Dr. Kasem Chaiklongkit
Your main mission every day, as a doctor, is to take care of and treat patients with various conditions, including muscular, skeletal, joint, and nerve-related issues. This encompasses general illnesses and injuries resulting from sports or various accidents.
After completing your medical degree from the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Dr. Kasem pursued further studies in the field of bones and joints at the Police Hospital. He continued to earn a doctoral degree in Sport Science from Burapha University. Reflecting on your experiences during your studies, you said:
“As a medical student, I loved playing racquet sports, and there were senior doctors who specialized in orthopedics that took care of sports-related injuries in the team. These seniors were like idols to us, and I aspired to follow in their footsteps in becoming a specialist in this field. That’s why I chose to study bones and joints at the Police Hospital. Currently, I also serve as a physician for national athletes, both at the Asian Games and the Olympic level.”
You also had the opportunity to study and observe bone and joint-related work directly in countries such as England, Germany, and Austria, as well as sports science in the Netherlands. You believe that gaining knowledge from medical practices in other countries enhances expertise and improves treatment capabilities.
In your daily practice, you primarily look after patients with injuries to their bones and joints, as well as those who have suffered sports-related injuries or accidents. At Phyathai Sriracha Hospital, about 60% of your patients come with injuries resulting from accidents, mainly occurring on the roads, particularly with motorbikes. Other incidents arise from daily activities like slipping and falling from different heights. Another frequent type of injury you encounter is sports-related injuries or injuries from exercising. As a doctor, you have the opportunity to care for sports enthusiasts in areas like Pattaya and Bangsaen, ranging from children, adolescents, students, university athletes, to national-level athletes. Additionally, about 40% of your patients are part of the group with general illnesses, such as neck problems, nerve inflammation, and disc herniation.
Working as a team for good results together
Dr. Kasem emphasizes the importance of teamwork, just like the vital heart of being an athlete, which is “One for All, all for one.” Because ultimately, working as a team leads to good results for the organization. It strengthens the team and allows them to grow together efficiently, receiving honors and pride together.
“In a hospital, doctors believe that it’s not just the physicians who play a crucial role. No single doctor can handle everything alone. They must rely on the cooperation and support of various departments that come together to help and support each other. Everyone is like a cog in a wheel, driving the service and treatment forward for the maximum benefit of the patients.”
Various roles as a physician
Apart from being a doctor who treats patients, Dr. Kasem also has roles in the field of education and various sports activities. He is a special lecturer at Burapha University, a consultant for research in various universities in the Eastern region, and a speaker providing knowledge about sports medicine. He is an expert in sports medicine for Thai sports. He has been involved in organizing medical services for marathon events like Bangsaen 21 and taking care of athletes’ injuries in various sports activities. Dr. Kasem shares a case of a patient:
“There was once a young athlete, a promising provincial runner, with the potential to compete at the national level. This patient had an injury, and while running, they experienced severe back pain, hinting at a possible spinal cushion problem. However, after detailed analysis, the doctor found that the real issue was the muscle imbalance between the left and right sides. When running at high speeds, this imbalance caused pain and injuries.”
In this case, the doctor devised a treatment plan that aimed to balance the muscles, involving both strength training and physical therapy. Dr. Kasem utilized his knowledge in muscles, bones, joints, and sports science, along with his personal experience in exercise, to aid in the patient’s recovery. The treatment resulted in a successful outcome, and the patient could return to running at their full potential without any recurring pain.
