A Diabetes Doctor Who Believes in Health Life Balance
– Dr. Pimook Tepmongkol –
Dr. Pimook Tepmongkol, a specialist in diabetes and endocrinology at the Heart, Kidney, and Metabolism Centre at BNH Hospital, places great importance on Health Life Balance. He believes that good health should be accompanied by a fulfilling and enjoyable life. This philosophy has become central to how he approaches patient care, helping patients find joy in life while managing their health conditions.
Seeing the World After Graduation
“When I was a child, I saw my parents working tirelessly, even on weekends for academic work. I realised that I wasn’t fond of this kind of lifestyle.”
Although Dr. Pimook did not particularly admire the lifestyle he witnessed growing up, the familiarity of the medical profession led him to follow in his parents’ footsteps and become a doctor. However, he decided that his life would not be solely dedicated to work—he would make time for other aspects of life.
Not particularly active in extracurricular activities during his school years, Dr. Pimook occasionally cheered at sports events and joined volunteer camps. However, it was only after he graduated and began his medical service in Yasothon province that he truly experienced the meaning of life beyond work.
“I was stationed at a small hospital in Pa Tiew District, where there were only ten beds. The entire district had only one small food shop. There was only one phone in the district, located in the shop. If someone needed to make a call, they had to call this shop, and the shopkeeper would inform them to call back in ten minutes. During this time, I’d ride my motorcycle to the shop to make calls, as the hospital didn’t have a phone. Communication with the outside world was extremely limited.”
After some time, Dr. Pimook arranged to have a second phone installed at the hospital, marking a small yet significant improvement in the district’s communication infrastructure.
Although freshly graduated, Dr. Pimook found himself appointed Deputy Director of the hospital, the only other doctor there alongside him. He managed everything from administration to performing surgeries and assisting in childbirth, while also building relationships with the local community.
“At that time, it was great fun. It felt like my life had shifted from a city dweller to a rural resident. I helped the villagers with farming, fishing, and even rowing boats to visit flooded villages.”
After two years, the hospital offered Dr. Pimook the position of Director. This was a pivotal moment where he had to choose between continuing in administration or pursuing a medical speciality. He opted for the latter, eventually moving to the internal medicine department at a provincial hospital in Ratchaburi.
“At the internal medicine department, I had to perform CPR almost every day. I stayed there for a year and gained valuable experience in managing critically ill patients.”
Confident in his decision to specialise in internal medicine, Dr. Pimook went on to train at Chulalongkorn Hospital, where he developed an interest in managing diabetes patients. He then pursued a further two years of training in endocrinology before becoming a Visiting Fellow at the Hospital of The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, USA, for six months. Upon returning, he joined BNH Hospital as an endocrinologist in 1998, where he has been for nearly 25 years.
Health Life Balance
“I’ve come to believe in Health Life Balance, a concept that differs from the typical Work-Life Balance. It’s about having good health while also enjoying life.”
Dr. Pimook has observed that some people focus so much on their health—dieting, exercising, and avoiding certain foods—that they become stressed and unhappy, which affects their overall wellbeing. He, however, follows a balanced approach, avoiding extremes while managing his health.
“There are days when I allow myself to indulge, but I also use tools like medication and exercise to ensure everything stays in balance. I’ve found that this approach works well for me. Not only does it lead to better health, but it allows me to enjoy life without stressing about everything. Many of my patients appreciate this approach. They come to me because I don’t impose strict dietary restrictions but instead help them find a balanced way to manage their diabetes.”
Most diabetes patients are often told to strictly monitor their diets. However, Dr. Pimook’s approach allows patients to enjoy life while managing their condition.
“I don’t lower the treatment goals, but I aim to make the process balanced. I explain to each patient based on their individual needs. For instance, I allow patients to have a ‘cheat day’ where they can indulge in their favourite foods, but it’s important that this is not an everyday occurrence. For example, they can have cake on their birthday without guilt. This approach helps them feel more at ease.”
Thanks to the flexibility he offers, many patients have successfully changed their lifestyle while maintaining happiness. Some have lost weight, improved their health, and found a balance between managing diabetes and enjoying food.
“I’m really pleased that I’m not just treating my patients, but also improving their overall quality of life.”
Managing chronic conditions like diabetes involves preventing further deterioration in the patient’s health. Dr. Pimook builds trust with his patients by treating them as partners in their treatment plan, allowing them to have a say in their treatment decisions. This collaborative approach has earned him the trust of patients for over 20 years at BNH Hospital.
“When treating diabetes patients, I always ensure a comprehensive approach. Diabetes can lead to complications such as vision loss, coronary artery disease, and kidney failure. I aim to prevent these complications from developing or delay their onset.”
