History of the Consortium of Thai Medical Schools

The Consortium of Thai Medical Schools (CTMS) was established on April 7, 1989, following a joint meeting of the deans of the seven medical schools in existence at that time—namely:

1. Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University;
2. Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University;
3. Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University;
4. Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University;Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University;
   Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University;
   and Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Srinakharinwirot University—
   together with the Director of Phramongkutklao College of Medicine.

The initial objectives of the Consortium were as follows:

• To promote and develop education, research, and services in health sciences at all levels, in alignment with and in response to national public health policies and challenges.

• To serve as a coordinating center for academic exchange and collaboration in medical education and related disciplines.

• To support and promote the development of academic work, personnel, and centralized information systems in medicine, public health, and health sciences.

• To serve as a forum for gathering opinions and making recommendations to the government and relevant organizations regarding the development of medical education, health sciences, and public health in Thailand.

Initial Action Plan (1989–1990)

During its first year (1989–1990), the Consortium implemented the following plans:

• To organize two inter-institutional seminars on the development of medical education, aimed at fostering mutual understanding and collaboration among faculty members of member institutions, and facilitating the exchange of experiences and perspectives.

• To organize one to two workshops to enhance organizational management and academic skills for faculty members of member institutions.

• To establish ad hoc committees to propose cooperative plans among member institutions in areas such as epidemiology, clinical practice, medical information systems, and collaboration with other health professions education institutions (e.g., faculties of dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, etc.).

• To collaborate with the Thai Medical Association in the United States to explore ways to support faculty members of member institutions in pursuing training, observerships, studies, and/or research at leading medical institutions in the United States.

Organizational Structure and Governance

The Consortium of Thai Medical Schools operates through the following bodies:

• Steering Committee:
  Composed of deans of medical schools or medical divisions, directors of medical colleges, up to one-half of the number of member institutions as appointed qualified experts, and the Secretary-General of the Consortium. This committee is responsible for setting policies, defining operational directions, reviewing budgets, and overseeing the financial management of the Consortium.

• Executive Committee:
  Composed of the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General, and one Associate Dean or representative responsible for medical education from each member institution. This committee initiates and prepares projects and special activities of the Consortium, provides recommendations, and carries out tasks assigned by the Steering Committee.

• Project/Ad Hoc Committees:
  Composed of the Secretary-General or a representative, together with members of the Executive Committee and other individuals deemed appropriate by the Steering Committee. These committees are responsible for implementing specific projects or assigned activities to completion.

In addition, the Steering Committee may appoint qualified experts and/or experienced individuals in various fields to provide consultation and advice on the Consortium’s operations, as appropriate.

The Secretary-General of the Consortium of Thai Medical Schools is responsible for the overall operations of the Consortium, under the policy direction and oversight of the Steering Committee.

Financial Support

The Consortium operates through revenue from membership fees and operational contributions from member institutions, donations or financial support from individuals or organizations both domestically and internationally, as well as other income or benefits deemed appropriate by the Steering Committee.

Member Institutions

Since its establishment, the Consortium has grown to include a total of 29 member institutions, as follows:

Public Medical Schools

• Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University

• Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University

• Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University

• Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University

• Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University

• Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University

• Phramongkutklao College of Medicine

• Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University

• Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University

• Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University

• Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University

• Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University

• School of Medicine, Suranaree University of Technology

• College of Medicine and Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani University

• Faculty of Medicine, Burapha University

• School of Medicine, Walailak University

• Faculty of Medicine, Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra University

• Faculty of Medicine, University of Phayao

• School of Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University

• Faculty of Medicine, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang

• Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy

• Faculty of Medicine, Praboromarajchanok Institute

• Faculty of Medicine, Kasetsart University

• Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University

Private Medical Schools

• College of Medicine, Rangsit University

• Faculty of Medicine, Siam University

• Faculty of Medicine, Bangkokthonburi University

• Faculty of Medicine, Western University

• Faculty of Medicine, Wongchavalitkul University

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