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Doctor recommendations


SammyJ

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Hello--looking for specific doctor recommendations at few CM hospitals.  The larger, often more expensive hospitals, here and in bkk, have websites where one may look up particular medical departments and then search doctors--the doctors' education, years of experience, any specialized training from within and outside of Thailand is listed, but not all hospitals have this kind of detailed information available.

 

Yes, it is true that often doctors regardless of certain training and years of experience can still be outstanding, but I believe that the hospital or fancy building is not what is important--it is the skill, knowledge, patient compassion, etc of the individual doctor which is important.

 

So, with that said, while I am searching this topic, google and others, but wanted to ask here as well, as sometimes first hand experience makes for the best recommendation,  can anyone recommend favorite doctors at the following chiang mai hospitals--all these hospitals are generally well thought of:

 

Rajavej

 

Lanna

 

McCormick

 

Thank you!

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35 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

You do understand almost all doctors in Thailand are specialists - so a great doctor for one thing will not likely be worth much for something else.  You need more than a name.

Of course--i thought, maybe mistakenly, that if someone shared the name of a specific doctor at one of those hospitals, they would also identify the specialty.

for example--i found Dr X in dermatology at Lanna to be great, etc, etc

 

I am trying to branch away from the Chiang mai ram, bkk chiang mai hospitals, and collect some recommendations of doctors at other hospitals that are also widely regarded, as I think the three I listed are--friends have told me recently that some of the medical tests and lab work were way over priced at CM ram, so am just trying to see what other options are out there--every hospital likely has some very good doctors and some not so good doctors--just want to see who can share their positive experiences.

 

And Yes, i had lived in Thailand for more than 20 years--pattaya--used Bangkok Pattaya hospital, bkk--used BNH and Bumrungrad--all very good, internationally recognized hospitals, but pretty expensive.

 

I have used CM Ram almost exclusively since living in CM for the last 5 years--but their prices seem to keep increasing--so, am simply trying to create a list of other recommended doctors to try in the future.

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Suspect you will find that all hospitals prices have increased quite a lot (compared with general economy).  Indeed you have run the high end facilities so public hospitals, which often have the best doctors, are probably not an option.  Believe you might get better feedback on the medical forum as most people dealing with health issues will be reading that even if in Chiang Mai.  They also maintain lists of recommended doctors.

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48 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

I just go to Nakorn Ping or SanSai (new) government hospitals, and take my chance with the doctors on duty.

So far they've done alright by me, I listen to their suggestions, then decide on what treatment I'll accept.

50bht for the hospital/doctor plus itemised billing on tests and medications.

 

Always amazed at those entitled people that only want the highest qualified specialists but don't expect to pay the highest possible prices. I'm fairly sure the most junior doctor can deal competently with your ingrowing toenail.

not sure if that was directed at me, but you seem to have totally misconstrued my intent, but perhaps are one of those that just <deleted> on everything as your life is too sad. 

However, if you actually read what i said, it was not all about entitlement--it is about finding recommended doctors so others might benefit from those doctors' talents.  If you choose to throw your medical concerns, and many expats here in cm have some serious ailments beyond an ingrown toenail, it is not something, medically, one wants to throw to chance to just any doctor, when it is clear that some doctors, expensive or not, can make matters worse--the internet and here in Thailand, is full of members dissatisfied with a hospital or doctor.  

 

but good luck to you at your 50 baht place--im sure they'll do right by you for your upcoming heart attack--and think, all for only 50 baht, none of those entitled places where doctors might actually know what they are doing before they cut you open.

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7 minutes ago, SammyJ said:

but good luck to you at your 50 baht place--im sure they'll do right by you for your upcoming heart attack--and think, all for only 50 baht, none of those entitled places where doctors might actually know what they are doing before they cut you open.

I don't believe in invasive surgery.

So that'll never happen.

 

A few years back one suggesting removing my Gallbladder, I declined.

Last year one suggested removing part/all of my prostate, again I said no thanks.

One also suggested removing my son's appendix ...... same answer.

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3 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

I don't believe in invasive surgery.

So that'll never happen.

