– Dr. Eakpatipan Eamskoolnont –
Dr. Eakpatipan Eamskoolnont, a spine specialist at the Premier Spine Centre, BNH Hospital, leads an active and intellectually curious life. A dedicated bookworm and music aficionado, he constantly shares insights with his patients. Whether developing himself or helping others, his enthusiasm is boundless. Having personally overcome cancer and obesity, he has remained cancer-free for ten years and maintained a Zero Calcium Score for five consecutive years. Today, he has distilled his experiences into a unique life balance.
A Childhood in the Peaceful Town of Phayao
As a young boy in Phayao, a serene town by the Ing River, young Eakpatipan’s dreams were as vast as the universe. He initially dreamt of becoming an astronaut, but after the Challenger shuttle disaster in 1986, his interest shifted to aviation, inspired by the film Top Gun. However, due to the lack of aircraft carriers in Thailand at the time, that dream also faded.
Growing up near a temple, he often accompanied his grandfather to make merit and rang the temple bells for sermons, absorbing Buddhist teachings from a young age. His path to medicine was sparked in high school when a severe infection led to a stay in hospital. The dedicated care of an ENT specialist who returned him to health made a lasting impression.
The transition to medical school was equally dramatic. While at a 7-day territorial defence camp on Doi Chang, Chiang Rai, he faced rigorous training. On the final day, coinciding with the medical quota results, he was exhausted from a 10-kilometre hike. “I told a friend that I just wanted to survive the hike back; I didn’t care about the results,” he laughs. He returned home and collapsed, only to be awakened by his family who had heard his name announced as a successful candidate over the radio.
From Mechanical Engines to Spinal Engineering
His interest in mechanics never left him; it simply transferred from aircraft to the human skeleton. After graduating from Chiang Mai University, he specialised in Orthopaedics. Working at Lamphun Hospital—a hub for motorcycle accidents—he treated complex bone and ligament injuries day and night. Later, he pursued spinal studies in South Korea, learning from the renowned Professor Suk at Inje University, whose success in treating scoliosis deeply inspired him.
In 2005, he joined BNH Hospital as a pioneer of the Premier Spine Centre. He was drawn to the hospital’s unhurried, private, and collaborative environment, where doctors from different departments coordinate closely to provide the best possible care for each patient.
Back Pain: A Matter of Integrated Care
Ten years ago, an elderly European patient from Phuket came to Dr. Eakpatipan, unable to walk due to spinal stenosis. After surgery, the patient regained full mobility and has returned to visit every year for a decade. Another memorable case involved an Australian tourist who required emergency surgery; his wife still writes to update the doctor on his progress.
Dr. Eakpatipan provides Complete Care, focusing on holistic, preventive, and curative methods. “I look for hidden causes of systemic dysfunction and fix them at the root,” he explains. He considers factors beyond the spine, such as inflammation caused by diet.
“Sugar, Omega-6 vegetable oils, and trans fats cause chronic inflammation, which affects joints and the spine.” Even for Office Syndrome, he collaborates with rehabilitation specialists to ensure it isn’t just masked but resolved. “Often, there is a structural issue—scoliosis or an abnormal spinal curve—especially in women. Without addressing the underlying structure and muscle weakness, the pain will always return.”
The Intersection of History and Music
“I trace things back to their historical roots,” says Dr. Eakpatipan. His love for history informs his health advice. He has discovered how certain “health foods” were products of clever marketing rather than science. By understanding the historical context, he can offer his patients authentic guidance.
In his spare time, he finds joy in Latin music. He has been a fan of Shakira since her early days, as well as Enrique Iglesias and Carlos Vives. He views music as a tool for health: “Listening to music increases happiness hormones like dopamine and serotonin, boosting enthusiasm. It also lowers cortisol—the stress hormone that triggers bone destruction. Music provides the peace and focus necessary for a healthy mind.”
Balancing Work and Family
A devoted father of two daughters, Dr. Eakpatipan focuses on instilling a Growth Mindset and self-reliance. Despite working nearly seven days a week, he manages his time with the TimeTree app. His Saturdays are a carefully orchestrated relay of school runs for violin, piano, French, and maths lessons. “Fortunately, the schools and the hospital are close together, allowing me to be a full-time father and a full-time doctor.”
The Surgeon as a Patient: Overcoming Cancer
Dr. Eakpatipan’s most profound lesson in health came from his own battle with Kidney Cancer. Discovered by chance during an MRI trial at BNH, a small mass was found on his right kidney. He kept the news a secret until after a family trip to Japan, not wanting to spoil the holiday.
On 3 April 2014, he underwent a partial nephrectomy, saving his kidney. “It has been 10 years now. I got through that time by leaning on Buddhist teachings—viewing the world as it is, maintaining mindfulness, and practising Vipassana to reduce stress.”
This experience prompted a deep dive into nutrition. Once weighing nearly 100kg, he transformed his metabolism through a modified Low-Carb MCT Ketogenic diet, dropping to 86kg and achieving a Zero Calcium Score for five consecutive years.
Longevity Through Movement and Proper Fuel
Dr. Eakpatipan is a staunch advocate against “Bad Calories.” He explains that sugar, seed oils, and ultra-processed foods lead to systemic inflammation and premature ageing.
“Inflammation causes osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and kills cells in the spinal discs. These discs are vital shock absorbers. If they are weak, even lifting a heavy object can cause them to rupture and press on nerves.” For such cases, the Premier Spine Centre utilises Minimally Invasive Surgery, allowing patients to walk the next day and return home within 48 hours.
For his own longevity, he emphasises stretching for good alignment and posture before moving into axial load or plyometric exercises. His favourite tool is the kettlebell. “The Kettlebell Swing is a full-body exercise that develops the core, hips, and legs, increasing bone density and cardiovascular endurance.”
Living in the Moment
Dr. Eakpatipan lives by the lyrics of Jason Mraz’s Living in the Moment:
“…To live in the moment, to living my life, easy and breezy, with peace in my mind, with peace in my heart, with peace in my soul. Wherever I’m going, I’m already home…”
“Living in the moment means being self-aware and doing your best today without being anchored to the past or anxious about the future,” he concludes. “Take care of your spine, for it is the vital axis of your body.”
Customer’s Story
EAKPATIPAN EAMSKOOLNONT, M.D.
นพ. เอกปฏิภาณ เอี่ยมสกุลนนท์
Speciality
Orthopedic Surgery
Clinical Interest
Orthopedic Surgery
Osteoporosis
Education
Medical Degree, Doctor of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
Fellowship
Spine Surgery, Seoul Spine Institute, Inje University Medical School, Sanggye Paik Hospital, Korea, Republic of
Board and Sub board Certification
Thai Medical Council, Family Medicine
Thai Medical Council, Orthopedic Surgery, Chulalongkorn University
Certificate
BDMS Bylaws, BDMS, Thailand
Code of behavior (TH), BDMS, Thailand
Language
English
Thai
Gender
Male
Schedule
Spine Centre
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 08:00 - 15:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 15:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 15:00 |
| Saturday | - |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
This is the doctor's regular weekly schedule. Actual availability may vary — please confirm the available date and time when you make an appointment.