By: Erik Pedersen, Senior Communications Manager
BALTIMORE – Faculty from the School of Nursing recently traveled to Thailand to establish a long-term partnership to promote collaborative learning and research between Notre Dame of Maryland University and the Praboromarajchanok Institute (PBRI), which includes 30 nursing colleges across the Southeast Asian nation.
Dr. Tina Bloom, the Frances Kay Pitts ’96 Endowed Chair for Nursing Leadership, and assistant professor Dr. Rachael Crowe were joined by several PBRI representatives for a celebratory agreement signing in Bangkok. Dr. Bloom and Dr. Crowe also presented and met with faculty at multiple nursing colleges and assisted in preparations for next year’s 25th annual Nursing Network on Violence Against Women International (NNVAWI) Conference during their extended stay in Thailand.
The partnership between NDMU and PBRI will promote scholarly collaboration, faculty exchanges, and other future initiatives between the two institutions. The School of Nursing will primarily work with the Boromarajonani College of Nursing Khon Kaen (BCNKK), where Dr. Bloom traveled to conduct research through the United States Fulbright Scholar program in 2021.
“This agreement with PBRI and its 30 nursing colleges creates endless opportunities for Notre Dame’s nursing faculty and students to actively participate in unique learning experiences,” said Dr. Kathleen Wisser, dean of the School of Nursing.
Dr. Bloom and Dr. Crowe were joined by Dr. Vichai Tienthavorn, president of PBRI, as well as administrators and faculty from Boromarajonani College of Nursing campuses, at the ceremonial agreement signing in Thailand’s capital.
“We are very much impressed by NDMU’s mission, which aligns closely with our own values,” said Dr. Chaweewan Sridawruang, director of BCNKK. “Our collaboration with NDMU’s School of Nursing will provide Thai faculty and students with exposure to different healthcare systems, nursing education practices, research methodologies, and cultural competency. It could also lead to joint research projects and publications, increasing the global visibility of BCNKK and PBRI.”
Dr. Bloom has served as a research advisor and collaborator at BCNKK for the past six years. One of her former students, Dr. Tipparat Udmuangpia, is a faculty member at BCNKK, a relationship which helped initiate discussions for a potential partnership between the institutions. Dr. Bloom and Dr. Udmuangpia are serving as co-chairs of the planning committee for the 2024 NNVAWI Conference, which will be held in Thailand next November.
“Visiting Thailand allows me to bring back new cultural and global health perspectives to my students,” said Dr. Bloom. “Thailand’s public health and primary care systems have some tremendous strengths despite dealing with limited resources.
“Trips like these also help show students how nursing as a career can really open up the world to you,” she continued. “You become a nurse, and you have these opportunities to travel the world and partner with others. As a first-generation college student – someone who didn’t grow up traveling and never saw these things as possibilities – that is what nursing has done for me.”
Following the celebratory agreement signing, Dr. Bloom and Dr. Crowe gave presentations at both BCNKK and BCN Bangkok focused on publishing research internationally and active learning strategies. They also toured a variety of healthcare clinics, local hospitals, and BCN simulation facilities.
“This partnership is going to benefit our students in so many ways,” said Dr. Crowe. “This trip will allow me to incorporate a more global perspective into the classroom while discussing public health, encouraging students to broaden their way of thinking. Collaborating with our BCN colleagues on the scholarship of teaching and top evidence-based teaching strategies will also help us continue to improve the student experience from a completely different cultural perspective.”
Established in 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) is a private, Catholic institution in Baltimore, Maryland, with the mission to educate leaders to transform the world. Notre Dame has been named one of the best "Regional Universities North" by U.S. News & World Report.
Julia Campagna, director of mission and ministry at NDMU, discusses both the history of All Saints' Day and how the holiday is recognized on campus in this USA TODAY feature article.