On 7 October 2025, Assumption University of Thailand had the distinct honor of welcoming Prof. Shameq Sayeed, Director of International Teaching Partnerships at Leicester Medical School, University of Leicester, United Kingdom. Prof. Sayeed visited the St. Luke School of Medicine at Assumption University (Suvarnabhumi Campus), formally known as St. Luke School of Medicine, to engage in constructive discussions concerning prospective academic collaboration between the two medical schools.
The delegation was formally received by Clinical Prof. Suwat Benjaponpitak, M.D., Dean of the St. Luke School of Medicine, Assumption University of Thailand; Asst. Prof. Dr. Uree Cheasakul, Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Dr. Natya Phupat, Director of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
In addition to the in-person discussions during the visit, further consultations were conducted via electronic conferencing with Prof. Simon Gay, Dean of Leicester Medical School, and Prof. Thompson Robinson, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester. The key outcomes of the discussions may be summarized as follows:
- Academic Collaboration in Medical Education
Leicester Medical School expressed its appreciation for being informed of the establishment of the St. Luke School of Medicine at Assumption University and the development of its Doctor of Medicine (International Program). The Leicester delegation conveyed its openness to exploring feasible models of collaborative teaching and learning between the two institutions.
Among the proposed initiatives was the establishment of a “Common Classroom” model, whereby medical students from both universities could participate simultaneously in shared learning sessions via advanced electronic communication platforms. This initiative would be supported by the modern Smart Classroom infrastructures available at both institutions, thereby fostering real-time, cross-border academic engagement and intercultural learning experiences.
The Leicester representatives also acknowledged Assumption University’s projected timeline to commence sending its medical students to the United Kingdom in 2028 for academic exposure and experiential learning. At that time, the inaugural cohort of Assumption University medical students is expected to be in their third year of study, in accordance with the approved academic plan.
- Faculty Exchange and Academic Development
Both parties discussed potential avenues for faculty exchange and professional development. Particular attention was given to the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic and Professional Practice (PGCAPPi), a postgraduate qualification in higher education developed by the University of Leicester for academic staff of partner institutions. The program is available to faculty members who meet the minimum English language proficiency requirement equivalent to IELTS 6.5.
In addition, opportunities for advanced academic development through the Master of Science in Clinical Education (MSc in Clinical Education) were discussed. This program is designed for faculty members seeking to deepen their expertise as clinical educators and to acquire advanced competencies in medical and health professions education.
Both universities are currently working systematically to further develop a structured and sustainable framework for collaboration. The overarching objective is to ensure that the Doctor of Medicine (International Program) at the St. Luke School of Medicine, Assumption University of Thailand, fulfills its founding mission of producing truly “Global Doctors” — medical graduates equipped with international competencies, cross-cultural awareness, and academic excellence in an increasingly interconnected world.