Get to know our doctors

Meet four Bumrungrad physicians who share their thoughts on a range of healthcare topics.


Providing the highest standards of patient care requires a hospital-wide commitment and professional expertise. Bumrungrad’s medical staff includes over 1,300 world-class doctors of the highest caliber, with outstanding professional credentials and advanced training across the full spectrum of medical sub-specialties.



Dr. Iyavut Thaipisuttikul Neurologist - Neurology and Brain Tumors

One of just a few highly skilled neurology and brain tumor specialists in Thailand, Dr. Iyavut graduated from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. He continued his education at Saint Louis University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in the United States of America. Dr. Iyavut provides medical treatment at Chulalongkorn Hospital and Bumrungrad Hospital, and is regarded as an expert and experienced professional in these specialties.

 

Q: Why did you choose to study neurology and brain tumors?

A: I knew that there was a shortage in this specialty. Only a handful of people choose to pursue the field of Neuro- oncology and brain tumors because this requires students to attain the highest level of knowledge in both areas. Before I studied tumors, I was already a neurologist. I decided to devote myself to this field because I knew that my knowledge would then benefit my home country.

 

Q: What is the state of technology regarding brain cancer and tumors?

A: In the past, the prospects for curing these types of diseases were rather forlorn. However, developments during the past 10 years with new surgical techniques and radiation therapy, along with new medicines, can lead to better quality of life for patients. They may live longer and start to feel there is hope in combatting these diseases. There are now positive options for treatment.

 

Q: How have advancements in orthopedic surgery affected your practice?

A: Artificial joint replacement surgery technology progresses rapidly. These ever-improving tools and applications help younger surgeons accelerate their expertise in a shorter amount of time. Patients benefit greatly from our physicians’ skillful command of this new equipment. For example, surgery is much easier and quicker. Typically, it used to take four to five hours for orthopedic surgery; now operations usually last just one to two hours. Q: What patient outcomes have made a big impression on you?


A: It’s incredibly gratifying each time that we make a patient feel like he is reborn, for instance, someone with a childhood bone abnormality that can barely walk. When we improve his condition, helping him walk with ease, he and his family feel happy. But I, as his doctor, feel happy, too. It’s like a miracle.

 

Q: Why do you like working at Bumrungrad?

A: Bumrungrad is a leading hospital with a deserved reputation for quality medical personnel. Its method of selecting physicians is thorough and reliable. As a Thai, I am proud of Bumrungrad’s ability to deliver high-quality medical services at the international level.




Associate Professor Dr. Suvit Bunyavejchevin Obstetrician - Urogynecology and Laparoscopic Surgery

A pioneer in Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery in Thailand, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suvit graduated as a Specialist from John Hopkins University in the United States of America and Université d’Auvergne Clermont-Ferrand in France. Currently, apart from his role as a Lecturer at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, he holds many professional titles as well.

 

Q: Tell us about your practice

A: Female Pelvic Medicine comprises care and treatment of the bladder, urethra, vagina, uterus and anus of women damaged by prolapse or old age. In most cases, patients’ ages range from 40 years upwards. This group of conditions is not immediately life threatening, but they adversely affect patients’ quality of life. For example, some women who suffer from urinary incontinence choose not to leave their homes as they may lose control of their bladders.

 

Q: What are some work challenges and your philosophy?

A: Treating elderly patients can be complex and difficult because they often suffer from other related diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and others. Communication can also be problematic, whether due to hearing or vision impairment. Doctors must understand and accommodate their patients’ limitations. They must listen to their complaints and be patient and steadfast in giving care to the best and fullest extent. We should always look at ourselves as service providers and place patients at the center of our work; they are our service receivers to whom we want to provide complete satisfaction.

Nowadays, patients have high expectations even though in some cases we are unable to cure their ailments completely. As their doctors, it is our duty to counsel them about possible outcomes while striving to meet their expectations. Good treatment will be useless if the patient is not satisfied.

 

Q: What are your thoughts on working at Bumrungrad?

A: I have been working at Bumrungrad for almost 20 years. I feel like I am part of this family. For me, Bumrungrad is the No. 1 hospital in Thailand and with a top ranking in Asia. The services the hospital renders to patients are excellent. All personnel are dedicated and tightly focused on their duties. It’s quite difficult to find people of such high caliber, but that’s what makes Bumrungrad so special.





Dr. Tharinee Kulkamthorn Ophthalmologist - Refractive Surgery

Dr. Tharinee is a Specialist on Cornea and Refractive Surgery at the Eye Center at Bumrungrad Hospital. She graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. She then trained in the specialty of Cornea Disease at Chulalongkorn University and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, in the United States of America.

 

Q: Why did you join Bumrungrad?

A: Unexpectedly to me, Bumrungrad Hospital was in need of an ophthalmologist in the field of corneal surgery. The hospital approached me to join as a full-time doctor. It was a wonderful opportunity for me because Bumrungrad has such high standards. It’s fully equipped with modern tools and has a professional support team, which is vital in helping physicians provide the highest quality care.

 

Q: What is your work philosophy?

A: Self-development is a key driver to which I adhere. Every time I perform an operation I record a video, which I review to pinpoint areas for improvement. Also, it’s necessary for me to keep up with the ever-developing technology. For example, Femtosecond lasers now play an important role in improving the safety and effectiveness of eye surgeries. We continually study these new instruments and techniques to increase our expertise and knowledge of treatment options.

 

Q: What is the most impressive treatment you have performed?

A: There was a Lasik case with a foreign patient that touched me deeply. After the successful surgery, the patient’s husband was so utterly happy that tears welled up in his eyes. He told me that three hospitals in his home country had already treated her, but none could improve her extreme shortsightedness. Making the patient and her husband so happy, I, of course, felt proud that my work benefited them.