This approach aligns with BNH Hospital’s Complete Care philosophy, which involves providing comprehensive, holistic care rather than focusing solely on the immediate health concern.
Music and the Soul
One constant in Dr. Pimook’s life is music. During times of stress, his guitar and keyboard are his companions, and although he isn’t an expert, these instruments bring him great joy.
“When I passed the university entrance exams, I asked for a guitar as a reward. I learned to play from a chord book, starting with simple folk songs. I also played with the hospital staff when I worked in the provinces. I wasn’t a professional musician, just someone who enjoyed playing for fun.”
Dr. Pimook also learned to play the keyboard by observing his friends in the MD CU Band at Chulalongkorn University. He would watch their rehearsals and try playing himself, eventually buying a keyboard and guitar after graduation. These instruments have become his way of managing stress.
“People often say that I never get angry or upset, but like anyone, I do experience frustration. However, I don’t express it outwardly. I think it’s natural in the workplace. If I’m upset, I step away from the situation and return to discuss it later when I’m calmer. I find that when I reflect on things, I gain a more complete perspective.”
Patients often comment on Dr. Pimook’s calm and positive demeanour.
The Balance of Life
The components of Dr. Pimook’s life balance have evolved over time, but ultimately, his goal is to achieve a life that is both physically and mentally fulfilling. Having experienced the world and its challenges, Dr. Pimook is eager to pass on his approach to balance to those around him, including his patients, so they too can enjoy both health and happiness.
“I always encourage my patients to prioritise Health Life Balance in their treatment, work, and daily life. Do everything in moderation, and if you encounter difficulties, I’m always here to help. I want them to know that I’m approachable and that we can always talk.”
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Coronary Artery Disease, Stroke, Lung Cancer Screening package
Take good care of these 3 vital organs that work hard every day, with a special check-up package by specialized doctors
Coronary Artery Disease, Stroke, Lung Cancer Screening package
Take good care of these 3 vital organs that work hard every day, with a special check-up package by specialized doctors.
- Cardiovascular disease screening test : Carotid Doppler Ultrasound
- Coronary calcium scan: CT Calcium Score
- Lung cancer screening: CT Chest Low Dose
Brain, Lung Examination Package
Care for Your Body’s 2 Most Critical Systems: Special-Price Screening Package by Leading Medical Specialists
Brain, Lung Examination Package
Care for Your Body’s 2 Most Critical Systems: Special-Price Screening Package by Leading Medical Specialists
- Cardiovascular disease screening test : Carotid Doppler Ultrasound
- Lung cancer screening: CT Chest Low Dose
CT Calcium Score Screening
A coronary calcium scan is used to predict the occurrence and assess risk of cardiac event. The goal is to determine if CAD is present and to what extent, even if there are no symptoms. The information is also used to find an appropriate preventive measurement for coronary artery disease for each patient.
Who should have a coronary calcium scan?
A coronary calcium scan should be performed for people with the following risk factors:
- People aged 50 and older
- Patients with an intermediate risk of developing heart disease
- Patients with diabetes or kidney failure
- Patients with High cholesterol levels or high blood pressure
- Smoking
Carotid Doppler Ultrasound Package
The Carotid Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves to examine the blood flow through the carotid arteries and to detect narrowing of your carotid arteries or potential blockages caused by plaque. It helps to determine if you are at risk of having a stroke and to determine appropriate preventative measure or treatment to lower your risk.
Who should check this package?
Your doctor will recommend carotid ultrasound if you have medical conditions that increase the risk of stroke, including:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Family history of stroke or heart disease
- Recent transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke
- Coronary artery disease
- Overweight or obese
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
PIMOOK TEPMONGKOL, M.D.
นพ. พิมุข เทพมงคล
Speciality
Internal Medicine
Endocrinology and Metabolism
Clinical Interest
Endocrinology and Metabolism
Diabetes Mellitus
Thyroid
Osteoporosis
Education
Medical Degree, Doctor of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Board and Sub board Certification
The Medical Council of Thailand, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Chulalongkorn University
The Medical Council of Thailand, Internal Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
Certificate
Visiting Fellowship in Diabetes and Thyroid, The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, United States of America
Language
English
Thai
Gender
Male
Schedule
Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Centre
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 09:00 - 15:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00 - 15:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00 - 15:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00 - 16:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 - 15:00 |
| Saturday | - |
| Sunday | 09:00 - 12:00 |
This is the doctor's regular weekly schedule. Actual availability may vary — please confirm the available date and time when you make an appointment.