Phichit native wins rural doctor award

Phichit native wins rural doctor award

Kittichote Tangkittitaworn (centre), from Somdej Phra Yuparat Hospital in Phichit's Taphan Hin district, has been named Outstanding Rural Doctor for 2015.
Kittichote Tangkittitaworn (centre), from Somdej Phra Yuparat Hospital in Phichit's Taphan Hin district, has been named Outstanding Rural Doctor for 2015.

A Phichit-based hospital director has been named Outstanding Rural Doctor for 2015 for his dedication in raising medical and healthcare standards for people in his home province.

, is the 42nd recipient of the award initiated by Siriraj Hospital's Faculty of Medicine in 1973.

The award is intended to show recognition and give moral support to rural doctors who face many challenges in delivering medical care and promoting the health of people upcountry.

Samut Jongvisal, the head of the award selection committee, said that Dr Kittichote deserves full recognition and support for his work and demonstrating commitment to his home province.

A Phichit native, Dr Kittichote returned to the province to work at Somdej Phra Yuparat Hospital after finishing his medical studies. He has worked there ever since.

"He has worked at the same hospital for almost 30 years and continues to practise medicine while working as the hospital director. He is committed to not only improving the hospital's services but also promoting people's health," said Dr Samut.

Dr Kittichote said he felt honoured to have received the award and wanted to share it with all staff at Somdej Phra Yuparat Hospital who he said share his dedication to taking care of people.

While financial benefits are regarded as one of the key factors luring doctors to work in rural community hospitals, they do not always apply, according to Dr Kittichote.

"I've talked to several doctors who love work in rural areas. I've learned what keeps them going is a sense of belonging and trust and respect given by local people. It doesn't happen overnight and it starts with the doctors' attitudes," he said.

Doctors treating patients in their own communities helps strengthen their bonds with their family and neighbours. It is about going back to one's roots.

"I enjoy what I do. I work in a place I'm familiar with," he said

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