Where are they now? Life after a PhD: Dr. Pongtong Puranitee

When did you follow your PhD trajectory and when did you obtain your PhD?

I completed my MHPE from 2014 to 2016. I started my PhD proposal writing course in 2017 and my PhD in 2018. I finished and defended my thesis in November 2023. Afterwards, I was nominated and received the Jeroen van Merriënboer Dissertation Award 2023 at the SHE Drinks ceremony in August 2024. It was the highest honor in my life; I felt prestigious.

What kind of work are you currently doing, and in which position? 

In December 2023, I was promoted from assistant dean to deputy dean for undergraduate medical education at the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, and director of medical curriculum. In 2024, they played a key role in organizing the Thai medical education conference, co-hosted by Ramathibodi Hospital, which attracted over 1000 participants from more than 30 countries. My supervisors traveled to Bangkok as honorable speakers. I oversee the curriculum renewal and received accreditation from WFME in 2025. I was offered to be an associate editor of the Journal of Graduate Medical Education, which requires me to learn new skills, and I have learned a lot from reading and analyzing the articles on different topics. I conducted medical education research in collaboration with my international colleagues, resulting in several publications.

What were your biggest lessons during your PhD trajectory? Are there any things you would have done differently, or do you have any advice for current PhD candidates?

I learned from my PhD, most importantly, how to conduct research in a proper way. I learned how to be well-organized and how to cope with uncertainty and gained agility during my PhD trajectory. I learned to collaborate with international supervisors and colleagues and expanded my connections internationally and with every SHE Drinks at AMEE. I suggest candidates and students stay connected with each other, especially if you have a chance to join the PhD proposal writing course, which I highly recommend.

What are the warmest memories during your time at SHE? 

My friends support me a lot in the subject content matter, and we motivate each other along the journey. My supervisors gave me the warmest memories because I started as a novice who kept making mistakes and was poorly organized, but they forgave me and encouraged me to proceed in a better way with compassion. Prof. Dr. Walther N.K.A. van Mook, my daily supervisor, is my role model as a successful CEO who spreads joy to those around him. Prof. Dr. Sylvia Heeneman gave me a lot of advice and extra time to help me and my institution with the implementation of programmatic assessment and the faculty development program. Dr. Jamiu O. Busari, who is a pediatrician like me, understood my role as a clinician and PhD student and guided me to manage my PhD progression systemically and practically. I received valuable feedback from him, viewing it through the lens of an expert editor, and I have learned a lot from his guidance. All of my supervisors support me in my work beyond my PhD; they consistently provide valuable advice, offer new and surprising perspectives, and continue to support me even after my graduation. I am grateful for the founder team and everyone who was involved in arranging this PhD program.