Most people are used to seeing male orthopaedic surgeons. At BNH Hospital, however, you might meet a female doctor with a wide smile, who enthusiastically chats with patients while confidently tightening screws, pinning bones, and cutting casts with as much prowess as her male counterparts. This is Dr. Thanakrita ‘Earth’ Siripullop, a specialist in hip and knee arthroplasty whose passion for orthopaedics began in medical school. Unwilling to let physical limitations stand in her way, she has embraced a life full of passions that have become assets in understanding her patients and managing a high-quality life.
The Girl Who Loved Physics
Dr. Earth was born into a family of marketers; both her parents were professors at the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy at Thammasat University. From a young age, she knew that while the world of marketing was interesting, it wasn’t her career path. “It requires a lot of creativity, and I’ve always preferred the sciences,” she says.
As a top student, she followed the well-trodden path for high achievers: from a top secondary school to a pre-college programme, and then to medical school.
“I loved all the sciences—physics, chemistry, biology—as well as maths and English. To be honest, I loved physics the most. I was torn between medicine and engineering, but all my close friends chose medicine, and I enjoy interacting with people, so I chose to become a doctor.”
While she wasn’t initially passionate about all aspects of medicine, she was immediately drawn to orthopaedics. The specialty’s heavy reliance on physics appealed to her, and she was captivated by the atmosphere in the operating theatre, where surgeons worked to a soundtrack of music. She knew she had to be a surgeon, specifically an orthopaedic one, despite it being a field dominated by men.
“There are two challenges for women in orthopaedics,” she explains. “One is the social environment, which didn’t bother me. The other is physical strength. I was already into weightlifting before I even considered this field, so I just intensified my training, not just for aesthetics, but to build strength.”
After completing several internships to confirm her capabilities, she pursued her specialisation at Khon Kaen University. It was there, over five years, that she discovered the art and science of hip and knee arthroplasty, a field that combines physics, materials science, and the ability to dramatically transform a patient’s quality of life.
“When a patient comes in with a crooked leg, and after the surgery, it’s straight, and the X-ray looks beautiful—I love that feeling.”
After completing her fellowship at Chulalongkorn Hospital, Dr. Earth joined the orthopaedics department at BNH Hospital, a place she was already familiar with from her childhood. “The welcome was so warm,” she recalls. “It truly is like a family.”
The Female Orthopaedic Surgeon
While a female orthopaedic surgeon is uncommon, many orthopaedic patients are women. For many, especially those with religious or cultural sensitivities, being treated by a female doctor is a source of great comfort.
Dr. Earth is a powerhouse. In her early 30s, she is driven, hardworking, and dedicates herself to her work seven days a week, even juggling four research projects simultaneously. “If you have a passion for something, you will always find time for it,” she says.
This proactive, “can-do” attitude is a hallmark of her personality. Since her student days, she has been the one to volunteer, whether for extra surgeries or to summarise lectures for friends.
Her most memorable case was her first hip fracture pinning as a resident. The patient was an elderly woman who had fallen. Dr. Earth managed her care from start to finish—treating the fracture, managing the underlying osteoporosis that caused it, performing the surgery, and overseeing her recovery for two years to prevent future fractures. The case wasn’t overly complex, but it was the first time she was primarily responsible for restoring a patient’s quality of life.
This approach aligns perfectly with BNH Hospital’s Complete Care policy. “When a patient with a hip fracture comes in, it’s not just about the surgery,” she explains. “We have to investigate the cause of the fall. Was it their eyesight? Balance issues? We need to look at their home environment and diet. Complete Care pushes the treatment beyond 100%, which is fantastic.”
Sincerity is the cornerstone of her practice. She treats patients like family, clearly explaining the pros and cons of each treatment option to empower them to make the best decision for themselves.
The Person Who Never Says No
“My professors often see me as a ‘Yes Man’ because I’ll do whatever is asked,” she admits. This attitude, she believes, is a key reason for her success. Throughout her life, she has consistently embraced opportunities, whether it was competing in academic contests outside her comfort zone, taking on leadership roles in the school marching band, or volunteering to organise conferences and events.
Raised on Music, Friends Across Generations
Dr. Earth grew up with music, playing piano and clarinet. Her eclectic taste, from classical to heavy metal and rap, was shaped by her father’s love for the music of his generation. This diverse musical knowledge helps her connect with people of all ages, from her senior professors to her Gen Z medical students and patients.
Her own parents are now entering their senior years, and her professional knowledge has been invaluable in helping them navigate the changes. In turn, their experiences provide her with deeper insight into the challenges faced by her elderly patients and their families.
The Secret to Her Strength
Dr. Earth’s ability to handle the physical demands of orthopaedics comes from her consistent and rigorous workout routine. “I lift weights every day,” she says. “Half an hour to an hour on workdays, and up to three hours on my days off.”
While weightlifting is her daily discipline, her number one sport is surfing. Though she only gets to the southern beaches of Krabi or Phuket about once a year, she is passionate about it. Her love for sports is infectious, and she often joins her professors for cycling trips, always ready for a new activity.
The Planner
While she didn’t follow her parents into business, Dr. Earth inherited their flair for management, particularly with finances. “One benefit of having accountant parents is that I had to manage my own money from a young age,” she says.
This early education in financial literacy and planning has served her well. At 18, her father co-invested with her in her first condominium, which she managed, renovated, and rented out herself. That first property has since grown into a portfolio of three. This skill for planning extends to travel, where she has been the designated trip organiser for friends and family since childhood.
“When I was a child, my motivation was praise from my parents for good grades,” she concludes. “Now, my motivation is praise from my patients. When I see someone who couldn’t walk now walking, it feels amazing. A beautiful post-op X-ray gives me immense satisfaction and the drive to keep going.”
Dr. Earth has many passions, but her patients always come first. Her diverse interests are what shape her into a well-rounded, empathetic, and energetic doctor, ultimately benefiting the people she cares for most.
THANAKRITA SIRIPULLOP, M.D.
พญ. ธนกฤตา สิริพัลลภ
Speciality
Orthopedic Surgery
Clinical Interest
Osteoarthritis
Knee Replacement
Education
Medical Degree, Doctor of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Fellowship
Hip and knee arthroplasty, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
orthopedic surgery, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
Board and Sub board Certification
The Medical Council of Thailand, Orthopedic Surgery, Khon Kaen University
Certificate
Higher graduate diploma program in clinical sciences, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
Language
English
Thai
Gender
Female
Schedule
Ultimate Bone and Joint Care Centre
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | - |
| Tuesday | - |
| Wednesday | 09:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00 - 18:00 |
This is the doctor's regular weekly schedule. Actual availability may vary — please confirm the available date and time when you make an appointment.