"Dr. Kaed, the Traditional Thai Song Singer"
– Dr. Lalita Kulmala –
With the nickname “Auntie,” earned for her love of taking care of others, Dr. Lalita has been caring for patients as friends today.
Dr. Lalita Kulmala, also known as Dr. Kaed, is an obstetrician and maternal-fetal medicine specialist at BNH Women’s Health Centre, who has always enjoyed taking care of others since childhood. This passion has led her to dedicate her career to providing the best care for her patients.
"Auntie Chiwa Olympic"
“During my school days, my friends called me ‘Auntie’ because I loved taking care of others.”
As a young girl, Lalita’s dream profession shifted frequently, ranging from Prime Minister, diplomat, to dentist. However, one thing remained unchanged: her love for helping others. This was something her parents instilled in her from an early age. Her strong academic performance, which earned her royal awards for excellence, guided her towards the medical profession from high school.
“I loved experimenting, was not afraid of blood, and enjoyed dissecting frogs and studying the heart, learning how the body functions.”
Lalita was elected president of her school’s science club and excelled in biology and chemistry. This achievement led to her selection for national biology and chemistry Olympiad training. She chose to compete in the Biology Olympiad, winning a bronze medal in Sweden.
Later, Dr. Lalita became a medical student at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, becoming the first member of her family to become a doctor. She excelled and was awarded the title of Outstanding Medical Student by the Medical Council of Thailand, all thanks to her parents’ influence, which emphasised the importance of helping others from an early age.
Passion for Children and Obstetrics
Dr. Lalita’s love for young children led her to paediatrics and obstetrics. After working for three years at a local hospital in Sriracha, where she encountered many difficult obstetric cases, she chose to specialise in obstetrics. She passed the board exam with the highest rank and later specialised in maternal-fetal medicine, focusing on prenatal care, high-risk pregnancies, and detailed ultrasound imaging.
Although Dr. Lalita’s academic career was outstanding, she always made time for extracurricular activities. During her time in school, she frequently performed traditional Thai songs at school events. As a medical student, she served as vice president of the cultural club, where she participated in singing and playing the xylophone at faculty events.
“School was crucial in shaping my personality. At Chitralada School, the principal encouraged us not to focus solely on academics but to engage in extracurricular activities. I think this balance is very important. Being engaged in both study and activities keeps us from burning out.”
Interest in Preventing Preterm Births
Throughout her 10 years as an obstetrician at BNH, Dr. Lalita has helped many families, both those with and without pregnancy complications. She is particularly interested in preventing preterm births, which often arise from underlying issues. If detected early, these issues can be treated, reducing risks to both the mother and the baby.
“I had a patient who had a low-lying placenta during her first pregnancy and bled heavily at 24 weeks, resulting in a stillbirth. In her second pregnancy, she came to me for care. She had a short cervix, and we needed to stitch it, but she was afraid. Unfortunately, she gave birth prematurely at 28 weeks, and the baby initially survived but later succumbed to an infection. I told her that we would need to do the stitch this time, and she agreed. In her third pregnancy, she successfully delivered a healthy baby.”
At times, a C-section is necessary for the survival of both the mother and the baby.
“One time, a patient came in because she felt the baby wasn’t moving much. An ultrasound showed that the baby was still active, but when we checked again, the baby appeared unwell. We admitted her, and the baby was later found to have an irregular heartbeat, which was linked to anaemia. We decided to perform an emergency C-section, and the baby was born anaemic but survived because we acted quickly.”
Complete Care: Holistic Patient Care
Dr. Lalita believes in providing holistic care, looking after both the physical and emotional well-being of her patients. She emphasises the importance of forming strong relationships with patients, helping them feel comfortable and supported.
“I believe in doing my best, and when faced with a problem, I focus on finding a solution rather than dwelling on it. It’s important not to have too much ego. We don’t know everything, but we always aim to choose the best options for our patients.”
Patch Adams and Caring for Both Body and Mind
Dr. Lalita was inspired by the story of Patch Adams, the doctor in the 1998 movie played by Robin Williams, who emphasised treating both the body and the mind. She was moved by how Patch Adams took the time to connect with patients on a human level, focusing on their emotional needs as well as their physical health.
“When I was younger, I watched Patch Adams and was deeply moved by how the doctor cared for his patients. I realised that’s the kind of doctor I wanted to be. I wanted to care for both their bodies and their minds, giving them the best life possible.”
Balance in Life
Despite her busy career, Dr. Lalita is an introvert who enjoys spending time alone to recharge. She practises meditation, enjoys singing, and has a passion for cooking and exercising. She firmly believes in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
“I separate my work and personal time, but if patients need me, I’m always available. I don’t mind if they contact me outside of working hours. I’ll respond when I can. But after a busy day, I make sure to relax and unwind. I let go of stress quickly, not because I don’t care, but because I know it helps me focus better on my work.”
Dr. Lalita’s life experiences have allowed her to demonstrate leadership, empathy, and the ability to bring joy to her patients. As a doctor, her focus is on providing the best care for her patients physically, emotionally, and mentally.
“The joy I get from my work comes from interacting with my patients and helping them smile. When patients tell me they feel comfortable coming to see me, or that my words have changed their lives, it’s the best motivation for me to keep doing what I do.”
Dr. Lalita Kulmala continues to enrich the lives of her patients through both her professional expertise and her personal touch. Her holistic approach and compassionate care are what set her apart as a trusted doctor and a valued member of the BNH family.
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LALITA KULMALA, M.D.
พญ. ลลิตา กุลมาลา
Speciality
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Maternal and Fetal Medicine
Clinical Interest
Maternal Fetal Medicine
Preterm Labour
High Risk Pregnancy Management
Education
Medical Degree, Doctor of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Board and Sub board Certification
The Medical Council of Thailand, Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
Thai Medical Council, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chulalongkorn University
Certificate
Developing Interpersonal Skils
Emotional and Social Intelligence by University of California (Coursera)
Improving Communication Skills
Introduction to Psychology by Yale University (Coursera)
Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thainking
ด้านเวชศาสตร์จีโนมเบื้องต้นสำหรับแพทย์เฉพาะทาง (Refreshing Course), The Medical Council of Thailand, Thailand
Language
English
Thai
Gender
Female
Schedule
Women's Health Centre
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 - 13:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 - 19:00 |
| Wednesday | - |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | - |
| Sunday | 07:00 - 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.