“Children are not just small adults. That’s why we don’t focus solely on curing illness. When treating children, we take a holistic approach, considering all contexts—parental health, parenting style, environment, nutrition, sleep, and daily activities—to assess whether the child is developing and behaving age-appropriately. Raising a healthy child requires a comprehensive view. If we overlook something, we might miss the opportunity for early intervention, which could lead to long-term health issues or developmental problems.” 

Education and Inspiration 

Dr. Marnvika graduated with a Doctor of Medicine degree from Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, and went on to complete her Board Certification in Pediatrics at Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital. She shares the inspiration behind her journey: 

“I became interested in pediatrics during medical school, after rotations in every department. I found myself especially drawn to the pediatric ward. I’ve always enjoyed interacting with children, and I was impressed by their natural resilience. When children recover, they return to being cheerful, bright, and full of life—and that brings me so much joy.” 

Diagnosing and treating with understanding of child nature 

Dr. Marnvika frequently treats common childhood illnesses such as infections, diarrhea, headaches, fever, sore throat, cough, and runny nose. She also provides routine vaccinations and takes these opportunities to talk with parents and assess the child’s overall development—speech, hearing, behavior, and growth. 

She offers initial guidance to parents on how to observe their child’s development and helps them adapt their parenting methods accordingly. 

“Treating children requires a special touch. I always observe each child’s behavior first. Since I genuinely love working with children, it’s easy for me to approach them. If a child is scared, I use a friendly smile, a cheerful tone, and playful interaction. I also have a few small tricks to help create a positive hospital experience for them.” 

Parents are a key part of pediatric care 

In addition to treating childhood illnesses, Dr. Manawika places great emphasis on educating parents about age-appropriate child-rearing practices that support healthy physical and emotional development. She also provides guidance on managing behavioral issues in children. 

“To be a pediatrician, you must understand a child’s nature. I care for children from newborns to 15 years old, using a comprehensive approach: treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation—both physically and emotionally. If specialized care is needed, I will refer the child to the appropriate expert. Importantly, I also educate families and caregivers—because at home, the ‘doctor’ is the person who cares for the child daily.” 

Educator and advocate for family health 

Beyond her medical practice, Dr. Manawika is also a guest speaker and educator. She teaches in the Mom Class, a preparatory course for expectant mothers, and regularly provides talks on children’s health to interested organizations.