“Some patients experience significant improvement after receiving PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatment for chronic pain relief. This method has proven to be an effective treatment option with a relatively low risk of side effects. It opens doors to new therapeutic approaches. My approach stems from encountering and treating patients with a wide variety of symptoms. By integrating new innovations with existing medical knowledge and combining it with dedication to achieving the best outcomes, I use these three elements as the foundation for patient care—aiming for precise and highly effective treatments.” 

Dr. Chawanvuth Termtanun graduated with a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. After completing his compulsory medical service, he pursued a board certification in Orthopedic Surgery, followed by a subspecialty in hip and knee joint replacement surgery at Phramongkutklao Hospital. He shared his inspiration and learning experiences: 

“Serving two rounds of compulsory medical service—first after graduating as a general practitioner and again after becoming an orthopedic surgeon—gave me the opportunity to handle a wide range of cases and gain substantial, continuous experience in treating musculoskeletal disorders. Often, I could observe patients’ suffering just by the way they walked into the clinic. This ignited my passion for analyzing and helping them heal. Treatment techniques for hip and knee joints have advanced significantly, with well-defined surgical protocols that allow us to predict successful outcomes in individual cases. That’s why I chose to specialize in knee and hip joint replacement surgery early in my career. During my medical service, I also trained in various skills such as ultrasound and acupuncture for pain management.” 

PRP technique combined with ultrasound 

While studying hip and knee joint replacement, a new treatment innovation—PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma injection)—was emerging in orthopedic care. Dr. Chawanvuth began researching academic studies and seriously implementing PRP in his patient treatments. He later developed a new approach by integrating PRP with ultrasound-guided therapy. He noted that most research shows PRP is effective for certain groups of patients, but the response to treatment varies individually. It’s crucial to understand each patient’s symptoms thoroughly, dedicate time to them, and conduct comprehensive assessments. 

“Theoretically, combining ultrasound techniques with PRP therapy yields positive results. But the challenge is: how can we make PRP injections even more precise and effective? Selecting the right cases and injecting with pinpoint accuracy is essential. That’s why I devised methods to achieve millimeter-level precision in injection sites using ultrasound guidance.” 

Dr. Chawanvuth emphasizes that providing patients with well-informed advice, especially about highly precise and effective targeted injections, is a vital treatment option that must be considered on a case-by-case basis. Patients must be clearly informed of their treatment choices, fully understand the pros and cons, and be walked through each step of the process, with time to reflect and decide. 

Reviewing every treatment, evolving for the patient 

Dr. Chawanvuth dedicates his free time after surgeries or patient consultations to reviewing and analyzing treatment outcomes, continuously planning better care strategies. In some cases, he personally follows up on patients’ progress. This reflects his deep commitment to patient care, as he states: 

“Giving 100% effort is the key to helping patients more effectively. When we begin with dedication, success follows. I believe every disease must be treated with thoroughness—in conversations with patients, physical examinations, and incorporating the latest medical knowledge to continually improve outcomes. Different ways of thinking and treating also come from discussions with medical team members, which I adapt into my own practice.” 

To deliver the best care possible, Dr. Chawanvuth commits to constant self-improvement through reading academic articles and medical documents to expand his knowledge. Solving problems and helping patients recover is his greatest joy. As he puts it: 

“The greatest reward for every doctor is seeing their patient recover and be free of pain—that alone brings a smile to my face.”