Phramongkutklao College of Medicine (Thai: วิทยาลัยแพทยศาสตร์พระมงกุฎเกล้า) is the first and only military medical school in Thailand. The college is the seventh medical school established in Thailand. Phramongkutklao College of Medicine is an affiliated college of Mahidol University. This school only accepts students whose parents both are natural-born-citizens.
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 appeared in 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.[1]
Education
Phramongkutklao College admits around 100 medical military cadets per academic year through the Consortium of Thai Medical Schools Examination (กสพท). The course of study is separated into three parts over six years. In the first (pre-medical) year, cadets study at the Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University. In the second and third (preclinical) years, cadets study at the college, while the clinical years (fourth, fifth and sixth) is taught at Phramongkutklao Hospital.[2] 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 (Thailand) as civilian doctors.
