Dr.Visarut Tapaneeyakorn
Caring for children involves far more than simply treating and curing illness, as children are constantly growing and developing. If this critical aspect is overlooked or mistakes are made early on, it is much like fastening the wrong button on a shirt—once the first button is misplaced, every button that follows will be misaligned, and the shirt will never fit properly. For this reason, physicians place great importance not only on treatment but also on disease prevention from a very young age. Proper care in early life helps ensure that children grow into healthy adults with strong physical development and good overall quality of life. Preventing and addressing problems at the beginning is always better than attempting to correct them later, when some conditions may become irreversible over time
Pediatric Care with Compassion and Experience
After earning his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, and obtaining his medical license, Dr. Visarut Tapaneeyakorn pursued further specialization and completed a Certificate in Pediatrics at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University. Reflecting on his professional journey, Dr. Visarut shared his inspiration for choosing pediatrics:
“I chose to become a pediatrician because children have a natural brightness and joy that brings happiness when caring for them. It is essential that we support children in developing strong physical health and complete growth so they can mature into healthy adults and become valuable contributors to society.
After completing my medical degree, I pursued further training in pediatrics and also spent one month in England gaining additional clinical experience. In terms of medical knowledge, pediatric standards in Thailand are comparable. However, in England, there is a strong emphasis on teamwork among specialists and holistic patient care. Physicians tend to spend more time with each patient, which allows for deeper understanding and more effective treatment. I have applied this approach in my own practice, and I have now been caring for children for more than ten years.”
Common Pediatric Conditions and Preventive Care
Dr. Visarut commonly treats children with infectious diseases, particularly respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. In addition, he provides care for healthy children who require routine health check-ups, developmental monitoring, and vaccinations. These services are available through convenient package programs at Phyathai Sriracha Hospital, helping families manage healthcare costs effectively.
“Pediatricians differ from many other specialists. We rarely rely on complex equipment as the primary tool for diagnosis. Instead, accurate diagnosis depends largely on detailed history-taking, careful physical examination, and appropriate laboratory investigations.
Children may not always be able to describe their symptoms clearly. A pediatrician must rely on experience, observation, and information provided by parents or caregivers. Technology is useful when needed, but the most important element is the doctor’s attentiveness and thorough understanding of the patient. Pediatric care is continuous—it follows the child as they grow. Our core principle is ‘do no harm.’ The child’s comfort, safety, and overall well-being must always come first.”
Modern Lifestyle and Increased Health Risks in Children
In the past, lifestyle-related diseases were more commonly seen in older adults. Today, however, children face new health risks due to reduced physical activity and excessive screen time on mobile phones and tablets.
Dr. Visarut shared a representative case:
“A child once presented with severe abdominal pain and had not urinated for three days. The parents were extremely worried, and the child appeared restless and uncomfortable. Initial physical examination showed no obvious abnormalities.
However, after taking a detailed medical history and asking about the child’s daily habits, I suspected a urinary problem and requested a urine test. The results confirmed a urinary tract infection caused by frequent urine retention while playing games. This condition was simple to treat.
If we overlook a child’s behavior or environment and fail to ask the right questions, we may end up ordering unnecessary tests and delaying treatment—even though the underlying issue may be straightforward.”
Understanding Children Through a Child-Centered Approach
During examinations and history-taking, Dr. Visarut applies principles of child psychology to create a calm and friendly environment. He speaks gently, approaches children as friends, and avoids rushing the examination—especially if a child is anxious or upset.
The examination room is equipped with small toys, dolls, and colorful stickers that children enjoy. These items help create a positive atmosphere and build trust.
“When children feel comfortable and happy, they are more cooperative. This allows the doctor to conduct a more accurate examination, ask better questions, and ultimately reach a clearer diagnosis.”
