Assoc. Prof. Dr. Irene Ruengkhachorn | Medicine | Women Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Faculty of Meidicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol university, Thailand

Dr. Irene Ruengkhachorn is a dedicated academic and clinical specialist in gynecologic oncology, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. With nearly two decades of medical and teaching experience, she has significantly contributed to the field through research, clinical practice, and education. Dr. Ruengkhachorn’s expertise spans minimally invasive surgery, integrative oncology, and advanced gynecologic cancer treatment protocols. Her scholarly activities have earned her recognition within the national and international medical community, where she continues to drive progress in women’s cancer care.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Ruengkhachorn has pursued a thorough and distinguished academic journey. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, in 2000. She continued her postgraduate training at the same institution, completing graduate diplomas in Basic and Clinical Sciences in 2004 and 2005, respectively. She further specialized by earning a Thai Board certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2006, and in Gynecologic Oncology from Chiangmai University in 2008. Her interest in surgical techniques led her to complete certifications in gynecologic laparoscopic surgery in 2012 and undergo visiting clinical training in minimally invasive surgery at Mayo Clinic, USA, the same year. In 2017, she added a Certificate of Advanced Medical Epidemiology from Thammasat University, equipping her with robust research design and analysis capabilities.

Experience

Dr. Ruengkhachorn began her academic career as an Instructor in 2009 at Siriraj Hospital, advancing to Assistant Professor in 2013 and later to Associate Professor in 2016. Over the years, she has played a central role in mentoring medical students and residents, particularly in gynecologic oncology rotations. Prior to her tenure at Siriraj Hospital, she also served as a tutor in the Gynecologic Oncology Department at Chiangmai University. Her long-standing service in one of Thailand’s leading tertiary care centers has enabled her to influence treatment protocols and participate in numerous multi-disciplinary teams that shape national cancer care standards.

Research Interest

Dr. Ruengkhachorn’s research interests are grounded in the clinical challenges of gynecologic oncology. She focuses on cervical and ovarian cancer management, outcomes of surgical interventions, and predictive biomarkers. Her work extends into evaluating oncologic outcomes, the role of pathology in treatment planning, and recently, integrating artificial intelligence and precision medicine approaches. She has also explored minimally invasive surgical techniques, HPV-related cytological abnormalities, and the role of traditional medicine in cancer care. Her aim is to translate clinical findings into practice guidelines that improve survival and quality of life for women affected by reproductive cancers.

Award

Her research has received multiple accolades that highlight both scientific rigor and relevance. In 2008, she won the GSK Research Award for her work on predicting the need for adjuvant radiotherapy in early-stage cervical cancer. The R2R Research Award followed in 2014, recognizing her investigation into atypical glandular cells in cytology. In 2017, she earned the “Research of the Month” title at Siriraj Hospital for her landmark study on outcomes of advanced cervical carcinoma treated with chemotherapy at a tertiary referral center. These honors underscore her contributions to evidence-based gynecologic oncology in high-incidence settings.

Publication

Dr. Ruengkhachorn has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals. Seven representative publications include:

1. Ruengkhachorn I et al., “Oncologic outcomes of stage IVB or persistent or recurrent cervical carcinoma patients treated with chemotherapy,” Int J Gynecol Cancer, 2016, cited 49 times.

2. Ittiamornlert P, Ruengkhachorn I, “Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of oncologic outcomes,” BMC Cancer, 2019, cited 61 times.

3. Ruengkhachorn I et al., “Undiagnosed uterine sarcomas identified during surgery for presumed leiomyoma,” Int J Gynecol Cancer, 2017, cited 34 times.

4. Ruengkhachorn I et al., “Comparison of oncologic outcomes of unanticipated cervical carcinoma,” Gynecol Oncol, 2019, cited 57 times.

5. Phianpiset R, Ruengkhachorn I et al., “ASCCP risk-based colposcopy recommendations in Thai women,” Obstet Gynecol, 2020, cited 66 times.

6. Ruengkhachorn I et al., “Predicting factors associated with resistance to Methotrexate in GTN,” Asian Pac J Clin Oncol, 2022, cited 23 times.

7. Ruengkhachorn I et al., “High-risk HPV genotyping in atypical squamous cells,” Scientific Reports, 2023, cited 15 times.
   These publications reflect her diverse yet focused contributions in clinical oncology and diagnostic advancement.

Conclusion

Dr. Irene Ruengkhachorn has emerged as a leader in gynecologic oncology in Thailand through her relentless pursuit of clinical excellence, academic advancement, and translational research. Her academic path, enriched by international exposure and cross-disciplinary integration, positions her at the forefront of modern cancer care. As she continues to mentor young physicians, publish impactful research, and lead clinical innovation, Dr. Ruengkhachorn exemplifies the synergy of research and compassionate care in advancing women’s health. Her ongoing engagement with global research communities ensures her contributions remain both relevant and far-reaching in the evolving field of gynecologic oncology.