Mr. Chawit Wanamongkol, a medical student from the Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, has won the gold medal (individual category) in the International Emergency Medicine Academic Knowledge and Skills Competition.

     Real-world arena of ‘Emergency Medicine,’ the international competition platform for knowledge and academic skills in emergency medicine, Khon Kaen University International Challenge of Emergency Medicine and Related Basic Sciences (10th KKU ICEM 2026) took place from February 6 to 10, 2026, at Khon Kaen University. The event featured 12 competing teams from leading medical schools in Thailand, Japan, and the Philippines.

     Mr. Chawit Wanamongkol, a sixth–year medical student in the English program at the Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, successfully won the gold medal (individual category). His interview introduces us to the inspirations, preparation for the competition, and perspectives on the medical profession.

     “I am passionate about emergency medicine and admire the role of emergency physicians in stabilizing patients. The ER’s diverse cases offer comprehensive learning. Like radiologists and pathologists, emergency physicians are unsung heroes. The competition focuses on Adult and Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS/PALS 2025 guidelines) and common emergencies. It has three rounds: Preliminary (MCQ, MEQ, SAQ), Semi-Final (20 varied questions), and Final (simulation-based using mannequins). Examples of complex Semi-Final MEQ cases include cardiac arrest from pulmonary embolism and tension pneumothorax due to catamenial pneumothorax. Maintaining passion is crucial; since my second year, I have aimed to be a skilled doctor to help others, supported by my network”, said Chawit.

     For him, teamwork is vital in medicine; no single physician can cure a patient without the aid of nurses, residents, students, and others. Every healthcare role drives quality of life. Although competitive, participants are friends off the field. Interacting with international students broadens understanding of diverse cultures, medical systems, and local life.

     He also mentioned the characteristics of a good emergency physician that is about being “calm, swift, and meticulous.” Calmness prevents deterioration and helps overcome critical phases. Swiftness is vital in limited timeframes, as delay worsens prognosis. However, swiftness risks overlooking life-threatening conditions (e.g., mistaking MI for GERD). Thus, meticulousness is crucial.

     Furthermore, the team of medical students from the Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, successfully secured the second runner-up award (team category). The team consists of sixth-year medical students Chawit Wanamongkol, Pheem Phongsukwechakul, and Supapitch Subenja, along with fifth-year medical student Thorntarathip Singthong.