Name: Dr Kasemsuk Yothasamutr
Cohort: ME 203
Current Role: Division of Medical Technical and Academic Affairs, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
From IMU Graduate to Leader in Emergency & Disaster Response
Since graduating from IMU in 2009, Dr Kasemsuk has built a distinguished career in emergency and disaster medicine, balancing clinical expertise with national and international humanitarian response. His journey spans from completing his Thai medical license and emergency medicine residency to serving as a frontline emergency physician and later transitioning into policy and operations within Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health.
What began as a childhood fascination with disaster response, inspired by the Thunderbirds television series, has grown into a lifelong mission: to serve communities in crisis and build resilient healthcare systems.
Journey at IMU
IMU played a defining role in preparing Dr. [Name] for his demanding career. The university’s emphasis on self-directed learning equipped him with the discipline to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field, while his involvement in extracurricular activities—from student societies to leading the Kampung Angkat project—sharpened his leadership and social skills.
“Medicine is always changing, and IMU trained me to keep learning long after graduation.”
Achievements Post-IMU
- Emergency Medicine Specialist: Completed residency in 2015 and served as an emergency physician at Lerdsin Hospital until 2023.
- Disaster Response Leader: Medical leader for the Thailand USAR Team (undergoing INSARAG classification in 2025) and a member of the Thailand EMT, which achieved WHO classification in 2019. Deployed during the Türkiye earthquake disaster in 2023.
- Mass Gathering Operations: Successfully managed health operations for major events, including the Royal Coronation Ceremony (2019), ASEAN Summits (2019), and APEC Economic Leaders’ Week (2022).
- Policy & Academic Leadership: Currently contributes to national health preparedness and technical affairs within Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health.
Inspiration and Defining Moments
His passion for disaster medicine was rooted in childhood but crystallised during his IMU years, when he discovered humanitarian organisations like MERCY Malaysia. Later, after completing his residency, he gained hands-on experience through the Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), which allowed him to live his long-held dream of serving on the frontlines of disaster relief.
Overcoming Challenges
Returning to Thailand, Dr. Kasemsuk faced hurdles in licensing recognition and adapting to a very different healthcare system, where new doctors are expected to perform independently without a Housemanship period. He overcame these challenges through determination, extra study, and learning from colleagues, proving that IMU’s training had prepared him to adapt and excel.
Advice to Young Graduates
“Study hard and study smart. Develop the habit of lifelong learning—and don’t just study medicine. The world has so much more to teach you. When opportunities come, give them a try.”
Ongoing Drive for Excellence
For Dr Kasemsuk, motivation comes from knowing that his expertise directly impacts society, whether by preparing safe environments for mass gatherings or providing medical relief to disaster-hit communities.
Future Aspirations
Dr Kasemsuk hopes to establish a centre for mass gathering and disaster medicine in Thailand, creating a hub for research, training, and regional collaboration. His vision is to advance the field not only nationally but also across Southeast Asia, shaping stronger, more resilient systems for future generations.
Impact on Society
Through his leadership in disaster medicine and emergency response, Dr. Kasemsuk is strengthening Thailand’s health resilience and contributing to global humanitarian efforts. His work ensures that communities—from those attending major public events to victims at disaster zones—receive timely, effective, and compassionate care.