Turning Struggles into Strength
– Dr. Krittin Ousirimaneechai –
Dr. Krittin Ousirimaneechai, an endocrinologist at the Heart, Kidney & Metabolism Centre, BNH Hospital, lives with a chronic illness that has shaped not only his life but also his medical philosophy. It’s this personal experience that enables him to deeply empathise with his patients. His love for gadgets also bridges gaps, transforming consultations into collaborative, friendly conversations.
The Last-Minute Doctor
From a young age, Dr. Krittin was a high-achieving student. His childhood revolved around studying. He received a prestigious government scholarship and was preparing to study nutrigenomics in the United States. But then, his beloved grandfather suddenly fell ill with kidney disease.
“At the very last minute, I decided to stay and study medicine instead.”
He wasn’t entirely sure if he would enjoy it or even cope, but he was accepted into the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University and graduated with first-class honours and a gold medal.
Initially dreaming of beachside days in Phuket whilst serving his mandatory rural placement, the reality was very different: he spent most of his free time watching House M.D., the medical series that sparked his interest in internal medicine.
Inspired by the show’s protagonist, he pursued internal medicine at Chulalongkorn Hospital. Eventually, he found his calling in endocrinology, a field that offers both breadth and depth, and allowed him to manage complex conditions with comprehensive care.
A Doctor Who Cares in Detail
After completing his training, he remained at Chulalongkorn Hospital for a year before joining BNH Hospital.
“The patient care model at BNH really suits me. I like to take time, to be thorough, to explain every detail. Prevention is more meaningful to me than treating something once it’s gone too far.”
His care philosophy aligns with BNH’s “Complete Care” model, where doctors look beyond their own speciality, keeping an eye out for any abnormalities. If a problem arises, they can quickly consult with relevant specialists seamlessly and timely, for the patient’s benefit.
“I haven’t been at BNH long, but the warm welcome from colleagues made it feel like home. We consult and refer cases without formalities, which ultimately benefits patients.”
Navigating the Complex World of Hormones
Endocrine diseases are often overlooked in initial diagnoses, as they tend to manifest in obscure ways. One of his most memorable cases involved a woman with a history of cortisol imbalance, who had been on hormone therapy for a decade. Suddenly, she developed rapid-onset diabetes and difficult-to-manage hypertension.
Though her hormone replacement seemed stable, she also had unexplained swelling and rashes. Dr. Krittin suspected something more.
“Cortisol is a form of steroid that can cause both high sugar and high blood pressure. I suspected Cushing’s Syndrome. Tests confirmed a tumour on her adrenal gland, causing a hormone surge. After surgery, her diabetes and hypertension were controllable again.”
Listening Before Diagnosing
His approach always begins with conversation. Not every patient is ready to open up, so he starts by asking about their lifestyle – an indirect but effective path to diagnosis.
“Endocrine issues like diabetes or thyroid conditions require long-term care. Building trust helps patients share personal details that often impact their health.”
One example involved a patient with inconsistent thyroid levels despite proper medication. After a long talk, it turned out she stored her pills in a hot car, damaging their efficacy. Without that conversation, it might have gone unnoticed.
Respecting Differences in Opinion
When patients disagree with recommendations, Dr. Krittin sees it as an opportunity.
“I step back to review whether I’ve missed something. If I’m confident, I still take their view seriously. I often say, ‘I’ve never considered that angle, let me look into it.’ It builds trust and makes patients feel heard. Healthcare isn’t about giving orders. It’s about finding a treatment plan that suits both health needs and personal lifestyle.”
A Patient Who Became a Doctor
Dr. Krittin’s empathy comes from lived experience. He has faced chronic health issues himself.
As a medical student, he suffered a spontaneous pneumothorax (collapsed lung) requiring surgery. Part of his lung had to be removed, limiting his oxygen capacity. He couldn’t fly initially, and even now, activities like scuba diving remain risky. Simple exercise can leave him more fatigued than most.
“I have to take extra care not to worsen my condition. I always remind patients to focus on what lies ahead, not just the problem in front of them.”
He also suffers from chronic migraines so severe he must stop all activity when an episode strikes. Light, sound, or sometimes no trigger at all can set it off.
“I can’t cure it, but I manage it. And that helps me understand chronic patients better. We speak the same language.”
Watches, Gadgets, and Connection
His love for timepieces began with a graduation gift from his aunt, a Rolex Air-King. That watch now stays safely stored, while he enjoys using others from his modest collection of six. His most recent? An H. Moser & Cie Swiss Alp Watch, which cheekily mimics an Apple Watch.
“The humour in its design caught my eye. It was irresistible.”
Watches often break the ice with patients, especially expats. One patient wore a rare Longines Heritage 1935 with the Czechoslovakian flag on the dial. “He told me it reminded him of home. We bonded instantly.”
Another cherished piece came with his wife’s blessing, his first post-wedding purchase. “Every time I wear it, I smile.”
A Gadget-Loving Doctor
Gadgets are more than a hobby. For international patients struggling with language, Dr. Krittin uses AI-powered voice translators instead of traditional apps.
“The grammar is perfect. It enhances the experience and removes communication barriers.”
He also wears a gadget that records consultations and transcribes them via AI, saving time on medical records. He carries three tablets, each with its own function: work, reading, and notes. To support his digital lifestyle, he even carries a 3-in-1 charging cable.
He keeps a personal metabolism tracker on his desk – not as precise as hospital-grade equipment, but helpful for quick discussions on diet and energy.
Espresso and Empathy
Dr. Krittin is also a coffee lover. Each morning begins with a handcrafted espresso brewed using a quirky manual machine that looks like a pepper grinder.
“Is it better than a normal drip? Of course – because I made it myself.”
A Doctor Who Understands Illness from Within
“I always say everyone has their own problems.”
He often uses this phrase to comfort patients with chronic illness. Though incurable, with proper management, many of them can live better than before, especially if their diagnosis inspires healthier habits.
What sets Dr. Krittin apart isn’t just his knowledge but his lived experience.
“My goal is for patients to feel lucky they met this doctor. That they feel seen, heard, and supported. I’m still learning about myself too, just trying to make each day 1% better.”
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KRITTIN OUSIRIMANEECHAI, M.D.
นพ. กฤติน อู่สิริมณีชัย
Speciality
Internal Medicine
Endocrinology and Metabolism
Education
Medical Degree, Doctor of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Board and Sub board Certification
The Medical Council of Thailand, Endocrinology and Metabolism, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital
The Medical Council of Thailand, Internal Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital
Language
English
Thai
Gender
Male
Schedule
Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Centre
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | - |
| Saturday | - |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 16:00 |
This is the doctor's regular weekly schedule. Actual availability may vary — please confirm the available date and time when you make an appointment.