INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
MINI-RESIDENCY IN OROFACIAL PAIN AND DENTAL SLEEP MEDICINE
Khon Kaen University Thailand
January 2026
Last January 2026, the UP College of Dentistry sent eight (8) faculty members to the Faculty of Dentistry Khon Kaen University for a mini-residency in Orofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine. This undertaking is part of our Memorandum of Agreement with the Faculty of Dentistry Khon Kaen University.
The faculty members were:
1. Dr. Maricar Lachica
2. Dr. Florentino Kurt Lozano
3. Dr. Tristan Ramos
4. Dr. May Carol Macapia-Sia
5. Dr. Franz Kevin Agustin
6. Dr. Patricia Francisco
7. Dr. Francesca Celine Fajardo
8. Dr. Deuter Figeroua
From Dr. Maricar Lachica's post (with permission)
My heart is so full of gratitude.
I just completed a mini-residency in Orofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine in a place that will always feel like home to me , Khon Kaen University. This training was made possible through the request of the College of Dentistry, University of the Philippines Manila, with the goal of strengthening our faculty in this field so we can serve our patients better.
But more than the training itself, what stays with me is the kindness behind it all. To Dean Ajiravudh Subarnbhesaj and Dr. Teekayu Plangkoon Jorns, thank you from the deepest part of my heart. When we first spoke about this collaboration, you didn’t just listen. You embraced the vision of our College with such openness, generosity, and genuine willingness to help. Because of you, many of us were given this rare and meaningful opportunity. This would not have been possible without your support and I will remain deeply indebted to both of you. ąøąøąøąøุąøąø”ąø²ąøą¹ąøąø°ąøąø°ąøąø²ąøąø²ąø£ąø¢์
During our stay in Khon Kaen, we were surrounded by so much warmth. Our professors and residents taught with such patience and sincerity, making sure we truly understood, learned, and grew. They gave not only their knowledge and skills, but their time, their encouragement, and their hearts. And of course, they made sure we were very well fed with amazing Thai food throughout the training. .
What touched me most was hearing them say that they are always just one message away if we need guidance or consultation. That kind of generosity goes beyond professional collaboration — it is family.
On a very personal note, this experience meant more than words can say. It allowed me to come back to my second home, to see my former professors, dear friends, and people I truly consider family. Thank you everyone for taking time to see me. I am truly happy.
I sincerely hope and pray that this partnership will help us move closer to our goal of providing more holistic, compassionate, and comprehensive care for our patients in the college and at UP–PGH. That is the real purpose behind all of this. Thank you, Dean Michelle S. Segarra and the UP Manila system for this vison.
I truly believe this was God’s grace at work, and I thank the Lord for making it all possible. May we all be able to pay this kindness and generosity forward.
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