From Gamer to Trusted Gout Specialist
– Dr. Sith Hongsongkiat –
From a once game-addicted schoolboy to a physician specialising in rheumatology and gout, Dr. Sith Hongsongkiat of BNH Hospital has walked a path filled with transformation, compassion, and commitment to holistic care.
A Doctor Shaped by Books, Not Bloodlines
“I didn’t come from a medical family. The closest we had was my grandfather, who had an interest in traditional Chinese herbal remedies, but he wasn’t a formal practitioner.”
As a child, Dr. Sith didn’t particularly enjoy school. He performed poorly in class, was addicted to video games, and wore thick glasses as a result. One day, for reasons even he can’t explain, he started going to the library. There, he discovered a magazine called Klai Mor (Close to the Doctor), a popular Thai medical publication for lay people.
“I couldn’t understand half of it at first, but I found it fascinating. Reading that magazine made me think being a doctor seemed… admirable. From the first year of secondary school, I became serious about studying, especially maths. I was happiest solving problems, like playing a strategic game.”
His passion for learning led him to the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University. After graduation, he completed his internal medicine residency at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, where he was also in government service. There, an inspiring mentor sparked his interest in rheumatology, prompting further sub-specialisation and two additional years at Sriphat Medical Centre.
Lessons from the North
Dr. Sith spent eight years in Chiang Mai, gaining hands-on experience with complex cases. As a major referral centre for upper Northern Thailand, the hospital received patients with rare and advanced conditions that smaller provincial hospitals couldn’t manage.
He also participated in outreach missions to remote hill tribe villages, some accessible only by rugged terrain.
“When we arrived, villagers were already lined up, excited that the doctors had come. We worked non-stop all day. It was exhausting but so fulfilling, knowing we were providing care where access is so limited.”
These experiences gave him a deep awareness of health disparities. For villagers who couldn’t easily reach hospitals, even basic follow-up care required co-ordination and flexibility from the medical team.
Eventually, Dr. Sith returned home to Bangkok to be closer to family and joined BNH Hospital, where he has worked for over 12 years.
“BNH is not a large hospital, which makes communication between doctors very easy. We run into each other at lunch, ask quick questions, and share ideas. This close collaboration ultimately benefits the patients and we’re able to co-ordinate their care smoothly and comprehensively.”
Specialising in Gout – More Than Joint Pain
At BNH, Dr. Sith is best known for his expertise in treating gout and other rheumatic diseases. For him, care must go beyond symptoms.
“Gout isn’t just about joint pain. It’s often connected to a range of metabolic conditions: obesity, diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver, kidney disease, heart issues, and more. So I always take a holistic approach.”
He refers to this as Complete Care, a model that aligns with BNH’s philosophy, addressing not only the primary illness but associated risks and co-existing conditions.
“If left unmanaged, gout can lead to kidney stones, chronic kidney failure, stroke, or heart attack. So I screen for everything relevant to the patient’s age and condition, even if it’s not strictly ‘rheumatology’. Often, we need to work closely with other departments.”
Treating Body and Mind
For Dr. Sith, holistic care means recognising emotional wellbeing too. He listens carefully, encouraging patients to share their concerns, even those that don’t seem directly related.
“Some people feel something’s wrong but can’t explain it. Others worry excessively, even when their symptoms aren’t serious. Just by running a thorough check-up, we can reassure them—and that alone helps reduce stress.”
He also educates patients who are hesitant about long-term medication.
“For example, some hear that gout medication damages the kidneys, so they avoid it altogether. But the real harm comes from uncontrolled uric acid. I show them their kidney test results to reassure them that the prescribed medication is safe when used appropriately.”
He emphasises that gout is a chronic condition, not curable, but very manageable with the right approach. Regular medication, lifestyle changes, and follow-up tests are crucial.
Dispelling Myths and Encouraging Adherence
Many patients, he notes, only seek help when their pain flares up. They rely on painkillers and mistakenly believe the problem is resolved once the pain subsides.
“That’s a dangerous misconception. They stop taking their uric acid-lowering medication, and when the pain returns, it’s often worse. Without proper control, gout can damage joints and organs, and lead to serious complications.”
That’s why education is at the heart of his consultations.
The Rewards of Long-Term Care
As a specialist in chronic diseases like gout and rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. Sith has many long-term patients, some of whom have been under his care for years.
“One patient came in barely able to walk. After consistent treatment, they now walk with ease. Others have told me, ‘You’ve given me my life back.’ Words like that remind me why I do this work.”
Walking the Talk – A Healthy Life for a Healthy Doctor
Being a role model for patients means taking care of his own health too. Dr. Sith maintains a disciplined lifestyle: at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, nutritious eating, and regular sleep.
His typical diet includes brown rice, fruit, and vegetables; he avoids overindulgence, but allows himself the occasional treat.
“I love cheesecake and dark chocolate,” he admits with a smile.
A Doctor Who Never Stops Learning
Dr. Sith is a lifelong learner. While he once spent hours in libraries, today he soaks up knowledge online.
“I watch everything from science documentaries to fraud prevention videos. Learning about the universe, galaxies, and the vastness of space… it makes our daily worries feel small. I love that feeling.”
He encourages people to keep track of their health proactively, not just when problems arise.
“Our modern lifestyle, combined with environmental factors, increases the risk of so many diseases. Get regular check-ups, monitor your weight. Small habits accumulate over time, so does damage.”
“To Be a Good Doctor, You Need More Than Skill”
“You must want your patients to feel better the moment they leave your room. That requires true attention and real listening.”
From a curious boy reading Klai Mor magazine, to a doctor patients trust and feel understood by, Dr. Sith Hongsongkiat is proof that great doctors are made not only by knowledge, but by heart.
ทำนัดหมายแพทย์ออนไลน์ | Appointment
SITH HONGSONGKIAT, M.D.
นพ. สิทธิ์ หงษ์ทรงเกียรติ
Speciality
Internal Medicine
Rheumatology
Clinical Interest
Gout
Education
Medical Degree, Doctor of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Fellowship
Internal Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
Rheumatology, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
Board and Sub board Certification
The Medical Council of Thailand, Rheumatology, Chiang Mai University
Thai Medical Council, Internal Medicine, Chiang Mai University
Certificate
BDMS Bylaws, BDMS, Thailand
Code of behavior (ENG), BDMS, Thailand
Code of behavior (TH), BDMS, Thailand
Language
English
Thai
Gender
Male
Schedule
Internal Medicine Department
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 15:00 |
| 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.