PROJECT CHIANG MAI TRIP 2025
- Medsoc PnP
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 30
Project Chiang Mai represents a collaborative international health initiative between NTU’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCSoM) and Little Candles Methodist Church, designed to address critical healthcare access barriers in Phrao, a rural district of northern Thailand. We aim to bring modernised technology and manpower equipped with necessary skills to this rural area of Thailand for our large-scale health screening.
During our 2025 trip, we invited 13 doctors from various healthcare institutions in Singapore, as well as M1 to M5 medical students from LKCSoM. Led by Associate Professor Dr Tham Kum Ying, we also welcomed 1 dental student and 1 physiotherapist who provided basic dental screening services and physiotherapy sessions respectively for the children.
Adults’ Health Screening
The adults’ health screening team aimed to screen for health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular, kidney and liver diseases by performing a series of diagnostic tests. These consisted of urine dipstick tests, electrocardiogram readings and abdominal ultrasound scans, coupled with measured vital signs. Modern medical technology, such as ECGs which are typically unavailable in such rural areas, were deployed to the clinics and villages. Such diagnostic radiography with these intricate medical equipment would not have been possible without Project Chiang Mai. Our team managed to screen 450 residents of Phrao for acute and chronic illnesses – indirectly improving the health outcomes and bridging the gap between developed and developing regions in terms of healthcare. Home visits were also made to villagers who did not have the capacity to travel to centralised clinics for health screenings.
Children’s Health Screening
Meanwhile, our paediatrics’ health screening team assessed the children’s development and health condition by evaluating their physical growth, visual acuity, dental health, as well as the presence of any congenital abnormalities. If a child had been assessed to require immediate medical attention or further work-up, patients would then be referred to more established hospitals in Chiang Mai. Furthermore, our dentist was able to screen for potential tooth decays or caries, while teaching the children appropriate ways to prevent dental related conditions in the future. Effort was also made to educate the teachers on the effect of modifiable risk factors, such as diet and exercise, on the children' s health. This year, we doubled the size of our pediatrics team to be able to screen 8 schools, helping us to impact 1000 students in Phrao.
Conclusion
Throughout the trip, we were able to gain a better understanding of other cultures via working closely with Phrao healthcare workers and translators. Despite the evident language barriers, both communities were more than willing to find a means of effective communication throughout the planning and trip itself. For instance, we had basic Thai lessons in Singapore by a Thai student that allowed us to learn conversational Thai, thereby conversing more effectively with the community in Phrao.
Through evidence-based screening protocols, culturally competent care delivery, and sustainable community partnerships, Project Chiang Mai demonstrates the potential for international medical education programs to meaningfully address global health disparities. The initiative successfully combined clinical excellence with community engagement, creating a model for rural health improvement that respects local healthcare systems while introducing beneficial technological and educational innovations. It was gratifying to watch our plans come to fruition, and more importantly – a privilege to have served them.