 

A few years back one suggesting removing my Gallbladder, I declined.

Last year one suggested removing part/all of my prostate, again I said no thanks.

very brave, but perhaps foolhardy??  is that just because you are here in Thailand or did you have the same feelings back in your home country as well?  If a specialist said you had operable cancerous tumor and it could be removed, but would be an invasive surgery, you would also decline?

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3 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

Actually it is my understanding that most public hospital doctors are likely to be more qualified than those found in private facilities (outside of Bangkok).  And even in Bangkok many of the top doctors do primarily work at government facilities.  Bumrungrad and BNH staff (private) doctors are not what you are likely to find outside of major Bangkok hospitals.


Wherever you heard that, it is not accurate.  Most doctors, and good luck to them, want to make money.  There have been a variety of articles in past bkk post or nation articles about new doctors often having to earn "their due" at rural govt hospitals (unless they have some special connections or are so special themselves that they have demonstrated a need a big city hospital has) and then can work their way to larger cities, not necessarily chiang mai or bankok, but just larger cities where they can start making money at the larger hospitals and, as these larger cities have a larger population of expats and more well off Thai, they can open their own clinics and work part time at each.  

Most certainly, there are some outstanding doctors at govt hospitals and some that will stay, regardless of the money, as they are dedicated to their oath, and some govt hospitals have excellent reputations, but that is more the exception than the rule.  In many cases, the govt hospitals have younger, less experienced (again, that is a generalization, and not true of all) and the more training they take, is to qualify them to make a move to a larger hospital, not to stay put.

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1 minute ago, lopburi3 said:

It is more than heard - have been using facilities here since 1969 and would not even consider most private hospitals outside of Bangkok and Chiang Mai (although was not impressed when I used one in CM - much better from a clinic - which outside of Chiang Mai would not normally rate as a good choice).  Bangkok is the medical center for Thailand and the region.  Outside of Bangkok most people would likely be in better hands at a government hospital (as young doctor will have older supervision - not likely in private hospital) or a clinic that a good government hospital doctor runs during off hours.  

 

That said a good doctor can make up for a bad hospital so yes there can be and are are exceptions.  We don't want a bad doctor.

again you demonstrate that you simply do not know what you are talking about--it defies simple logic and intelligence, but that appears to be you.  ur individual experience aside, does not make it true overall--and, if you think that most expats prefer the waits and inexperienced doctors at a typical govt hospital (and i have acknowledged that there are some excellent govt hospitals but most do not prefer to experiment with their health to find them), then you are, once again, sadly mistaken.  And what medical experience do you have that private hospitals have no level of supervision over doctors--boy, you just make it up as you go along.  did you start drinking early today?

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24 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Yes I would.

Seen too many of my pals die in agony after being whittled away, I've outlived them all.

Obviously I'd let them burn a skin cancer off, but anything inside (excluding repairs to accident damage) no thanks.

wow, just, wow--i would a feel a responsibility to my family who depends upon me for a great deal--if you don't have that responsibility, then, just wow??

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2 minutes ago, faraday said:

With that post, what sort of doctor do you need...?

at this moment, none in particular, but thought it wise to ask in advance, and as other members may have shared different doctors in different specialties, then if needed in the future, there is no scramble to find a name, rather than just take any doctor who happens to be on duty--in some instances where urgency is key, then, of course, one must take, and hope for the best, any doctor that is on duty when you arrive at the hospital.

 

but, if, for example, someone thinks there is a great cardio dr at one of those hospitals, that would be good to know if one were going in for a check up, or review of hbp meds. 

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1 hour ago, SammyJ said:


Wherever you heard that, it is not accurate.  Most doctors, and good luck to them, want to make money.  There have been a variety of articles in past bkk post or nation articles about new doctors often having to earn "their due" at rural govt hospitals (unless they have some special connections or are so special themselves that they have demonstrated a need a big city hospital has) and then can work their way to larger cities, not necessarily chiang mai or bankok, but just larger cities where they can start making money at the larger hospitals and, as these larger cities have a larger population of expats and more well off Thai, they can open their own clinics and work part time at each.  

