✨Translated by AI

Professor Wicharn Yingsakmongkol: Living with Passion and Excellence – The Pioneer of Thai Spinal Surgery

– Prof. Dr. Wicharn Yingsakmongkol –

Spinal disorders have long been a significant burden for the Thai people, yet this field only received serious, focused attention about 20 years ago. This was largely due to the pioneering efforts of Professor Wicharn Yingsakmongkol, an orthopaedic specialist and the founder of the Premier Spine Centre at BNH Hospital. Through sheer diligence, determination, and ambition, he has elevated spinal treatment in Thailand, leaving an indelible mark on the medical community

Inspiration from a Sacrifice

The story begins long ago in a small Chinese immigrant community in a district of Chachoengsao province. During a vibrant Lunar New Year celebration, the young Wicharn witnessed a ritual sacrifice that would change his life.

“They slit a chicken’s throat, drained the blood into a bucket, and tossed the bird aside. It twitched and died,” he recalls. “I felt so much pity for that chicken that I fainted. From that day on, I did not eat meat for eight years.”

This early witness to death sparked a desire in the 13-year-old to become a doctor to help others. As a child of Chinese descent whose parents were preoccupied with trade and caring for six children, the path to medicine seemed distant. However, when his two older brothers gained admission to Triam Udom Suksa School in Bangkok, he decided to try the entrance exam himself. Despite the pressure, he passed with a high ranking, transitioning from a provincial boy to a student in the capital.

“At first, I felt like a country boy who could never compete with the city kids. But that feeling drove me to work much harder than them. When my results matched theirs, I realised I could succeed. I was no longer afraid.”

He eventually entered the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University. “I always felt compassion for people. Medical school was exhausting, but it was worth it because I was truly invested. If a patient feels I have changed their life, it gives me incredible motivation and happiness.”

He ultimately chose to specialise in spinal surgery because it was notoriously complex, challenging, and high-risk. “I wanted to be a surgeon who tackled the most difficult cases. I told myself that if a prominent figure in the country had a back problem, I wanted to be one of the top five doctors they thought of.”

The American Experience

In 1997, Professor Wicharn travelled to the United States to refine his skills in paediatric and adult spinal disorders. It was an era before the internet was widespread, and homesickness was an expensive burden. “International calls cost 3.5 dollars a minute. I spent nearly 400 dollars a month on phone calls home,” he laughs.

His three years abroad taught him independence, but more importantly, they reshaped his view of the doctor-patient relationship. In Thailand, doctors are often treated with extreme deference, but in America, he found that doctors are professionals amongst equals.

“In the US, I saw how patient rights and autonomy were paramount. It taught me that medical care must be based on educating the patient and letting them decide. One cannot simply say, ‘it is up to the doctor.’ That implies we are deciding for them, which we have no right to do. People think differently, and we must respect that.”

He recalls a case of a child who sued their parents for not allowing scoliosis surgery earlier, which resulted in a severe deformity. He also observed how American children cared for their elderly parents—not out of a traditional ‘debt of gratitude’ but as a matter of duty and kindness, allowing each other to live their own lives. These perspectives deeply influenced his holistic approach to treatment today.

Master of the Spine and Mentor to Many

Upon returning to Thailand, Professor Wicharn became a clinical professor at Chulalongkorn Hospital. His passion for teaching is legendary; he often becomes so invested in explaining procedures during surgery that he returns home hoarse.

“My students know I teach because I am a teacher at heart, not just because it’s my job. I love seeing a student who knew nothing on day one transform into a specialist. To date, I have trained nearly 50 spinal specialists who are now practising all over the country. My knowledge won’t die with me; it is passed down through them and the textbooks I’ve written.”

In 2004, recognising the lack of specialised spinal centres in Thailand, the leadership at BNH Hospital invited him to establish the Premier Spine Centre. It was the first of its kind in the country. Starting with fewer than 10 cases a year, the centre now performs 200 to 300 surgeries annually, setting a benchmark that many other hospitals have since followed.

Restoring Quality of Life

Professor Wicharn’s work is about more than just surgery; it is about restoring a life that was thought lost. He recalls a 15-hour surgery on a politician’s son with severe scoliosis. “We started at 9 a.m. and finished at 11 p.m. It was an exhausting 15 hours without rest, but the result was life-changing for that boy.”

Modern medical technology now allows for surgery on the elderly with minimal trauma and blood loss. He recently operated on a 99-year-old female professor who suffered from a slipped disc. “The surgery took 90 minutes with only 20cc of blood loss. By that evening, she was sitting up and smiling, asking when she could get back on her bicycle. By the next day, she was walking.”

He also emphasises that spinal pain is a family burden. He tells the story of a woman in her 60s whose chronic back pain stopped her from travelling with her husband. The family felt guilty leaving her behind, and the husband was desperate for a solution. After Professor Wicharn performed the surgery and helped the patient overcome her fear of movement, the family’s joy returned.

“Spinal health is like a car,” he explains. “If you look after the engine but ignore a faulty wheel, eventually the engine will overheat from the strain. Early intervention is the key to quality of life.”

His holistic approach even extends to detecting “political illnesses.” He recalls a patient who felt constantly ill just to ensure their favourite child would visit. “Caring for a patient is sometimes about more than just the disease; it is about managing the hidden stories within the family.”

A Drive for Excellence

Outside the hospital, Professor Wicharn is a self-confessed “petrolhead” with a collection of five cars, each serving a different purpose—from city driving to weekend touring.

“When you love something, you don’t need to be forced to learn; you’re just immersed in it. To some, it might seem extravagant, but to me, it’s an investment in happiness and a reward for my hard work. It provides daily motivation.”

Despite reaching the pinnacle of his career, Professor Wicharn remains focused on the value of his work. “The secret is simple: be a good person first. Don’t fixate on income; if you set a financial target, you will only find misery. Competition with oneself is a race you can never win. Find your passion instead. The rewards that follow are far greater than you ever imagined.”