Congratulatory Speech: Professor Piyasakol Saklosatayadorn

KATHMANDU UNIVERSITY
Dhulikhel

FOURTEENTH CONVOCATION


CONGRATULATORY SPEECH

By

PROFESSOR PIYASAKOL SAKOLSATAYADORN

Rt. Hon’ble Prime Minister and Chancellor of the University, Hon’ble Minister for Education and Pro-Chancellor of the University; Dr. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, Vice-Chancellor Professor Suresh Raj Sharma; Faculty and staff Graduates of 2008, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good morning.

I feel deeply honored to have been asked by Vice Chancellor Professor Suresh Raj Sharma to give a congratulatory speech here today. First let me start by saying, “Congratulations!” You should all be very proud of yourselves on this momentous occasion. It has been your hard work with the support of faculty and loved ones that have led you to this achievement and recognition today. I have been in your shoes before, and I remember feeling proud as I received my Doctor of Medicine, but what I have the most pride in is how I have applied my knowledge to help others and benefit society. The other day Kathmandu University and Mahidol University signed an Agreement to promote research, and academic collaboration between our universities. We are certain that this cooperation will strengthen our academics ties, and we hope it will serve a greater good: the benefit of mankind.

Here, I would like to quote His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol of Songkla, Mahidol University’s namesake and the ‘Father of Modern Medicine and Public Health in Thailand’, - “True success is not in the learning, but in its application for the benefit of mankind.” and “I don’t want you to be only a doctor, but I also want you to be a man.”

I say to each and every one of you: challenge yourself, go beyond what is expected of you, show compassion for the people you work with, and always remember that your profession does not define or limit you. Be curious and proactive in your work. Ask yourself, “How can I make improvements?” “How can I be the catalyst for change and development?” “How will my work benefit others?”

In this era of globalization, individuals, communities, organizations, universities, governments, and countries need to work together for the greater good of our global society and the benefit of mankind. All of you can work towards these aims and many of you already are. I applaud you all and wish you success in your futures. Today, you should be proud of your accomplishment, but know that you will be filled with an even greater pride once you have used your knowledge and wisdom to benefit the lives of others.

Thank you
November 18, 2008
Dhulikhel
Nepal
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BIO-DATA
of
Prof. Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn President, Mahidol University,
Thailand


Academic Title: Clinical Professor
Present Position:
2007 – present President of Mahidol University
2002 – present President, Board of Cancer Foundation of Siriraj Hospital
2005 – present Second Vice President, Administration Board of Siriraj Foundation
2008 – present Committee, Queen Savang Vadhana Foundation
2008 – present Honorary Member Committee, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine
2007 – present Committee Member, Board of Trustees, Prince Mahidol Award Foundation
Education:
1995 Diploma, The National Defense College of Thailand
1988 Post –Doctoral Fellowship in Injury Epidemiology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, Georgia, USA
1985 Post – Doctoral Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, USA
1975 Postgraduate Diploma in General Surgery, Medical Council of Thailand
1971 M.D., Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University

Previous Experience:
1985 – 1987 Deputy Director, Policy Development Research Center for Medicine Public Health, Mahidol University
1989 Secretary General, Trauma Association of Thailand
1989 – 1991 Deputy Dean for Administration, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
1991 – 1995 Chairman, Administration Committee, Mini MPA Project of Mahidol University
1991 – 1995 Secretary, Mahidol University Council
1991 – 1995 Vice President for Administration, Mahidol University
1995 Acting Dean, Faculty of Engineering
1996 – 1998 Deputy Dean for Quality Assurance, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
1996 – 1998 Vice President, Mahidol University Alumni Association
1998 Acting Head, Medical Education Technology Center
2000 – 2007 Dean, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
2000 – 2007 Vice President, Board of Trustees, Prince Mahidol Award Foundation
2005 – 2006 Member, Board of Director, the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO)
2005 – 2006 Chairman, Auditor Committee of Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO)

Professional Area: Trauma Surgery
1989-1991 Deputy Dean for Administration, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
1991-1995 Secretary of Mahidol university Council
1991-1995 Vice President for Administration, Mahidol University
1995 Acting Dean, Faculty of Engineering
1996 – 1998 Deputy Dean for Quality Assurance, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
1998- 2007 Head of Education Committee, Department of Surgery
2000 – 2007 Dean, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
2007-present President, Mahidol University

Administrating Positions:
Department level (Department of Surgery)
1998-2007 Head, Education Committee
1998-2007 Chairman, Resident Selection Committee
1998-2007 Chairman, Graduation Committee

Faculty level:
1999-2007 Chairman, Account System Development and Unit Cost Committee
1999 Chairman, Outstanding Government Officers and Employee Selection Committee
1999 Chairman, In patient Data System Development Sub-Committee
1997-1999 Chairman, Selection Students to Study Medicine in the faculty Medicine Siriraj

Hospital Sub-committee
1998-2007 Chiarman, Computer System Management Committee
1998-2007 Chairman, Computer System Management Committee
1999 Consultant to the Out-patient appointment Development System Sub-committee
1999 Consultant to Siriraj Computer Data Setting Network (SINET) Sub-committee
2000 Consultant to Siriraj Trauma Center Committee

University Level :
1985-1987 Vice Director, Policy Development Reserch Center for Medicine And Public Health,

Mahidol University
1991-1995 Chairman, Mini MPA project, Mahidol University
1997-1999 Chairman, central Committee for Organizing Ceremony Degree Presentation
1999 Committee, Selection Students to Study Assistant Nurses and Medical Technicians

Outside University:
1984 Committee, Oral Examination for Diploma in General Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons of Thailand and Thai Medical Council
1988 A reader for evaluating academic papers submitted for Assistant Professor, Khonkhaen University
1989 A reader for evaluating academic papers submitted for Assistant Professor, Prince of Songkla University
1989 Secretary General, Thai Association of Trauma Surgeons
1989 A reader for Evaluating academic papers submitted for Associate Professor, Chiangmai University
1996 Special lecturer, faculty of Medicine, Chaingmai University
1998-2000 Secretary general, mahidol University Alumni Association
1999 Organizing Committee, 7th national medical education Consortium
2005-2007 Vice-President, The Board of Trustees, Prince Mahidol Award Foundation
2006 Board of Directors, The Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO)
Professional Members:
Royal College of Surgeons, Thailand (RCST)
International College of Surgeons Thailand Section (ICS)
Thai Association of Trauma Surgeons
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