THAILAND Mariam Savabi BACKGROUND Thailand previously known as

THAILAND Mariam Savabi

BACKGROUND Thailand (previously known as Siam) is a very diverse country topographically and culturally. Buddhist-based society. Monarchy. The Reclining Buddha -Bang Capital city is Bangkok.

BACKGROUND ON SIRIRAJ HOSPITAL Siriraj is one of the oldest Western medical institutions in the country. It was started in the late 1800 s and named after the son of the kind who died from cholera. Mahidol University is associated with the hospital, and houses the medical students at Siriraj. Mahidol is named after the king who trained at Harvard and received both a medical and public health degree. Unfortunately he died very young, but is still honored as having brought Western medicine to the country. This is a statue with the king who started the hospital, and his son, Siriraj (who is 2 -years old, in his lap.

PERSONAL GOALS The similarities and differences in obstetrical care. Access to birth control. Cultural influences on patient care. Tham Lot caves in Northern Thailand

CHALLENGES FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH ARE DIFFERENT There was an entire ward dedicated to women who were septic due to botched, back-alley abortions. There is also very high rates of HIV. Birth control is readily available, but at a minimal cost to all people. The #1 killer of women in Thailand is breast cancer. There is no screening available because of the lack of mammogram machines, techs, and doctors who can provide the care. The implant BC available The copper IUD, is a multiload

TRADITIONAL THAI MEDICINE Is used for medical treatment Mahidol created a formalized education related to Thai tradition medicine to preserve the art Different aspects of the medicine are based on ancient teachings with a collaborative relationship with Western medicine Traditional dietary and medicinal practices are based on the 9 tastes Herbal ball for steam bath Preparing the salt and herbs for the drying of episiotomy scars

PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICINE ARE CRITICAL TO IMPROVE MEDICAL ACCESS FOR Anti-abortion. WOMEN laws are detrimental, and makes me fear what we will see in the US as abortion restrictions continue to grow. Access to life-saving procedures and screening are very important. Following evidence-based medicine provides for better medical care for women.

FOOD SOOO delicious! Make sure to order not spicy (mai ped) because the food is HOT!! Left to right: red curry with rice served in a bag with pineapple juice, and a fish ball soup (each item ~30 Baht or $1), Next is a bowl of khao soi (a very famous Northern lunch dish), Next is delicious Lays chips (nori seaweed and hot ch Next is street pad thai (~$1 cost)

Sunset in the mountains of Pai, Thailand in the Chinese village viewpoint. Thailand is composed of the kindest people. Welcoming, non-judgmental, and trustworthy. An absolutely stunning country in the landscape and the

THANK YOU, KOP CON KA!