The Travel Medicine Specialist Preparing You
– Dr. Rekha Hanvesakul –
At BNH Hospital, Dr. Rekha Hanvesakul, a specialist in travel medicine and vaccines, offers more than just medical advice to travellers. Her experience, both in practice and across the world, helps prepare patients not just physically, but mentally for the diverse environments they’ll encounter.
A Journey That Began Abroad
“I was born in Jaipur, India, and moved to Thailand when I was just one year old. My parents are Indian, and I later received Thai nationality. I attended an international school until Grade 12.”
As a child, Dr. Rekha was lively and excelled academically. However, a shift occurred when she was placed in a class with high-achieving students, which initially left her feeling disconnected from her peers.
“I was very attached to my friends, and when I was separated from them, my academic performance began to decline. My teacher became concerned and discussed it with my parents, which led to a deeper understanding of how I was struggling. They brought in a child psychologist who used me as a case study to understand the challenges many children face in such situations.”
After a year, Dr. Rekha adapted to the change, discovering her passion for biology, which steered her toward the medical field.
“I realised early on that becoming a doctor was the right path for me. However, my Thai wasn’t strong enough, and at the time, there were no English medical courses in Thailand, so I couldn’t study medicine here.”
Despite the language barrier, Dr. Rekha was undeterred in pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. The biggest challenge came when she decided to study medicine abroad, with India as her first destination.
A Flight That Almost Never Happened
“On my flight to India, the plane caught fire. The wing was on fire, and I thought we wouldn’t survive. Fortunately, the pilot managed to release fuel over the Gulf of Thailand and returned to Don Mueang Airport. After the emergency landing, I had to slide down the emergency chute, injuring my feet, but thankfully, I made it through. The next day, I boarded a flight to India again.”
Though the journey was fraught with challenges, Dr. Rekha made it to India, only to face another setback: the medical school she had hoped to attend did not accept international students. However, she was offered a place at a private medical school in a different state, but due to political instability, she couldn’t attend.
Fortunately, a family friend in the United States suggested that she study there, and thus began her journey in the West.
Cultural Shock and Adaptation
“Arriving in Clarksville, Arkansas, was a huge shock. Coming from Bangkok, which has everything, to a small town with just a Walmart was a big adjustment. People there didn’t know anything about Thailand, thinking we were a people without religion, living in trees, with no cars. The cultural shock was intense.”
Her father had chosen a small, religious town to ensure her safety. However, Dr. Rekha struggled to adapt to the restrictive lifestyle and decided to transfer to a larger university in Arizona, where opportunities for medical school were greater.
The Caribbean and New Beginnings
In Arizona, Dr. Rekha had to adjust to the cold winters and icy roads, once nearly losing control of her car on the slippery roads. Yet, she persisted, studying hard, and eventually made her way to St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada in the Caribbean.
“The first two years were in Grenada, followed by two years in New York. The campus was beautiful, right by the sea, but the challenges were overwhelming. There was no TV, limited communication with family, and food was a constant struggle. We were restricted to the campus for safety reasons, but the local community was dangerous. One day, my friends and I were threatened by armed robbers, but luckily, we were unharmed.”
The close-knit environment of the medical school created bonds that would last a lifetime, despite the hardships. After two years in Grenada, Dr. Rekha moved to New York for the next phase of her education.
A New Life in New York
New York, a city of contrasts, presented its own set of challenges. Although she lived in a safe area, the hospitals she worked at were not in such districts, and public transport was a concern.
“New Yorkers are direct, and their language can be harsh, but I learned patience and how to adapt to the culture.”
Fluent in English and accustomed to multicultural environments, Dr. Rekha quickly settled into the American way of life. She graduated and continued her training in internal medicine, ultimately deciding to return to Thailand to be closer to her ailing parents.
Returning to Thailand: The Challenge of Language
Upon returning to Thailand, Dr. Rekha faced yet another obstacle: the Thai medical licensing exam, which required proficiency in medical Thai.
“I had to improve my Thai and study medical terminology in Thai. Despite completing my specialist training abroad, I had to start almost from scratch.”
After a year of hard work, she passed the licensing exam and realised her strength lay in her multicultural experience. She was drawn to travel medicine, a field that allowed her to engage with patients about their travel experiences and health risks.
Complete Care in Travel Medicine
Dr. Rekha now works at BNH Hospital, where she specialises in travel medicine, providing comprehensive health advice and vaccinations for travellers. However, her role goes beyond just preventive care. She helps patients understand the broader health risks they might face while travelling, from tropical diseases to food safety.
“I’m not just here to give vaccinations. It’s about preparing the traveller mentally and physically for the journey ahead. I listen to their concerns, provide advice, and share my own experiences to make them feel at ease.”
Her experience living in multiple countries enables her to offer invaluable insights into the cultural nuances of travel and health.
A Balanced Life
Despite her busy work schedule, Dr. Rekha maintains a healthy lifestyle. She enjoys dynamic activities such as Zumba, which helps her stay energetic.
“I don’t enjoy yoga because it’s too slow for me. I need something fast-paced, like dancing to keep my energy up.”
She also makes time for relaxation, indulging in Broadway musicals and comedy clubs to unwind after a long day.
A Lifelong Learner
Dr. Rekha’s passion for learning continues as she keeps herself updated on the latest health trends, medical advancements, and global health issues, ensuring she provides the best care to her patients.
“It’s not just about being a good doctor. You have to be approachable, willing to learn, and ready to adapt. That’s how you grow as a healthcare professional.”
Dr. Rekha Hanvesakul’s life is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of cultural understanding. From a young girl in Bangkok to a respected physician who has lived and worked across the globe, she uses her diverse experiences to offer holistic, personalised care to all of her patients at BNH Hospital.
Articles & Published Content
ทำนัดหมายแพทย์ออนไลน์ | Appointment
REKHA HANVESAKUL, M.D.
พญ. เรขา หาญเวสสะกุล
Speciality
Internal Medicine
Education
Medical Degree, Resident in Medicine I, II, III, New York Hospital Medical Center of Queens, United States of America
Medical Degree, Doctor of Medicine, St. George's University School of Medicine, United States of America
Bachelor's Degree, Bachelor of Science in Zoology, Northern Arizona University, United States of America
Board and Sub board Certification
American Board, Internal Medicine
Certificate
BDMS Bylaws, BDMS, Thailand
Code of behavior (ENG), BDMS, Thailand
Language
English
Thai
Gender
Female
Schedule
Internal Medicine Department
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 - 16:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 - 16:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 12:00 |
| 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.