2023-10-12 12:00:00
Real-Life Superhero: Asst. Prof. Dr. Atthapoom Susuphaat
In a world filled with superheroes in movies, there are ordinary people who don’t wear capes, cannot fly, and possess no magical powers. These unsung heroes, like Asst. Prof. Dr. Atthapoom Susuphaat, the Assistant Director of Bangkok Heart Hospital, perform extraordinary acts of kindness in their own unique ways.
Dr. Atthapoom knew from a young age that he wanted to be a doctor. His dreams have taken him far, as he has been saving lives as a surgeon for over 20 years while also serving as a hospital administrator. His contributions have elevated the entire organization and had a ripple effect on patient care on a large scale.
Becoming a surgeon requires a wide array of skills. Dr. Atthapoom uses his hands for procedures, solves complex problems, and works against the clock. However, he also understands the importance of being present and empathetic, and he never underestimates the power of human connection.
His journey towards becoming a hero to patients and their families began when he was just a young boy. Following his mother, who worked as a nurse, Dr. Atthapoom would walk in and out of various hospital wards, unknowingly absorbing the world of the healthcare profession surrounding him. Additionally, his family’s support and encouragement helped him develop an interest in music, which further enhanced his manual dexterity and ability to distinguish intricate details, skills that would later prove invaluable in surgical procedures.
Playing music did not detract from his academic pursuits, but rather complemented them. Dr. Atthapoom played the piano from a young age and even formed a band with his friends during his teenage years. His musical skills not only added another layer of proficiency but also helped him enter the Faculty of Medicine at Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University.
Listening to the sound of the heart was a standout skill for Dr. Atthapoom. Through his expertise in playing instruments and deciphering rhythms, he developed a keen sense of manual precision, which ultimately drew him towards the path of becoming a heart surgeon.
One of the defining moments in Dr. Atthapoom’s career came during his sixth year of medical school. He experienced the cardiac surgery unit firsthand and felt incredibly compelled by the ability of heart surgeons to save lives. Despite the challenges and long hours required for this specialized field, he was captivated by the tangible and immediate impact heart surgery had on patients’ lives.
Dr. Atthapoom’s dedication led him to pursue further studies in the United States at prestigious institutions such as Stanford University and Northwestern University. During his time abroad, he gained invaluable knowledge in arterial surgery, heart valve repair, heart transplant surgery, and artificial heart procedures, practices rarely seen in Thailand at the time.
Returning to Thailand, Dr. Atthapoom brought his newfound expertise to Rajavithi Hospital and has been working there for over two decades. Specializing in the treatment of arterial diseases, he has dedicated his career to saving lives and providing comprehensive care for heart disease patients.
In 2018, Dr. Atthapoom took on an additional role as the Assistant Director of Bangkok Heart Hospital. Through his extensive experience in both public and private hospitals, he gained a deep understanding of heart center management processes in various forms.
Dr. Atthapoom’s expertise lies in the treatment of aortic aneurysms, ruptures, and tears. The aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body, is responsible for carrying arterial blood to various organs, and its weakening can lead to life-threatening conditions. Thanks to surgical advancements and techniques, Dr. Atthapoom can effectively repair these conditions using minimally invasive catheter procedures, reducing mortality rates and improving patients’ quality of life.
The Bangkok Heart Hospital, where Dr. Atthapoom practices, is renowned not only for its specialized doctors but also for its holistic approach to heart disease care. With a dedicated team of nurses and a coordinated transport center, the hospital ensures that patients receive timely and efficient care, even in the most critical situations.
Furthermore, the Bangkok Heart Hospital has been recognized internationally for its excellence in extracorporeal life support. Their use of advanced technology, such as a mobile artificial heart-lung machine and state-of-the-art simulator centers, has earned them the prestigious ELSO Award of Excellence. This award signifies their commitment to continuously improve patient outcomes and provide world-class care.
For Dr. Atthapoom, being a surgeon is both a lifelong dedication and a profound honor. Despite the challenges and sacrifices involved, he finds immeasurable joy in changing the lives of others. His unwavering commitment to his patients, coupled with his exceptional skills and expertise, has made him a real-life superhero in the medical field.
Every day, Dr. Atthapoom works tirelessly to transform despair into hope, pain into healing, and uncertainty into triumph. He reminds us that heroes don’t always wear capes but walk among us, humble and compassionate, ready to make a difference in the lives of others.]
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