Page 61 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 5 | June - July 2024

Many people in the Thai-Indian might come directly or be referred if their How does speaking multiple
community and beyond see condition falls within the scope of colorectal languages enhance your ability to
Bumrungrad International Hospital surgery. With advancements in laparoscopic provide patient care?
as the gold standard of medical surgery, we now prefer minimally invasive Speaking multiple languages is a significant
care in Thailand. What sets it apart techniques, but open surgery remains advantage because communication is
from the rest? essential in many cases. crucial in medical practice. You can learn

Bumrungrad International Hospital all there is to learn about medical
has grown from a small hospital to science, but treating a patient, steering
a large, internationally-recognised them towards a treatment plan, making
institution. Our teamwork, standardised sure they understand the procedure
procedures, and dedication to and why it is necessary - this is all an
providing the right treatment without art. At Bumrungrad International
going off track are key factors. Over Hospital, we have interpreters for over
my 40-year journey here, the hospital 16 languages, but personal language
has expanded from 100 beds to over skills can enhance this connection
500, continually improving facilities further. I speak English, Punjabi,
and services. Hindi, and Urdu. But truthfully, had
I known I would see so many patients
New research shows that young from Bangladesh, I would have learned
adults are getting colon and Bangla too. [Laughs]
rectal cancer at alarmingly high
rates. As someone whose special Can you describe a memorable
clinical interests includes colon- case or patient that had a
rectal surgery, do you see a significant impact on you?

similar trend in the patients you During my training in Chonburi,
see at Bumrungrad International known as a ‘Cowboy Town,’ I frequently
Hospital? treated gunshot wounds, often opening

Yes, I have observed a similar trend. abdomens every other night. These cases
Lifestyle and dietary changes, such as were challenging but provided immense
increased consumption of processed satisfaction when we could save lives.
food and red meat, might contribute Knowing that you made a difference
to this rise. However, we can’t pinpoint in a critical situation, knowing that you
specific foods as direct causes without intervened to keep them alive - those are
considering the context. The fact is, the cases that stick with me.
improved technology, better global
health literacy, and increased use You have been working with the
of colonoscopies allow us to detect these One of your special clinical interests is Indian diaspora for a very long time
cancers at a more frequent rate, naturally also Minimal Invasive (Laparoscopic) in terms of health and your speciality.

leading to more diagnoses. The upside is Abdominal Surgery. How has the field What are your key observations?
that early detection gives the patient more of laparoscopic surgery evolved since The Indian community here has been with us

treatment options and better chances for you began your practice? for a long time and feels confident consulting
entering remission. Laparoscopic surgery has revolutionised the with Indian doctors. However, many are also
field with its minimal scarring and faster comfortable with Thai doctors due to their
What specific criteria need to be recovery times. The basic surgical principles fluency in Thai and familiarity with the
met before you refer a patient for remain the same; the difference lies in local medical system. We see patients from
colorectal surgery? using smaller instruments. We adopted all over the world, and referrals often come

Initially, general surgery covered everything, laparoscopic techniques early on, around when cases are particularly complicated,
but over time, specialities like colorectal 1988, soon after they were developed in highlighting our reputation for reliable,
and breast surgery branched out. Patients Europe. team-based care.

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