History
The story of Anesthesiology at Siriraj began in world war II era (1944-1948) when there were no anesthesiologists and the surgeons were administering anesthesia using either chloroform or ether by open drop technique.
When the world war II ended, Dr. Salard Thuppawongs ( Professor-Lady) who was a female surgeon, was interested in improving anesthetic techniques. She went study abroad in Anesthesiology at George Washington University, D.C., USA.
Dr. Salard returned to Bangkok and became the first anesthesiologist in Thailand. She was appointed as the chair of division of anesthesiology (1952) which was a part of department of surgery. The first Thai training of anesthesiology started in 1951 when there were a few residents a year.
The department of Anesthesiology was finally founded in 1965. There were major evolutions from past to present with assistance from foreign physicians and nurse anesthetists. There were times when the endotracheal cuff had to be made by hand, the hallmarks of success were built with integrity. History which filled with many successful stories i.e. first mitral valvulotomy (1954), first open heart surgery (ASD closure, 1959). Over time, there were more anesthesiology trained physicians both inside and abroad i.e. England and USA.
Chairman
Dr. Salard has become a legendary anesthesiologist. Her 17 year-chairmanship (1965-1982) was followed by another successor – Pradit Charoenthaitavee, MD (Clinical Professor Emeritus) who was a chairman between 1965-1989 (24 years) and also appointed as the dean of faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital (1989) and later became the president of Mahidol University (1995-1997). Dr. Chareonthaitavee’s reputation spreaded out beyond medical world. He is also known in politics (former senate), media and is honored at high level by Thai royal family and also many other foreign governments. He has made anesthesiology well-known in public. His leadership is followed, again, by another legendary female anesthesiologist – Samaung Khururattanapan, MD (Clinical Professor Emeritus, Lady) who was the chair from 1989-1993 (4 years). She was the third chairman and her work in pioneering the foundation of critical care division is very much appreciated.
The leaders of the department were followed by two more renowned anesthesiologists – Direk Chulachata, MD (Clinical Professor Emeritus, 1993-2000) and Thara Tritrakarn, MD (Professor, 2000-2006). The department is currently under direction of Ungkab Prakanrattana, MD (Professor).
It has been almost 50 years and the department has been expanding and reaching many milestones. Currently, there are more than 70 active board certified anesthesiologists, more than 50 CRNAs working together closely, like one giant family, to persue the best for patient’s care and education for the new generations.
