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Bangkla Baptist Clinic

Thailand

Overview

The Bangkla Baptist Clinic serves the community through primary care healthcare services. This outpatient facility typically sees 40-70 patients daily and offers full lab, digital X-ray, EKG, ultrasound, and fully stocked pharmacy resources for patient care.

The clinic employees about twenty Thai national healthcare professionals and support staff. The mission of the clinic is to plant churches among unreached people groups in Thailand. We display the love of Christ through healthcare ministry and share the Gospel with patients as they are seen at the clinic. The staff is divided into three church planting teams that do evangelism and discipleship in their assigned areas throughout the week after clinic hours. We affirm the Baptist Faith & Message.

Location

Bangkla is a rural community in Central Thailand about 1.5 hour drive east of the capital city of Bangkok. Located in the Chachoengsao Province of Thailand, Bangkla is known for its natural beauty that includes lush forests, rivers, and agricultural land. Farming, factory work, and small shops are primary modes of employment. Extended families live together. Buddhism is the main religion of Central Thailand and is highly integrated into local culture. Weather is hot and humid year-round. Rainy season is from July to October but rarely does this area of Thailand see flooding.

Most patients are Thai. A small minority of patients also come from Cambodia, Burma, and Europe. Common diseases include hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, kidney and liver disease, dermatologic conditions, and thyroid disease. Dengue fever is common during rainy season.

Become more familiar with culture, history and economy by reviewing Thailand’s Wikipedia Profile. Rich resources for Thailand health information include the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation IHME Thailand Profile and the World Health Organization’s Humanitarian Data Exchange for Thailand

Patients predominantly only speak Thai. An interpreter will be necessary for all patient encounters with learners. Charts are written in English. Many clinic staff, including all clinic physicians and nurses, speak English. Two nursing assistants also speak excellent English and will be available for interpreting.

The Bangkla Baptist Clinic serves the community through primary care healthcare services. This outpatient facility typically sees 40-70 patients daily and offers full lab, digital X-ray, EKG, ultrasound, and fully stocked pharmacy resources for patient care. Clinic is open Mon-Fri 7:30 am to 3:30 pm and provides only outpatient services. Obstetrical care is not provided, but minor surgical procedures are common.

The mission of the clinic is to display the love of Christ through excellent and compassionate healthcare ministry, and the clinic’s values are documented in the Baptist Faith & Message. The Bangkla Baptist Clinic is self-sustaining by charging fees for services, and free care is available for those who cannot pay.

Doug Derbyshire, MD
Chief Medical Officer and head physician
Graduated from The University of Arizona College of Medicine in 1989
Licensed in Arizona and Thailand

Dr. Jirachat, MD
Thai physician and surgeon
Graduated from medical school in Bangkok, Thailand
Licensed in Thailand

Katie Huhmann, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Graduated with a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Missouri – Kansas City in 2019
Licensed in Missouri and Thailand

Data packages can be purchased for iPhone and other devices. Wi-Fi is available on the clinic campus.

INMED invites all participants to consider raising extra funds to financially support this facility. While such efforts are not required, they provide opportunity for INMED personnel to become involved in this important aspect of international healthcare.

Bangkla Baptist Clinic Facebook Page

Baptist Press Article

IMB

Travel and Logistics

Visitors fly into Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand (Do not fly into the city of Don Mueang). A designated clinic driver will provide transport about 1.5 hours by car to the clinic.

For current information please visit the Thailand embassy website appropriate for one’s home nationality. United States citizens can obtain current visa information from the website of the Thailand Embassy in Washington, DC.

United States citizens usually can obtain a 30-day tourist visa on arrival with extension for an additional 30 days possible.

Travelers should consult with a personal physician before traveling. All routine vaccinations must be up to date. Refer to the CDC travel website for the most up-to-date health information.

Travelers are advised to refer to the United States State Department website for the most up-to-date general travel information, and to regularly view current travel advisories.

In addition to standard United States vaccine schedule, rabies and typhoid vaccination are also recommended. Tetanus vaccination status should be up to date. Malaria prophylaxis is not necessary in this area of Thailand but is recommended if travel is planned for Cambodia or Myanmar. Dengue fever is common, so visitors should protect themselves with insect repellent, long clothes, etc.

On-site supervision is provided for all patient care at the clinic. There are additional opportunities available for home health visits, as well as visits to the local hospital and the public health department. These are important experiences to provide a more complete understanding of healthcare in Thailand.

Learners must complete an IMB background check and complete a course on the prevention of child abuse and sexual harassment, about 2 hours total time over two months.

Leaners are provided accommodations on the clinic campus, where most of the clinic staff live as well. The clinic has air conditioning as well as all lodging rooms. Kitchen facilities available, as well as markets to buy food within walking distance. The location is considered safe for singles. But as an extra precaution, outings after dark are not recommended.

Male learners should wear a collared shirt (can be a short-sleeved polo) and long pants (slacks or hiking style pants are acceptable). Female learners may wear the same or may wear dresses/skirts that are at least knee length. Short sleeves are acceptable, but no sleeveless shirts or tank tops to work. For exercise or sports, shorts are acceptable, but again no sleeveless shirts or tank tops. Church attire is the same as work attire.

Checkout LonelyPlanet for must-see attractions in Thailand.

Bangkla itself is a small town with a few tourist activities available on the weekends. On the clinic campus, soccer and volleyball games are common in the evenings. On the weekends there are opportunities to visit Bangkok by train and Khao Yai National Park by car. Beaches are located about 2 hours away by car, and a driver can be arranged at the learner’s expense.

Learners should bring copies of all healthcare profession licenses, diplomas, or certifications. A carry-on bag should be packed that contains essentials items just in case one’s luggage becomes lost. Weather is HOT. Plan to wear clothing that is breathable and cool.

Extra copies of passport should be brought along. An international driver’s license will be necessary if one intends to rent a car. A rental car is not necessary to get to the clinic, but does provide more freedom for exploring, going to the grocery store, etc.

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