A surgeon must know precisely when to operate for the best surgical outcome.
“A well-executed surgery often yields noticeable patient improvement as soon as the next day.”
Surgeons are pivotal in treating and saving lives, on par with other medical specialists. Their work, however, often takes place under highly charged circumstances, making surgery captivating. In this edition of MedPark Stories, we speak with Dr Pornpeera Jitpratoom, a general surgeon specializing in minimally invasive surgery at MedPark Hospital, to explore what led him to venture into this field and gain insight into many life facets of a general surgeon.
My father: the role model inspiring my career path as a surgeon.
Dr. Pornpeera shared that he grew up in a family where his father was the first and only surgeon in Ranong Province.
“Ranong is a small province with a sparse population. My father cared for the entire community, performing abdominal, thoracic, and brain surgeries, everything. I witnessed his work from a young age and often accompanied him to the operating room. People would greet our family with appreciation and warmth wherever we went.”
Being immersed in an environment where patients and the local community held his father in high esteem, Dr. Pornpeera came to view medicine as a noble and impactful profession. Coupled with the influence of his elder physician brother, he ultimately chose to pursue a medical career, following in their footsteps.
However, general surgeons capable of performing every type of surgery, as was commonplace in the past, are now a dying breed. Today, surgical training involves in-depth specialization in specific areas, with numerous subspecialties emerging. As a result, surgeons develop focused expertise, enabling them to perform procedures with better proficiency and confidence in their fields.
“When you step into a surgery clinic, you may find surgeons with surgical expertise in breast, abdominal, thyroid, pancreatic, or vascular surgery. These offer an advantage when a patient requires surgery in a specific area, as there is always a specialist in that field to provide expert care. At MedPark, we have a comprehensive team of specialized surgeons available.”
Surgeons often witness immediate, noticeable outcomes from their labors.
“Surgery is one of a few treatment modalities where you can witness the results almost immediately after the procedure. When a patient comes in and the operation is successful, we can see noticeable improvement as early as the next day, which is in contrast to specialties such as internal medicine or physical therapy, where progress tends to be gradual and may require weeks, months, or even years of ongoing care.” Dr. Pornpeera remarked.
The ability to perform at one’s best during the surgical operation significantly influences the success of treatment outcomes. It is pivotal for a surgeon to weigh each case with careful judgment and clinical expertise.
“Medical school instilled one lasting lesson in us: a genuinely skilled surgeon is not the one who can operate on everything, but one who knows when to operate and when not to. It is about thoughtful case selection and clinical judgment. A surgeon must be able to carefully select appropriate cases and accurately anticipate the potential outcomes, ensuring the procedure leads to clinical improvement, instead of complications that might worsen their condition.”
Providing care with earnest sincerity fosters trust in return.
Dr. Pornpeera notes that all treatments and procedures have risks of adverse events. Some of these risks stem from the patient’s health conditions or the adequacy of medical equipment, while others arise from the doctor's skill.
“Following surgery, if complications occur, a surgeon must provide the patient with a thorough and honest explanation. We are committed to comprehensive patient care until full recovery. When patients understand the causes and reasons underlying any adverse events, it engenders trust and confidence in their surgeon.”
No one ever wants adverse events to occur, but when they do, it is imperative that the doctor promptly addresses the issue with the highest standard of care. This commitment defines the essence of true medical professionalism.
“When we exert our utmost effort and compassion in patient care, even cases with initially disappointing outcomes can evolve into lasting relationships built on trust and confidence.”
MedPark Hospital: Comprehensive surgical care across all specialties
The Surgery Clinic at MedPark Hospital has a team of highly experienced surgeons with expertise across many surgical procedures. The team is also adept at performing advanced minimally invasive surgeries, including endoscopic procedures through the mouth or rectum.
Moreover, our surgeons possess subspecialty expertise working collaboratively alongside physicians from various specialties and healthcare professionals to ensure accurate diagnosis and precise surgical intervention, enhancing surgical outcomes and contributing to the overall success.
We have surgeons proficient in performing highly complex procedures, including endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis and advanced liver and biliary surgeries. I foresee an increasing trend in robotic-assisted surgery, allowing surgeons to perform procedures remotely and significantly improving access to specialized surgical care.
Have there ever been misconceptions about you as a surgeon?
“Yes. Once people know I am a surgeon, they often ask if I can perform cosmetic procedures like eyebrow or eyelid surgery, assuming that surgery is primarily about aesthetics. In actuality, surgical practice focuses on therapeutic interventions that span a vast range of subspecialties.”
“Another common misunderstanding is that surgeons work in blood-soaked gowns in the operating rooms. Nowadays, many surgical procedures involve minimal blood loss thanks to advanced medical technologies and equipment, such as laparoscopic surgery, which reduces bleeding significantly, making surgery much less daunting than people envisage.”
A surgeon who recharges by expending energy.
Dr. Pornpeera enjoys traveling, trekking, and hiking in his free time. These are intriguing methods to recharge through physical challenges.
“I have been passionate about hiking since my student days. When I studied abroad, I chose cities near mountains or with trekking trails to explore during my days off. Japan, for example, offers beautiful natural scenery that is a joy to admire while taking a stroll.”
He primarily chooses mountains of moderate elevation and gentle trails, making it possible to share the experience with his family.
“On more demanding trails where my wife and child may find the ascent too strenuous or simply choose not to join, I hike alone. Reaching the summit and witnessing a breathtaking view, I often take photos to keep as mementos.”
In addition, Dr. Pornpeera places great importance on continuous learning and self-improvement. While he acknowledges that it is impossible to be proficient in every specialty, he strives to master and excel in the fields where he has confidence, proficiency, and experience.
