A Major Career Transition: From Thai National Team Athlete to National Swimming Team Physician
“The role of rehabilitation physicians extends beyond physical therapy. Our mission encompasses proactive prevention, treatment, and physical restoration to forestall potential future impairments.”
When treating exercise-related injuries, the rehabilitation physician stands at the heart of the recovery journey of an athlete. Today, we will delve into the story of a rehabilitation doctor with profound insights into the athletic mind and body. Dr. Pan, or Dr. Pannika Prachgosin, is a former Thai national swimming team member. Presently, she is a physician at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center and serves as the team doctor for the Thai national swimming team. Join us as we explore her inspiring journey.
Former Thai National Swimming Team Athlete
“I took up swimming not because I liked it but because my mother wanted me to learn how to swim. Then, my teacher saw my potential and recruited me as an athlete. It flowed naturally from my enjoyment of swimming. I first made it to the national team in 9th grade and continued in that role until my first year of university.”
As a national swimming team athlete, her life was marked by dedication, determination, and strict discipline, culminating in admirable success.
“During high school, time management was crucial. I had to start swimming practice at 6 AM before school; after finishing class, I trained until 8 PM. This rigorous routine helped me to excel. The most memorable competitions for me were the three SEA Game competitions when I won a gold medal. Despite not winning medals, I also take pride in two other events: the Asian Games in Doha and the World Aquatics Championships in Melbourne.”
From National Swimming Team Athlete to Medical Doctor
“In high school, I pursued the science field. I had a particular affinity for biology compared to other subjects. I reasoned that studying medicine would allow me to immerse myself more extensively in biology than other fields. My older sister was already in medical school, which influenced my decision to pursue a medical degree. I quickly realized that medicine encompasses all scientific disciplines, not just biology.”
Dr. Pan humorously recalls the beginning of her medical journey. Undoubtedly, successfully juggling medical studies and maintaining her role as a national team swimmer was no small feat.
“In my first year of medical school, I sensed a marked increase in academic rigor compared to secondary education. Nevertheless, I managed to maintain my swimming training regimen alongside my studies. Demand for medical studies increased further as I entered my second year. It became evident that pursuing a dual track of medical education and national swimming competition was untenable. Consequently, I decided to retire from my role as a national team swimmer.”
Severe Athletic Injuries Often Lack Appropriate Care
“My decision to specialize in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) injuries, they significantly impact their training and performance. However, they often do not have access to appropriate comprehensive care. This realization sparked my interest in pursuing this specialty.”
“Upon delving into the field, I discovered that PM&R differs substantially from other medical specialties. It requires an extended timeframe, dedicated commitment, and collaborative effort from the physician and the patient. Our treatment scope extends beyond merely addressing their physical condition; we must also provide psychological support and motivation.”
“While other medical specialties typically focus on diagnosis and treatment, the role of the PM&R doctors goes beyond that. Our patients usually come to us with an initial diagnosis and prior primary treatment. Our therapeutic goal is to facilitate a return to their normal life or achieve a state as close to normal as possible. For patients with the potential to progress even further, it is our responsibility to help them realize that potential.”
Entering the Third Year as Team Physician for the National Swimming Team
In addition to her role as a PM&R doctor at the hospital, Dr. Pan is now in her third year serving as the team physician for the national swimming team.
“My responsibilities encompass comprehensive healthcare management for the athletes, extending beyond musculoskeletal injuries. I address various health issues, oversee immunization protocols, and manage Doping Control procedures. As a physician, I must carefully vet which medications—pills or injectables—are permissible. I must also communicate with coaches and the athlete guardians.”
Furthermore, Dr. Pan serves as the team physician for Thai Paralympic athletes. Managing the health of para-athletes presents unique challenges. Para-athletes have underlying medical conditions that are the cause of their disabilities. Providing her PM&R expertise, Dr. Pan has a comprehensive understanding and familiarity with managing diverse health issues and the specific needs of these athletes.
Sports Injuries are Not Limited to Athletes.
The treatment and physical therapy protocols for sports injuries follow the same standards, whether the patient is a professional athlete or a recreational sports enthusiast. However, there are nuances in managing athletes that differentiate their care.
“Running events mark a peak season in our practice. We see a surge in patients, often due to inadequate preparation, unfavorable environmental conditions, or accidents occurring during these events. I strongly recommend pre-exercise risk assessments. These evaluations help prevent injuries and allow us to provide tailored advice on appropriate exercise methods and programs suited to individual physical conditions.”
Furthermore, sports injury management technology has significantly advanced, including ultrasound, laser therapy for pain management, electromagnetic field therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy for enhancing recovery, reducing pain, and alleviating muscle soreness.
Prevention is Trendy in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine.
The current trend in PM&R has evolved beyond mere treatment, now focusing on preventing potential future health issues for each patient.
“Prevention is our new focus. We are concentrating on potential future health issues, especially in the elderly population, as we transition into an aging society. While current patients may not present with immediate symptoms, our screening processes can identify their risk factors. Early screening allows us to design personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to each personal physiology, aiming at potential future health issue prevention.
Effective Communication and Comprehensive Equipment: Strengths of the PM&R Team
“A crucial skill for PM&R doctors is working in a team. We act as the primary coordinators, controlling and planning the overall treatment strategy for patients. Effective communication within the team is, therefore, essential. PM&R doctors cannot manage patients independently. Patients require care from a diverse range of healthcare professionals. Thus, teamwork is crucial in ensuring patient rehabilitation progresses according to the treatment plan.”
“We have excellent team communication and access to a comprehensive array of modern equipment, allowing us to offer patients diverse treatment options. Working here enables us to provide treatments that facilitate patient recovery in line with our projected timelines.”
Beyond her professional commitments, Dr. Pan allocates time for physical exercise. She mentions that while she may not swim as frequently as before, she primarily exercises by running. She enjoys watching movies, TV series, and especially Japanese animation in her free time.