Most certainly, there are some outstanding doctors at govt hospitals and some that will stay, regardless of the money, as they are dedicated to their oath, and some govt hospitals have excellent reputations, but that is more the exception than the rule.  In many cases, the govt hospitals have younger, less experienced (again, that is a generalization, and not true of all) and the more training they take, is to qualify them to make a move to a larger hospital, not to stay put.

Your information is totally inaccurate. Some of the best doctors in C.M. do regular shifts at Nakhorn Ping and Maharaj. They also have fancy private clinics where they see patients in the evenings and on weekends for a whole lot more Baht. Maharaj does have many young interns and residents but with anything serious you will be seen by an older, experienced professor. If you want the best go to C.M. Ram (where you can see some of the same specialists at NP or Suan Dok).

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2 hours ago, SammyJ said:

not sure if that was directed at me, but you seem to have totally misconstrued my intent, but perhaps are one of those that just <deleted> on everything as your life is too sad. 

However, if you actually read what i said, it was not all about entitlement--it is about finding recommended doctors so others might benefit from those doctors' talents.  If you choose to throw your medical concerns, and many expats here in cm have some serious ailments beyond an ingrown toenail, it is not something, medically, one wants to throw to chance to just any doctor, when it is clear that some doctors, expensive or not, can make matters worse--the internet and here in Thailand, is full of members dissatisfied with a hospital or doctor.  

 

but good luck to you at your 50 baht place--im sure they'll do right by you for your upcoming heart attack--and think, all for only 50 baht, none of those entitled places where doctors might actually know what they are doing before they cut you open.

You might be quite surprised how good one of the Hospitals mentioned is , San Sai is a good government Hospital in my opinion i have no complaints from any treatments that i have had at this Hospital.

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I really think that it's the doctor not the hospital that is important.

 

I have not been happy with some doctors at the most expensive hospitals in CM, and some are just brilliant.

 

I will give you the name of a fantastic doctor, but he works at Ram.

Dr.Chalempong EENT.

 

Maybe others can add to this list for the benefit of us all

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1 hour ago, elektrified said:

Your information is totally inaccurate. Some of the best doctors in C.M. do regular shifts at Nakhorn Ping and Maharaj. They also have fancy private clinics where they see patients in the evenings and on weekends for a whole lot more Baht. Maharaj does have many young interns and residents but with anything serious you will be seen by an older, experienced professor. If you want the best go to C.M. Ram (where you can see some of the same specialists at NP or Suan Dok).

Sorry, you have misunderstood--you state the exception and not the rule--you may understand that for Chiang mai, but it appears you did not really even read my information before disagreeing with it.

Yes, in larger cities like Chiang Mai, dedicated, experienced doctors can do that ,and still make good money--simply NOT TRUE for most rural areas of Thailand where the majority of the govt hospitals exist--read more and be informed before shooting your mouth off.

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32 minutes ago, ThaiPauly said:

I really think that it's the doctor not the hospital that is important.

 

I have not been happy with some doctors at the most expensive hospitals in CM, and some are just brilliant.

 

I will give you the name of a fantastic doctor, but he works at Ram.

Dr.Chalempong EENT.

 

Maybe others can add to this list for the benefit of us all

I agree and stated that in one of my posts--that is why, I don't care if some of the CM hospitals have fancy buildings or not--if the doctor is outstanding in what he/she does, that is what is important.

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41 minutes ago, fcgprg said:

You might be quite surprised how good one of the Hospitals mentioned is , San Sai is a good government Hospital in my opinion i have no complaints from any treatments that i have had at this Hospital.

I agree--and as I shared here repeatedly, there are some outstanding govt hospitals and doctors that are dedicated that work within them.

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1 hour ago, connda said:

The average expat that I've seen is over-weight and out of shape but thinks they are going to live forever.  And when the heart attack comes they want the best doctor!  <laughs>

That makes me smile.

 

1 hour ago, connda said:

You accept the frailties of the aging human body and accept the care that virtually everyone else gets in this country.  And the government hospital care is pretty good. Good enough for me. And if it's time to go?  Then it's time to go...

