A Doctor Who Made History in Thai Laparoscopic Gynaecological Surgery
– Dr. Wiboon Kamolpornwijit: –
In 2012, Thailand’s medical history was marked by the first-ever laparoscopic sterilisation procedure at BNH Hospital, led by Dr. Wiboon Kamolpornwijit, an obstetrician and gynaecologist with a specialisation in reproductive medicine and laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Wiboon, known for his cheerful nature and his ability to bring smiles and laughter to those around him, lives a life guided by Dharma, with every breath infused with wisdom.
A Journey from a Discouraged Student to a Doctor
Dr. Wiboon didn’t always envision himself as a doctor. He initially pursued a brief year studying the welding of sandstone but found it unappealing. He switched paths and crossed Henri Dunant Road to study medicine instead, unsure of whether he would like it or not.
“Back then, I didn’t know whether I would like it, but when I started working, I realised that being a doctor is meaningful, and it gives life value,” he recalls.
Just like many students from elite schools, Dr. Wiboon followed the common trajectory towards becoming either an engineer or a doctor. As a student, he started his studies in the Faculty of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University. However, after a year, he realised it wasn’t for him and decided to switch to the Faculty of Medicine at the same university, unsure of what to expect.
During his studies, he became actively involved in university activities, including being the manager and musician of the MDCU Band, a member of the student council representing the Faculty of Medicine, and the chairperson of the Medical Students’ Association in his final year. He also worked as a volunteer at Rayong Hospital, where he experienced the challenges of treating critically ill children in the ICU. He spent nearly 24 hours a day with a particular child, hoping he could save the life of this young patient. Sadly, the child passed away, which deeply affected Dr. Wiboon.
“That experience made me realise that although being a doctor is valuable, we can’t save everyone. However, if we have enough knowledge, we can help, and become a pillar of support for others.”
A Career That Took Him Across the World
Dr. Wiboon’s exposure to the wide variety of medical procedures and the joy of seeing new lives enter the world led him to specialise in obstetrics and gynaecology at Rajavithi Hospital. However, fate took him even further, as he received a scholarship to study laparoscopic surgery at Tokyo Medical University in Japan, followed by a master’s degree in Clinical Embryology at Monash University in Australia, becoming the first person in Thailand to earn this qualification. His studies not only enhanced his medical knowledge but also opened the door to influential figures in the global medical community.
The experience abroad revealed to Dr. Wiboon that healthcare systems in developed countries aren’t as accessible as in Thailand. For instance, after suffering from a back injury whilst working in Australia, he experienced firsthand how healthcare protocols in these countries require a step-by-step process, starting with a general practitioner before seeing a specialist. The waiting time for test results and referrals was long.
“When I returned to Thailand, I applied the lessons I learned abroad, considering the constraints of our local healthcare system. The experience taught me that in countries like Australia, doctors have fewer patients to see, allowing them more time to focus on each individual,” he explains.
Becoming a Pioneer in Laparoscopic Surgery
Upon returning to Thailand, Dr. Wiboon became a pioneer in laparoscopic surgery, particularly in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology. At the time, laparoscopic surgery, which uses small incisions and results in quicker recovery times, was not widely adopted in Thailand. Most doctors believed open surgery was more effective. However, laparoscopic surgery had been in practice since 1978 and had been used for over 100 cases by his institute in the early 2000s, setting a record in Thailand.
Dr. Wiboon was convinced that this method could significantly benefit patients, so he pushed for the development of a laparoscopic surgery curriculum for obstetricians, making Thailand the second country in the region to offer such training. His work was instrumental in transforming laparoscopic surgery into a mainstream method used in hospitals across the country.
In 2006, he launched the first-ever laparoscopic surgery training course in Thailand at Rajavithi Hospital, with the Ministry of Public Health following suit. The technique was initially met with resistance due to concerns about cleanliness and the risk of infection. Today, it is widely accepted, and Dr. Wiboon’s innovation continues to improve patients’ lives.
A Historic Laparoscopic Surgery at BNH
One of Dr. Wiboon’s greatest achievements came when he led the first-ever laparoscopic sterilisation procedure in Thailand at BNH Hospital in 2012. This groundbreaking surgery not only produced better results by leaving no visible scars on patients but also advanced the medical field in Thailand.
