Assoc Prof Dr Orapin Anutarapongpan | Ophthalmology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr Orapin Anutarapongpan , Department of ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University , Thailand

Associate Professor Orapin Anutarapongpan is a distinguished cornea specialist at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, with over 15 years of experience in ophthalmology. She earned her MD from Srinagarind Hospital, followed by advanced training in cornea and refractive surgery, including a research fellowship at the prestigious Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in the USA. Orapin is actively involved in academia, serving on various committees within her department, and contributing to ophthalmological research and education. Her work has significantly impacted the field of corneal disease management, and she has been a presenter at numerous national and international conferences. With a strong commitment to patient care and medical education, Orapin is dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of corneal disorders.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

1. Extensive Educational Background: Dr. Anutarapongpan has a solid educational foundation in medicine and ophthalmology, including specialized training in cornea and refractive surgery, which equips her with the expertise necessary for high-quality research.
2. Diverse Research Contributions: Her publications and presentations cover a wide range of topics related to corneal diseases, infectious keratitis, and pterygium treatment, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of current issues in ophthalmology. Notable contributions include research on fungal keratitis, pythium keratitis, and the use of intralesional injections.
3. Active Engagement in Professional Development: Dr. Anutarapongpan is actively involved in professional societies, such as the Royal Thai Academy of Ophthalmologists, and holds various committee positions, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the field.
4. Strong Research Output: With numerous publications in reputable journals and frequent presentations at national and international conferences, she shows a consistent track record of research dissemination and knowledge sharing.
5. Leadership in Research Projects: She leads several ongoing research projects focused on important clinical questions, indicating her role as a driving force in advancing ophthalmic research.

Areas for Improvement

1. Broader Collaboration: While her research is robust, expanding collaborations with international researchers could enhance her work’s impact and introduce new methodologies.
2. Mentorship and Training: Increasing her involvement in mentoring young researchers could help build the next generation of ophthalmologists, ensuring a lasting legacy in the field.
3. Public Engagement: Developing outreach programs to educate the public about her research findings may help bridge the gap between scientific research and community health awareness.

Education

Orapin Anutarapongpan completed her medical education at the Faculty of Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, graduating in 1997. She obtained her Certificate of Medical Licensure in 2003, followed by a Diploma from the Thai Board of Ophthalmology in 2008. Orapin further honed her skills through a cornea fellowship at Srinagarind Hospital in 2009, and later pursued a research fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Health System, Florida, in 2013. Her educational background is characterized by rigorous training and a commitment to excellence, enabling her to specialize in corneal and refractive surgery. This foundation has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute significantly to her field and to mentor the next generation of ophthalmologists.

Experience 

Orapin Anutarapongpan has an extensive background in ophthalmology, beginning her residency in 2005 at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University. She completed her cornea fellowship there in 2009 and has since been a key member of the Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service. With roles spanning from clinical practice to research and education, she has contributed significantly to her department. Orapin’s fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute further solidified her expertise in corneal diseases and surgical techniques. Over the years, she has participated in numerous presentations and research projects, collaborating with various institutions and professionals. Her dedication to advancing corneal health and patient outcomes is evident through her continuous involvement in academic activities and her contributions to peer-reviewed publications, reflecting her commitment to the ophthalmology community.

Research Focus 

Associate Professor Orapin Anutarapongpan’s research primarily focuses on corneal diseases, infectious keratitis, and advanced treatment modalities in ophthalmology. Her work investigates the efficacy of treatments such as intralesional bevacizumab for pterygium and intrastromal voriconazole injections for fungal keratitis. Orapin is particularly interested in the role of confocal microscopy in diagnosing corneal disorders and the impact of systemic conditions, such as diabetes, on corneal health. Her ongoing projects aim to explore the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with mycotic keratitis leading to severe outcomes, including evisceration. By publishing her findings in reputable journals and presenting at international conferences, she actively contributes to the global understanding of corneal health and disease management. Orapin’s commitment to research not only enhances clinical practices but also aims to improve patient outcomes in ophthalmology.

Publications Top Notes

1. A Randomized Controlled Trial of Intralesional Bevacizumab Injection on Primary Pterygium: Preliminary Results. 🏥
2. Outbreak of Pythium Keratitis during Rainy Season: A Case Series. 🌧️
3. Contamination Risk of 100% Autologous Serum Eye Drops in Management of Ocular Surface Diseases. 💧
4. Update on Management of Fungal Keratitis. 📖
5. Comparison of Dexamethasone and Loteprednol Etabonate for Treatment of Photorefractive Keratectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. 📊
6. Infectious Necrotizing Corneoscleritis after Pterygium Excision Caused by Fusarium spp. ⚠️
7. Clinical Features, Risk Factors, and Treatments of Microsporidial Epithelial Keratitis. 🔍
8. Penicillium Keratitis in a HIV-Infected Patient. 🦠
9. Outcome of Therapeutic Penetrating Keratoplasty Using Glycerol-Preserved Donor Corneas in Infectious Keratitis. 🧪
10. Successful Treatment of Chrysosporium Keratitis with Voriconazole. ✅
11. Role of Confocal Microscopy in the Diagnosis of Pythium Keratitis. 🔬
12. Multiplex PCR Assay for Screening of Mycotoxin Genes from Ocular Isolates of Fusarium Species. 🧬
13. Effect of Eyelid Margin Cleaning on Conjunctival and Eyelid Bacterial Flora before Intraocular Surgery. 🧼
14. Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Images in Microsporidial Keratoconjunctivitis. 📸
15. Predictors for Dry Eye Diseases in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis. 🌞
16. Case Report: Burkholderia pseudomallei-Caused Sclerokeratitis. 📄
17. Role of Immunotherapy in Pythium insidiosum Keratitis. 💉

Conclusion

Dr. Orapin (Enkvetchakul) Anutarapongpan demonstrates exceptional qualifications for the Best Researcher Award. Her impressive educational background, significant research contributions, and active professional engagement highlight her commitment to advancing ophthalmology. By addressing the identified areas for improvement, she can further enhance her impact in the field and continue to lead innovative research initiatives.