Thanks for great words, connda.

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18 hours ago, connda said:

Britmantoo has a valid point.  You've immediately dismissed government hospitals as being somehow inferior.  I've used both private and public.  I'm not particularly impressed by private hospital specialists.  The best providers I've come across in the last 13 years have been at Maharaj government hospital and the doctor who treats my family in the government hospital in our Amphur. 
Then your assertion that somehow a '50 baht place' by which you mean a government hospital is going to provide inferior care for serious aliments.  And yet those in our villages go to the government hospitals for all the serious aliments that your can probably think of.  If I had a heart attack I'd want to be taken to Maharaj.  Chances are I'd be seen by the same doctor who you see at the extra-special care facility with the huge price tag. 
Anyway, for those who are afraid of dying or having a heart attack, perhaps you all should get your spiritual life in order (cause you will die, gonna happen, 100%) and then take steps to stay in the best of health.  The average expat that I've seen is over-weight and out of shape but thinks they are going to live forever.  And when the heart attack comes they want the best doctor!  <laughs>
If you've lived a good life and taken care of yourself, when the time comes you're not so worried about being in a extra-special top-notch world-class facility with the extra-special specialist (who really aren't that special).  You accept the frailties of the aging human body and accept the care that virtually everyone else gets in this country.  And the government hospital care is pretty good. Good enough for me. And if it's time to go?  Then it's time to go...

sorry, you also did not read carefully, because i did not immediately dismiss govt hospitals but added that they were outstanding govt hospitals and doctors that worked in them.  However, if you think that most Thai doctors long to work in govt hospitals rather than private, especially in larger provincial cities, then you are living in  dreamworld--and if you think that, overall, govt hospitals are better than most private--not all--then, again you are delusional/

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18 hours ago, connda said:

Britmantoo has a valid point.  You've immediately dismissed government hospitals as being somehow inferior.  I've used both private and public.  I'm not particularly impressed by private hospital specialists.  The best providers I've come across in the last 13 years have been at Maharaj government hospital and the doctor who treats my family in the government hospital in our Amphur. 
Then your assertion that somehow a '50 baht place' by which you mean a government hospital is going to provide inferior care for serious aliments.  And yet those in our villages go to the government hospitals for all the serious aliments that your can probably think of.  If I had a heart attack I'd want to be taken to Maharaj.  Chances are I'd be seen by the same doctor who you see at the extra-special care facility with the huge price tag. 
Anyway, for those who are afraid of dying or having a heart attack, perhaps you all should get your spiritual life in order (cause you will die, gonna happen, 100%) and then take steps to stay in the best of health.  The average expat that I've seen is over-weight and out of shape but thinks they are going to live forever.  And when the heart attack comes they want the best doctor!  <laughs>
If you've lived a good life and taken care of yourself, when the time comes you're not so worried about being in a extra-special top-notch world-class facility with the extra-special specialist (who really aren't that special).  You accept the frailties of the aging human body and accept the care that virtually everyone else gets in this country.  And the government hospital care is pretty good. Good enough for me. And if it's time to go?  Then it's time to go...

Fellow expats advised me NOT to post questions on Thaivisa as they are too often taken over by trolls that twist the conversation--here, a simple inquiry has turned into a debate over private or govt hospitals, something i never intended, comments on getting old, invasive surgery, etc, etc and it appears that so much of the trolling comes from those with ZERO experience of living in Thailand or interacting with Thai people--it must be a burden for you trolls so remain so uninformed about so much.  I have seen this same thing happen so many times on others' posts--as an example, a question on another forum from a poster about advice on what to do with a soi dog that was making his life miserable by being overly aggressive, practically turned into an indictment of the poor guy as being unkind to animals, etc, etc--just a tremendous waste of time.

 

 

well, i have learned my lesson--no more, leave it to the trolls who have no life--good luck to you!

