B. Braun (Thailand) Ltd., the world's leading medical technology company headquartered in Germany, has collaborated with the esteemed university hospital, the "Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University," and the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Therapy (ESRA), a leading organisation known for its high-standard research, education, and training in Anesthesiology. The tripartite agreement was forged after a long-lasting relationship to advance educational training programs across the Asia Pacific Region through Aesculap Academy Thailand, a leading provider of medical education.
This collaborative effort signifies a significant step forward in our shared journey, paving the way for two key initiatives:
"International EDRA Approved Cadaver Workshop for Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anesthesia": This workshop will continue to provide invaluable hands-on training in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques and will focus on disseminating knowledge and new techniques in Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Nerve Block for anesthesiologists, encompassing both single-shot and continuous peripheral nerve block methodologies.
"European Diploma in Regional Anaesthesia & Acute Pain Management (EDRA) practical oral examination (Part 2B)" from 2024: This program will allow participants to obtain internationally recognised qualifications in regional anesthesia without traveling outside the Asia Pacific region. With the written EDRA I exam taking place online next year in April, anaesthetists in Asia, after successful completion of EDRA 1, can then register for the oral EDRA II exam in November in Bangkok.
This collaboration aims to enhance anaesthesiologists’ expertise and broaden their capabilities, offering them the opportunity to receive training from field experts and participate in the board examination
commencing in 2024. This collaboration serves as a testament to the parties' resolute commitment to enhancing the skill set of medical practitioners to unprecedented levels, notably through training and examination.
Furthermore, the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) serves as the official confirmation of a longstanding, strong partnership between B. Braun, ESRA, and the Faculty of Medicine at Siriraj Hospital. This significant milestone represents a pivotal step forward in our collective journey aimed at enhancing healthcare by Sharing Expertise and propelling advancements in the field.
Assoc. Prof. Suwimon Tangwiwat, M.D., Program Director of the Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, stated, "It is with immense pleasure that we officially declare the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among three distinguished entities: the Department of Anesthesiology at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand; ESRA; and B. Braun (Thailand) Ltd. together with Aesculap Academy Thailand. This significant collaboration signifies the commencement of a joint cadaveric workshop, aimed at facilitating the exchange of knowledge, skill enhancement, and the advancement of global patient care in the realms of regional anesthesia and pain medicine. The impending launch of the practical oral EDRA exam in 2024 is eagerly anticipated, with the expectation that it will improve accessibility for EDRA candidates in Asia and play a crucial role in maintaining elevated standards within the field."
Mr. Sayan Roy, Managing Director of B. Braun (Thailand) Ltd., stated, "Over the years, our collaborative efforts have played a pivotal role in facilitating training programs tailored for anesthesiologists throughout the Asia Pacific region. The unwavering support from the Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital Mahidol University, and the European Society of Regional
Anaesthesia and Pain Therapy (ESRA) has propelled us forward, representing a significant leap in our ongoing commitment to advancing and enriching the landscape of knowledge in this domain. This endorsement signifies a noteworthy milestone in our enduring dedication to standardise educational initiatives within the healthcare society, aimed at augmenting the proficiency of healthcare professionals. Such steadfast commitment underscores our relentless pursuit of advancing education and nurturing professional growth within the healthcare community. We firmly believe that this collaboration will yield substantial benefits, fostering a positive impact on the broader medical community."
Mr. Stefan Horn, Vice President Regional Anesthesia & Pain Management, B. Braun Melsungen AG, added, "We are proud to announce the next chapter of the Cadaver Regional Anesthesia Workshop in Bangkok, starting in 2024, which is a three-party commitment (ESRA, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, and B. Braun) supporting clinical education at high-quality, internationally accredited standards. Over the last few years, the great interest in our program demonstrated by the Regional Anesthesia community motivated our partners and us to further advance the level of training available and continue to offer valuable support to providers and patients. Sharing Expertise is written in our company’s DNA; B. Braun wholeheartedly embraces the significance of ongoing education in healthcare. Therefore, we empower healthcare professionals worldwide, e.g., by fostering collaboration among local anesthesia societies and promoting peer-to-peer exchanges."
Prof. Paul Kessler, MD, PhD, Co-Chair of EDRA Cadaver Workshops, and Peter Merjavy MD, PhD, EDRA Part II Vice Chair/ Co-Chair of EDRA Cadaver Workshop, jointly stated, "The Cadaver Regional Anaesthesia Workshop in Bangkok has been organised annually in close collaboration with ESRA, along with the Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, and the B. Braun Aesculap Academy Thailand since 2017. Recently, the workshop has been granted EDRA Approval for candidates seeking to take the European Diploma in Regional Anaesthesia (EDRA) exam. In recent years, cadaveric regional anesthesia workshops have gained considerable popularity and attention, acting as prerequisites for the practical part of the EDRA exam. The collaboration is progressing to a new phase, as, beginning in 2024, a practical oral EDRA exam (Part 2B) will be introduced alongside the cadaver workshop. This pilot project seeks to simplify access for EDRA candidates in Asia and promote high standards of regional anesthesia across the region."
The official signing ceremony was attended by representatives from the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital Mahidol University, the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Therapy (ESRA), and the management team from B. Braun (Thailand) Ltd., reaffirming B. Braun’s commitment toward the vision "To protect and improve the health of people around the world."
