The Doctor Who Collects Adorable Memorabilia
– Dr. Nuansri Taerakul –
In her office at BNH Hospital, Dr. Nuansri Taerakul, a general internist, has adorned her walls with cute, Japanese-style items. These mementoes help her connect with patients through shared stories and experiences. But beyond her charming collection, Dr. Taerakul is a physician who truly understands the challenges faced by patients and their families, having navigated difficult times herself.
Dr. Nuansri's Path to Becoming a Doctor
After completing her medical degree, Dr. Nuansri chose to specialise in internal medicine. She served in Songkhla as part of her mandatory service, later moving to work at a private hospital. In the 1980s, specialised medical training was not as common, so general internists had a broader range of knowledge, allowing them to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions. In 2001, Dr. Nuansri began her journey at BNH Hospital, where she has now worked for over 20 years.
“BNH is a wonderful place. The culture fosters mutual respect, and the staff shares a close-knit, warm atmosphere. I’ve been here for over 20 years, and it truly feels like home.”
While BNH is a private hospital, the doctors here approach their patients with an open heart, remaining approachable and down-to-earth. This is something that patients particularly appreciate about Dr. Nuansri.
“Patients often tell me that I don’t distance myself from them. I make sure to be close and listen attentively. If they can’t express themselves clearly, I gently guide them with targeted questions, helping me gather more information.”
Dr. Nuansri adopts a holistic approach to patient care, ensuring not only the wellbeing of the individual but also considering the impact on their family. She believes that the health of a patient’s loved ones directly affects their physical and mental wellbeing, and as their primary doctor, it is her responsibility to ensure the best possible care for everyone involved. She also observes signs of potential health risks, including necessary vaccinations or early signs of other illnesses, in order to provide Complete Care in line with BNH’s philosophy.
A Milestone in Diagnosis
With over 40 years of experience in medicine, Dr. Nuansri has had many rewarding cases. One case that stands out is the diagnosis of a patient whose symptoms initially seemed unrelated.
“The patient came in with leg weakness. After listening to their symptoms, I suspected another condition. After running tests, we discovered it was due to potassium deficiency. I then consulted with an endocrinologist because I suspected an underlying abdominal mass could be the cause. It turned out to be an adrenal tumour. The patient was treated and fully recovered. I felt proud that our systematic approach led us to a successful diagnosis.”
Attention to Detail
Dr. Nuansri is known for her meticulous nature, not only in patient care but also in her everyday life, particularly when it comes to cleanliness.
“I pay attention to everything in my daily routine: the cleanliness of my room, desk, and even the sink. It’s important because it reflects our commitment to our work.”
Over the years, many patients have returned to consult Dr. Nuansri or referred their loved ones to her for care. She views this as a strong indicator of success and trust.
“I believe the greatest success is when patients keep coming back. Whether they’ve been away for a while or live far away, they still make the effort to consult me. It’s like a reward that shows I’ve done well. I also take care of their families, and they’ll come to me with any concerns.”
A Personal Loss, A Shared Understanding
Dr. Nuansri’s personal experience with loss has given her a deep understanding of the pain and struggles that patients and their families go through. She once found herself in the position of a family member desperately seeking medical solutions for her own child, who was diagnosed with leukaemia.
“Having a child with cancer wasn’t something we could easily talk about. My husband, who is also a doctor, searched the internet for treatment options. We consulted with various doctors and went through two rounds of treatment, but it didn’t work. Then we found the Tzu Chi Foundation in Taiwan, which offered bone marrow donations. We were fortunate to receive the donation, and for two years, my child’s condition improved.”
Although her child eventually passed away at the age of 15, Dr. Nuansri found solace in the fact that she had done everything possible and spent the best time with her child during those final years. She now applies the lessons learnt from this painful experience to her approach with patients.
“Having been a relative of a patient, I understand the intense suffering. It makes me more compassionate in my words and actions. It helps me build trust with my patients. When they talk about chemotherapy or their experiences with illness, I truly understand what they’re going through, as I’ve lived through it myself.”
The Strength of Experience
Dr. Nuansri reflects that it’s not just medical skills that make a good doctor, but life experiences. When she first started as a doctor, she didn’t fully grasp the importance of comforting and reassuring patients because the physical aspect of treatment took precedence.
“But after caring for so many patients and going through my own experience with my child, I now understand the importance of providing emotional support. Sometimes, it’s the small things like finishing a meal quickly so I can return to see my patients that make a difference.”
The Life of a Mother and a Doctor
Alongside being a mother to two healthy children, Dr. Nuansri had to balance caring for her sick child while managing her time to ensure that her other children did not feel neglected. It was a challenge, but she credits her family’s understanding and teamwork for getting through this difficult time together.
“The key is communication and mutual support. My family was always there for each other, and it helped us get through. This experience has allowed me to better understand how to care for patients who are going through similar struggles.”
A Stamp Collector with a Heart for Detail
Dr. Nuansri is also an avid stamp collector, a hobby she has enjoyed for over 30 years. She has been a member of the Thai Philatelic Society for many years and eagerly collects complete sets of new stamps released by Thailand Post.
“I started collecting stamps when I had children, wanting to encourage them to start their own collections. I would buy stamp albums and fill them for them, though now they’ve lost interest. But I continue collecting them, as it brings me joy.”
She also enjoys collecting commemorative coins and banknotes, with a particular fondness for the new banknotes issued by the Bank of Thailand.
Japan in Her Heart
Dr. Nuansri’s office is filled with keychains, plush toys, and talismans from Japan—an indicator of her deep love for the country and its culture. She visits Japan almost every year, always bringing back souvenirs. Her patients, knowing her fondness for Japan, often bring her Japanese-themed gifts as tokens of appreciation.
“I love Japan for its rich cultural heritage. They teach their people to respect tradition, which I admire.”
Having visited Japan over 10 times, Dr. Nuansri has explored nearly every city, and each time, she seeks out new experiences to understand the true Japanese lifestyle.
A Legacy of Compassion
Through her experiences as a doctor and a mother, Dr. Nuansri has learnt to empathise deeply with her patients. She believes that understanding their emotional and physical needs is just as important as the medical treatment they receive.
“I want my patients to remember me as a doctor who truly cares. I always try my best to solve their problems and find solutions, even if it means bringing in other experts. I may not be the best doctor, but I am always committed to helping them.”
Dr. Nuansri’s life and career are a testament to the strength of compassion and experience. Her journey has shaped her into a doctor who not only heals the body but also offers emotional support and understanding, making her one of BNH’s most trusted and beloved physicians.
Customer’s Story
ทำนัดหมายแพทย์ออนไลน์ | Appointment
NUANSRI TAERAKUL, M.D.
พญ. นวลศรี แตระกุล
Speciality
Internal Medicine
Family Medicine
Education
Medical Degree, Doctor of Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand
Board and Sub board Certification
Thai Medical Council, Family Medicine
Thai Medical Council, Internal Medicine, Mahidol University
Certificate
BDMS Bylaws, BDMS, Thailand
Code of behavior (TH), BDMS, Thailand
Language
English
Thai
Gender
Female
Schedule
Internal Medicine Department
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 08:00 - 15:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 15:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 15:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 15:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 15:00 |
| Saturday | - |
| Sunday | - |
This is the doctor's regular weekly schedule. Actual availability may vary — please confirm the available date and time when you make an appointment.