The Expert in Pulmonary Medicine Who Gained His Expertise in the United States and Now Brings It Back to Thailand
– Asst. Prof. Dr. Thitiwat Sriprasart –
Asst. Prof. Dr. Thitiwat Sriprasart, a specialist in pulmonary medicine at BNH Hospital, is a doctor who has not only accumulated extensive experience from the United States but has also pioneered bronchoscopy for airway treatment in Thailand. Despite having the opportunity to build a career abroad, he chose to return to Thailand to give back to his community, bringing joy and improving the quality of life for his patients.
A Journey That Began with a Mother's Aspiration
Asst. Prof. Dr. Thitiwat’s early interests were in the arts, and he originally aspired to become an architect. Confident in this path, he dropped biology during high school, as it wasn’t required for his intended university course. However, his path changed dramatically in Grade 11, when his mother, who had placed her hopes on him, encouraged him to pursue medicine after his elder brother chose engineering.
Though biology wasn’t his strong subject, he committed to studying diligently to catch up. Fortunately, during the late 1980s, university admissions in Thailand were based solely on entrance exam scores, without the need for high school grades.
“At that time, I found a renewed determination to make my mother proud. If I were to do it again, I don’t think I could do it.”
Although Asst. Prof. Dr. Thitiwat’s mother didn’t live to see her son become a doctor, her influence was pivotal in his decision to pursue medical school at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine. After completing his mandatory service in a small community hospital in Saraburi, Asst. Prof. Dr. Thitiwat flew to the United States to further his studies in internal medicine.
Nine Years in the United States
“I was never particularly fond of surgery, so I chose internal medicine. Initially, I didn’t intend to focus on pulmonology. However, when I arrived in the United States, I found that pulmonary specialists were highly skilled, and most patients with pulmonary diseases were in the ICU. Since my English wasn’t perfect when I first arrived, I spent most of my time in the ICU where communication wasn’t as crucial, as many patients were critically ill.”
Asst. Prof. Dr. Thitiwat was fortunate that his foundational medical training in Thailand was solid, which allowed him to adapt easily to the academic environment in the United States. However, language became a significant barrier, and it took him two years to become proficient in English. He received help from faculty members, nurses, and fellow doctors. Despite the language challenges, the camaraderie between Asst. Prof. Dr. Thitiwat and his diverse colleagues from various countries created lasting friendships.
“I had international friends from Peru and Mexico. During the first month, my English wasn’t great, and we often communicated in a mix of English and Spanish. Despite the struggles, we grew closer and are still in touch to this day. It’s a memory I cherish.”
Asst. Prof. Dr. Thitiwat spent three years in Chicago for internal medicine, then an additional three years in San Francisco specialising in pulmonary and critical care medicine. During this time, he encountered a senior Thai doctor who introduced him to the field of Interventional Pulmonology – a speciality that involves bronchoscopic procedures such as airway laser treatments and stent placement, areas Asst. Prof. Dr. Thitiwat had not previously known.
After completing his training at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, Asst. Prof. Dr. Thitiwat was offered a position there. However, after nine years in the U.S., he faced a pivotal decision: remain in the U.S. or return to Thailand.
Returning to Thailand
Asst. Prof. Dr. Thitiwat ultimately chose to return to Thailand and began teaching at the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, in 2015. He continued to practise at BNH Hospital alongside his teaching duties.
“At first, I planned to stay for only one or two years. There were moments when I felt like returning to the U.S., but factors like caring for patients, making a tangible contribution to the community, and knowing I was doing something meaningful kept me here. I felt that this was my chance to give back to society. Eventually, I realised I’m not going anywhere.”
Pioneering Pulmonary Treatments
One of Asst. Prof. Dr. Thitiwat’s most notable contributions was pioneering bronchoscopy for the treatment of airway diseases in Thailand. A particular case that stands out to him is a teacher who had suffered from severe asthma since childhood, a condition affecting about 3-4% of asthma patients. Despite using emergency medication almost every day and requiring frequent hospitalisations, the teacher’s condition remained problematic. Asst. Prof. Dr. Thitiwat used bronchoscopy with thermal ablation to reduce airway smooth muscle mass, ultimately stabilising her asthma and improving her quality of life.
