Two researchers from Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University (KKU)—Medical Technologist Ms. Praewwali Wintachai and Dr. Noppaphon Sawatjui—have gained national recognition for their outstanding research in the development of genetic testing services and diagnostic innovations. Their achievements reflect KKU’s leadership in precision medicine in the Northeastern region of Thailand.
The Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, was recognized at the 33rd National Conference on Medical Sciences, held under the theme “Transforming Healthcare through Modern Medical Sciences.” The event was organized by the Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the Medical Sciences Foundation and the Medical Sciences Society, and took place from June 11 to 13, 2025, at the Grand Diamond Ballroom, IMPACT Forum, Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi.
This year’s conference brought together over 2,000 participants, with more than 450 research projects submitted for competition. Staff from the Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University received three awards.
Ms. Praewwali Wintachai, a medical technologist at Srinagarind Hospital, received the DMSc Award in the category of service development or quality improvement in medical sciences. Her winning project, titled “Development of a BRCA1/BRCA2 Genetic Testing Service for High-Risk Breast Cancer Patients and First-Degree Relatives at Srinagarind Hospital,” was presented with a royal trophy by Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana on June 11, 2025.
Dr. Noppaphon Sawatjui, a medical technologist at Srinagarind Hospital, received two awards for oral presentations. The first was the first prize in the research and innovation on diseases category for his project “SPTB Easy Kit: A Prototype Test for Detecting Mutations in the SPTB Gene for Diagnosing Red Blood Cell Membrane Disorders.” This innovation offers a simpler, more affordable, and more accessible testing method. The second award was the first runner-up prize in the category of medical and public health laboratory services for his research titled “Development of a Method to Detect Beta-Globin Gene Mutations for Differentiating Homozygous HbE from Beta-Thalassemia/HbE,” which helps reduce diagnostic costs and time.
Ms. Praewwali Wintachai expressed her pride in receiving the award, stating that it reflects the collaborative efforts of the medical team, including doctors, medical technologists, nurses, and hospital networks. She emphasized that the recognition is a significant motivation for continued development in the field of medical science and precision medicine.
Srinagarind Hospital is the first facility in Northeastern Thailand to provide a comprehensive genetic testing service for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in high-risk breast cancer patients and their first-degree relatives. The service includes pre-test counseling, genetic testing and analysis, result interpretation, and post-test genetic counseling. To date, over 665 patients have been screened, with mutation detection in 6.6 percent of cases. The gene panel used in testing has been expanded from two genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) to thirty genes, increasing the mutation detection rate to 15.9 percent. This advancement allows for better identification of patients and family members with genetic risk, enabling more effective prevention, early detection, and targeted treatment of breast cancer.
Dr. Noppaphon Sawatjui stated that he was honored to receive the awards and expressed his gratitude to the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, the Director and Deputy Director of Srinagarind Hospital, the head of the clinical pathology laboratory, the head of the medical genomics unit, and Dr. Parinya Prasongdee. He also acknowledged the entire research team, particularly Asst. Prof. Dr. Kunthon Wichacharn from the Medical Genetics Unit and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Patcharee Kamwilaisak from the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, whose support made the success of the research possible.
The Medical Genomics Unit at Srinagarind Hospital remains committed to developing the field of genomics and precision medicine to ensure patients receive accurate diagnoses, effective treatments, and preventive care in line with the vision of the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, which aspires to be a globally recognized medical school that contributes meaningfully to Thai society and humanity.
The research project “SPTB Easy Kit” aimed to develop a prototype test to detect mutations in the SPTB gene, which are linked to hereditary anemias caused by red blood cell membrane disorders. The test simplifies the detection process, reduces reagent and service costs, and has already been used with over 400 patients, helping them receive timely diagnoses and appropriate treatment planning. Another project, “Development of a Method to Detect Beta-Globin Gene Mutations for Differentiating Homozygous HbE and Beta-Thalassemia/HbE,” introduced a molecular biology-based screening method for thalassemia. This pre-screening approach reduces the need for expensive confirmatory testing while maintaining diagnostic accuracy and lowering overall testing costs.
Report by: Benjamaporn Mamuk
Information and photos provided by: Dr. Noppaphon Sawatjui
