Phramongkutklao College of Medicine


Phramongkutklao College of Medicine is the first and only medical cadet school in Thailand. The college is the seventh medical school established in Thailand by a royal command of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Phramongkutklao College of Medicine is an affiliated college of Mahidol University.

History

In 1939 the government of Thailand approved the establishment of the "Army Medic School." The Army Medic School trained doctors serving in the Royal Thai Army until 1947 when the program was halted due to a lack of equipment and educators.
The idea of reopening the school popped up various times from 1947 to 1973, but was rejected due to a lack of readiness. However, in 1973, in King Bhumibol Adulyadej's speech to medical students at Siriraj Hospital, the idea of reestablishing a medical cadet school was revived. On October 3, 1973, the Royal Thai Army approved the establishment of a "Medical Cadet College," which was renamed "Phramongkutklao College of Medicine" one year later. The name "Phramongkutklao" was granted by King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It was the regal name of King Vajiravudh, King Bhumibol Adulyadej's uncle. The college was officially established on the 16th of June in 1975.

Education

Phramongkutklao College admits around 100 medical military cadets per academic year through the Consortium of Thai Medical Schools Examination. The course of study is separated into three parts over six years. In the first year, cadets study at the Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University. In the second and third years, cadets study at the college, while the clinical years is taught at Phramongkutklao Hospital. The military training component is provided by the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy.
Graduates from Phramongkutklao College of Medicine can apply for Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy, Royal Thai Air Force, Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters as military doctors or for Ministry of Public Health as civilian doctors.

Departments

Pre-clinical years
Clinical years