“This was the first time that bronchoscopic thermal ablation was used in Thailand, and to date, I have performed the most such procedures in Southeast Asia.”
Today, very few doctors in Thailand are trained in interventional pulmonology, and Asst. Dr. Thitiwat’s nine years of experience in the U.S. have made him a leader in this field. His approach to patient care goes beyond just saving lives—he strives to improve the overall quality of life for his patients and their families.
Changing Lives through Pulmonary Care
Asst. Dr. Thitiwat recounts a case of an 18-year-old Burmese teenager who travelled to Thailand for treatment of tuberculosis-induced airway stenosis. Despite being from a middle-class family, the cost of treatment in Myanmar was prohibitive. He underwent emergency surgery to place a stent and was placed on ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) support.
“He was on the machine for almost a year, but after the surgery to remove it, he was able to breathe easily again. His mother was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude.”
Understanding the difficulties of continuous travel for treatment, Asst. Prof. Dr. Thitiwat helped the patient find an international program to study in Thailand, enabling him to receive follow-up care more easily. The young man eventually became fluent in Thai and resumed playing sports.
“This patient has the potential to grow up to be a valuable member of society. This experience truly touched me.”
A Doctor with a Heart for Compassionate Care
Most pulmonary patients have chronic and severe conditions, and as such, the relationship between the patient and doctor tends to be long-term. Even after recovery, follow-up appointments are necessary. Asst. Prof. Dr. Thitiwat’s office is adorned with thank-you cards, mementoes from patients, and even letters of appreciation from families for his care during their loved ones’ final days.
“When COVID-19 first emerged, I was too afraid to go home. I wore a space suit to protect myself, but after 30 to 45 minutes, I couldn’t handle the sweat and discomfort. Even though we’re now dealing with lower severity due to vaccines, issues like PM 2.5 pollution continue to pose significant health risks, especially for vulnerable patients.”
Medical Knowledge and Life Skills
Asst. Dr. Thitiwat believes that while medical knowledge is essential for patient care, it is not enough on its own. It must be complemented by the ability to work within a healthcare system, effective communication skills, and professionalism.
“One thing I learnt from the U.S. is that medical knowledge is just one part of being a good doctor. You also need to work well with the healthcare system, communicate effectively, and understand your professional boundaries. When all of these come together, patient care improves significantly.”
Asst. Prof. Dr. Thitiwat places a strong emphasis on teamwork. Many patient issues are multi-dimensional and require the collaborative efforts of specialists, nurses, medical technicians, and other healthcare professionals. The close relationships among BNH’s medical staff enable the hospital to provide integrated, patient-centred care.
“I’ve been at BNH for eight years now. What I appreciate most is the friendly, open atmosphere. The hospital is not too large, so you get to know your colleagues. When we encounter cases or issues, we consult with each other easily, making collaboration seamless.”
Work-Life Balance
Despite his demanding profession, Asst. Prof. Dr. Thitiwat values a work-life balance. As a Christian, he spends Sunday mornings with his family at church and finds peace in reading the Bible. His love for the arts, which he pursued in his youth, continues to enrich his life today.
“I tell my students that work should enable you to live your life. A healthy balance is important, both for your career and personal life.”
Asst. Prof. Dr. Thitiwat’s passion for art extends beyond his personal enjoyment. During his time in the U.S., he was a member of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra and supports artists and cultural initiatives. He still finds ways to incorporate art into his work, such as when teaching his students about the ‘art’ of performing precise medical procedures like bronchoscopy.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Thitiwat Sriprasart’s extensive experience, both in Thailand and the U.S., has shaped him into a compassionate and skilled physician. His ability to balance scientific expertise with empathy for patients has made him an invaluable asset to BNH Hospital, where he continues to impact the lives of patients every day.
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| วัน | เวลา | แผนก |
|---|---|---|
| เสาร์ | 13:00 – 15:00 | แผนกอายุรกรรม (เฉพาะเสาร์ที่ 2, 4 ของเดือน (Only 2nd, 4th Saturday of the month)) |