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1 hour ago, SammyJ said:

Fellow expats advised me NOT to post questions on Thaivisa as they are too often taken over by trolls that twist the conversation--here, a simple inquiry has turned into a debate over private or govt hospitals, something i never intended, comments on getting old, invasive surgery, etc, etc and it appears that so much of the trolling comes from those with ZERO experience of living in Thailand or interacting with Thai people--it must be a burden for you trolls so remain so uninformed about so much.  I have seen this same thing happen so many times on others' posts--as an example, a question on another forum from a poster about advice on what to do with a soi dog that was making his life miserable by being overly aggressive, practically turned into an indictment of the poor guy as being unkind to animals, etc, etc--just a tremendous waste of time.

 

 

well, i have learned my lesson--no more, leave it to the trolls who have no life--good luck to you!

Your bedside manner has been quite successful.  You asked for recommendations about doctors and received what, one recommendation?  Perhaps several as I ignore some posts.

 

You complain about trolls so why did you engage them repeatedly?   

 

 

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8 hours ago, SammyJ said:

sorry, you also did not read carefully, because i did not immediately dismiss govt hospitals but added that they were outstanding govt hospitals and doctors that worked in them.  However, if you think that most Thai doctors long to work in govt hospitals rather than private, especially in larger provincial cities, then you are living in  dreamworld--and if you think that, overall, govt hospitals are better than most private--not all--then, again you are delusional/

What you may not understand is that C.M. doctors work in both government and private hospitals. Some of the top specialists can be found one day in a government hospital and the next day in a private hospital.

 

In Bangkok, the best hospitals are government hospitals - not private. Siriraj (government) is world-class. In fact, it was where the late King of Thailand went - exclusively I believe.

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37 minutes ago, elektrified said:

... can be found one day in a government hospital and the next day in a private hospital.

... and often from 6 to 8 p.m. in their own clinic too.

I have great respect of many/all Thai doctors.

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11 hours ago, elektrified said:

What you may not understand is that C.M. doctors work in both government and private hospitals. Some of the top specialists can be found one day in a government hospital and the next day in a private hospital.

 

In Bangkok, the best hospitals are government hospitals - not private. Siriraj (government) is world-class. In fact, it was where the late King of Thailand went - exclusively I believe.

Since you write a sensible answer, I will reply==and rest assured from living in Thailand over 20 years, in bkk, pattaya and hua hin, and now chiang mai, I completely understand what you are saying.  I believe you are correct about Siriraj hospital and the former King--and, in my previous posts, I clearly acknowledged that there are outstanding govt hospitals and doctors and that many also had their own private clinics.   

 

But, unfortunately, the outstanding govt hospitals are usually in larger provincial hospitals, and regardless that some may think, those smaller rural govt hospitals often have problems attracting both good doctors and sufficient funding.  Certainly, there are excellent, dedicated doctors that will stay in a rural govt hospital as they are dedicated to their profession and want to help a local community, but, many gain experience and take more training and move on to larger cities and hospitals where their own clinics can be supported--yes, there are tons of clinics in rural areas, but often run, despite the white coats but doctors, and they must charge small fees or the rural community would not be able to afford to go to them.  It's in the larger cities that their clinics can be well supported by volume and fees--it's just simple logic and accurate knowledge which comes from being informed and having lived many places within Thailand and with a great many Thai friends who have used these medical facilities.

 

However, that all aside--I did not create an original post to debate the pros and cons of hospitals--i regret being drawn into it--my own fault--but it what i have seen far too many times on here when someone posts anything--trolls come and hijack the topic and twist it into a debate or argument.  Fellow expats warned me about but i thought asking a simple question about which doctors members liked would not only help me, but be a potential benefit for others.  There are many instances where one does not have the opportunity to choose a doctor, but sometimes there are, and knowing preferred names would be helpful.  As was stated here by another poster--for me, and many others, it is NOT the hospital or fancy building that attracts, but an outstanding doctor with great manner and skill.  I think most would agree, whether it was here in Thailand or the US or the UK, most medical facilities have both good, and some not-so-good, doctors. The success of one's treatment could depend on having one of the "good" doctors.

 

Thanks for your feedback, but it is unlikely, I will post--no loss to anyone, I understand, but I will no longer feed the trolls.

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