In recognition of this achievement, BNH Hospital and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Thailand held a major medical conference in 2012 on laparoscopic sterilisation, which attracted doctors from across the country. This event was a milestone in the Thai obstetrics and gynaecology community and marked the beginning of a new era in surgical practices.
A Life Dedicated to Healing
Not long ago, Dr. Wiboon treated a 30-year-old foreign patient suffering from Steven-Johnson Syndrome, a severe allergic reaction that led to almost total blindness. Fortunately, the patient survived, but she had to undergo a corneal transplant in the United States. However, another issue arose: her vaginal opening had become so narrow, leaving her unable to conceive. After battling endometriosis and other complications, Dr. Wiboon performed a laparoscopic surgery to reconstruct her vagina. Today, the patient has returned to normal life and is able to build a family.
Understanding Dharma, Understanding People
Behind Dr. Wiboon’s laughter and smile, which always help brighten his patients’ moods, lies the core of his life philosophy: the practice of Dharma.
“Patients who come to us are certainly suffering. If we can ease their pain, both physically and mentally, that’s when we’ve truly fulfilled our role as doctors,” he says.
His approach to patient care is guided by the four Brahmavihara (the Four Divine Abodes): loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity. Dr. Wiboon treats every patient as if they were a close family member, tirelessly working to improve their quality of life, even when no one else sees the effort.
“Sometimes patients don’t know how hard we work behind the scenes, performing delicate surgeries with great care. But we know in our hearts that we are doing everything we can.”
Dr. Wiboon’s understanding of his patients’ concerns, whether physical or mental, helps foster trust and relaxation, creating an open space for dialogue that ultimately leads to better diagnosis and treatment.
Living a Balanced Life
Outside the hospital, Dr. Wiboon dedicates himself to Buddhist practice. He makes time for meditation, believing that it enhances his ability to cope with the challenges of being an obstetrician who frequently deals with life and death.
“I try to chant and meditate every day. If I have the chance, I also offer food to the monks.”
Dr. Wiboon’s personal dedication to health extends to physical fitness—running, swimming, and golfing. He eats healthily, taking care of his body so that he can continue to help others.
“Your body is the vessel of your spirit. If your body isn’t in good shape, your spirit can’t function properly. That’s why I make sure to take care of myself.”
A Legacy of Medical Excellence and Compassion
From his serendipitous decision to study medicine to becoming a pioneer in laparoscopic surgery, Dr. Wiboon Kamolpornwijit has left a lasting impact on the Thai medical community. Today, he continues to dedicate his life to both his patients and his spiritual practice, inspiring those around him with his compassion and unwavering commitment to making the world a healthier place.
“The reward of being a doctor isn’t just in the good we do; it’s in the genuine desire to help others heal, to ease their suffering, and to make them happy. That is the real merit.”
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WIBOON KAMOLPORNWIJIT, M.D.
นพ. วิบูลย์ กมลพรวิจิตร
Speciality
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Reproductive Medicine
Clinical Interest
Gynecologic Laparoscopic Surgery
Hysteroscopy Diagnosis and Surgery
Menopause
Infertility
Education
Unknown Degree, Gynecologic Endoscopy, Tokyo Medical University, Japan
Master's Degree, Clinical Embryology, Monash University, Australia
Medical Degree, Doctor of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Board and Sub board Certification
Thai Medical Council, Reproductive Medicine
Thai Medical Council, Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Certificate
Gynecological Endoscopy, The Medical Council of Thailand, Thailand
ด้านเวชศาสตร์จีโนมเบื้องต้นสำหรับแพทย์เฉพาะทาง (Refreshing Course), Thailand
GYNAECOLOGICAL ENDOSCOPy, ราชวิทยาลัยสูตินรีแพทย์แห่งประเทศไทย และ TSGE, Thailand
Language
English
Thai
Gender
Male
Schedule
Women's Health Centre
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 08:00 - 19:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 16:00 |
| Wednesday | - |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 19:00 |
| Friday | - |
| Saturday | - |
| Sunday | 07:00 - 15:00 |
This is the doctor's regular weekly schedule. Actual availability may vary — please confirm the available date and time when you make an appointment.