Pediatric Pulmonologists: Heroes Combating the Most Common Global Childhood Illnesses
Respiratory illnesses are the leading cause of sickness among children globally and remain an ongoing concern for everyone. The flu, persistent coughs, sore throats, and pneumonia are a concern for parents globally. The heroes who stand on the frontline against these relentless diseases are pediatric respiratory specialists, widely known as pediatric pulmonologists. Today, we are honored to speak with Dr. Piyachat Wongboonyakul, a seasoned pediatrician specializing in Pediatric Pulmonology, who currently lends her extensive expertise to the Pediatric Center at MedPark Hospital.
The Journey of Dr. Piyachat to Pediatric Pulmonology
Deeply inspired by a faculty member in her medical school years, Dr. Piyachat chose to pursue a career in pediatrics. But the defining moment that led her to specialize in pediatric respiratory medicine came during her internship in Khon Kaen Province.
“During my internship, I rotated through various patient wards. I discovered that I particularly enjoyed caring for patients with severe conditions. I cared for both young and older pediatric patients and had to decide between pursuing a neonatology or pediatric pulmonology track. Ultimately, I found great fulfillment working in the pediatric ICU with older children. I truly enjoyed observing, caring for, and treating them.”
Pediatric critical care was not yet a recognized subspecialty. Pediatric critical care training was an integral part of the pediatric pulmonology curriculum. It enticed Dr. Piyachat to pursue a two-year specialized training course in this field.
"After completing the two-year fellowship, I was fortunate to transition directly into the field I had trained for. I worked as a pediatrician in the ICU for nearly seven years, caring for critically ill children around the clock. Back then, there were still very few doctors with this specialized expertise.”
Resilience and Teamwork: Essential Qualities for a Pediatric Pulmonologist
“You truly need to be deeply passionate in this field. The specialized training is lengthy, and caring for critically ill children involves a workload that is far more demanding than usual. Respiratory illnesses are the most common conditions affecting children, so you must be confident that you can manage the rigors. Simply put, you need to be resilient to handle the intensity and pressure.”
According to Dr. Piyachat, the first essential quality is an enduring passion for the field. In earlier times, when pediatric subspecialties were not yet clearly defined and few doctors had training in this area, she gained invaluable experience caring for a varied mix of patients. Beyond respiratory illnesses, critically ill patients with co-occurring medical conditions also required ICU care, allowing her to develop extensive and diverse clinical expertise.
“Equally important is the ability to communicate effectively. ICU care is never a solo effort. Strong interpersonal skills and seamless teamwork are vital to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.”
A Pediatrician Must Listen and Act Swiftly.
“Social media can heighten parental awareness and anxiety regarding the conditions of their children. The most important thing is to listen carefully to what they want to tell us. We need to remain calm, explain things patiently, and assess whether the illness is truly as severe as what they fear.”
The key to managing parental anxiety, according to Dr. Piyachat, is to calmly and attentively listen to their concerns because each parental anxiety is unique. Simultaneously, time must be allocated appropriately for each patient, as children—due to their physiological characteristics—are more time-sensitive than adults, and severe conditions can become life-threatening much more quickly.
"We must contend with the compressed time. Beyond the inherent risk to the child, we often face a high patient load. Furthermore, the level of information and baseline understanding among parents varies. For those with some foundational knowledge, a concise explanation may suffice. However, for those facing severe or complex issues, a lengthier consultation is necessary. Therefore, we must judiciously allocate time appropriate to the needs of every individual."
Perseverance: The Key to Managing Complex Pediatric Patients
“Dengue fever typically involves a few days of high fever, which then subsides. But this case was unusual. The patient had a persistent high fever for nearly a week. Upon scrutiny, we discovered a rare complication of dengue fever.”
She shared a particularly memorable case of a 3-year-old child who developed hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a severe and life-threatening complication of dengue fever.
“It was an exceptionally challenging case, which allowed me to witness the dedication and compassion of everyone involved in caring for this child. Thankfully, the patient recovered safely and is now growing up healthy and strong. I am truly delighted to have been able to help him fully recover.”
A New Challenge for Dr. Piyachat at MedPark Hospital
“This hospital was founded by faculty members with expertise, dedication, and a strong reputation for managing complex cases. Joining this team presents an exciting mission: to fully leverage my knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact on patient care.”
Dr. Piyachat has become a key member of the Pediatric Center at MedPark Hospital, embracing a new challenge and sharing the same goal of establishing high standards in pediatric care from birth through adolescence. Her work encompasses general health guidance, monitoring developmental milestones, and ensuring children receive complete vaccinations, enabling every child to grow and thrive to their full potential.
Outside of her clinical work, Dr. Piyachat enjoys staying active, particularly through running, whether at home or in public parks. She is also passionate about reading, from fiction to academic works, including those on child development and parenting. It helps provide evidence-based guidance for the families she cares for.
