Dr. Suchat Hetthong
Good doctors must not be outdated; they must adapt to the new era of technology. Doing so will make our work more convenient and beneficial for our patients.
Comprehensive and Compassionate Care in Geriatric Medicine
After earning his Doctor of Medicine degree (Second Class Honors) from the Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University in 2000, Dr. Suchat Hetthong began his medical career by gaining hands-on experience in patient care. He later pursued advanced training in Geriatric Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, where he developed a strong foundation in comprehensive and preventive healthcare.
Reflecting on his early life and motivation, Dr. Suchat shared:
“I grew up in a provincial area in a farming family. From a young age, my dream was to become a doctor so that I could help take care of people—my parents, relatives, siblings, and members of my community. With this goal in mind, I was determined and disciplined in my studies, which allowed me to enter medical school early.”
Discovering His Path in Geriatric Medicine
After becoming a licensed physician, Dr. Suchat worked as a medical officer in Surat Thani Province, where he cared for a wide variety of patients across different age groups and medical conditions. During this time, he discovered that geriatric medicine aligned best with his skills and professional philosophy.
He found fulfillment in providing holistic, long-term care, focusing on accurate diagnosis, medication-based treatment, disease prevention, and lifestyle modification rather than surgical intervention. This experience confirmed his decision to specialize in geriatric medicine.
Preventive, Holistic, and Patient-Centered Care
The primary focus of care in geriatric medicine is early and accurate diagnosis, followed by appropriate treatment planning. Dr. Suchat emphasizes medication management, preventive counseling, vaccination, and physical rehabilitation to help patients avoid disease progression and complications.
Common conditions under his care include hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hormonal disorders, particularly thyroid-related diseases. His approach aims to prevent patients from progressing into advanced or severe stages of chronic illness.
“Geriatricians often serve as the first point of care. We evaluate patients comprehensively and manage their conditions before referring them to subspecialists when surgery or specialized treatment is clearly indicated.
Today, chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are increasingly seen in younger individuals, even those in their early thirties. Therefore, our patients are not limited to the elderly. Early diagnosis and preventive care are essential to prevent long-term complications.”
A Physician with Broad Knowledge and Lifelong Learning
There is a well-known saying in medicine: ‘If the diagnosis is unclear, consult Internal Medicine.’ This reflects the broad knowledge and integrative thinking required in this field. Dr. Suchat embodies this principle through his strong foundation in general medicine and his commitment to continuous learning.
He is passionate about reading and staying up to date with medical advancements, integrating new evidence and guidelines into daily practice to ensure optimal patient care.
“Many of my patients have been under my care for more than ten years because they trust us. We treat them like family members. Even when patients visit other departments, they often return to consult with us.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients of all ages—elderly individuals, working adults, and younger family members—continued to seek medical advice, especially regarding vaccination. Earning the trust of patients across generations is something I value deeply.”
Using Technology to Enhance Precision and Safety
Modern medical technology plays a crucial role in improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficiency. Digital medical records and advanced software systems allow physicians to access patient data quickly and review medical information in real time.
“A good doctor must not fall behind. We must adapt to modern technology. Embracing innovation helps us work more efficiently and allows us to provide even better care for our patients.
As physicians on the front line of healthcare, we must continuously update our knowledge, focus on prevention, and view each patient holistically. This approach helps prevent severe disease and long-term complications and motivates me to do my best every day.”
Caring for Patients Like Family
Dr. Suchat firmly believes that patients should be cared for with the same sincerity and compassion one would offer to family members.
“Just as we care for our own parents, siblings, and loved ones, we strive to provide the same level of responsibility, attention, and genuine concern to every patient. Our goal is always to deliver the best possible care and help patients maintain a good quality of life.”
