for doctors and public health personnel.
Today, the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, MU comprises eleven academic departments. There is also one hospital, five administrative offices and five centers of excellence. These carry out the faculty’s primary duties. They also produce significant research outcomes. The Faculty is dedicated to educational programs. These programs provide in-depth knowledge about tropical diseases. They also deliver medical and academic services.
The Faculty of Tropical Medicine, MU hosts the Joint International Tropical Medicine Meeting. It sees significant participation from Thai and international doctors and medical personnel.
The Faculty of Tropical Medicine continues to advance knowledge. It also develops innovative treatments. They are promoting health and well-being in tropical regions. A truly invaluable place.