Overview
Bangkla Baptist Clinic serves communities with limited access to healthcare through primary care services, preventive medicine, and community outreach. The clinic is committed to improving health and well-being through compassionate service while building long-term relationships within the surrounding community.
Learners work alongside local healthcare professionals in outpatient care, health education, and community health activities. The clinic’s emphasis on prevention, continuity of care, and community engagement provides a practical learning environment for those interested in primary care and public health.
Location Information
Location & Community
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.
People Served
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
Languages
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.
Healthcare Facilities
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.
Healthcare Profession Staff
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
Facility Support
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 learners to become involved in this important aspect of international healthcare.
Communication
Data packages can be purchased for iPhone and other devices. Wi-Fi is available on the clinic campus.
Travel and Logistics
Visa Matters
For current information please visit the United States embassy website appropriate for one’s home nationality.
Traveler's Health & Safety
Travelers should consult with a personal physician before embarking. 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.
Learners Experience
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.
Transportation
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.
Lodging & Meals
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.
Behavior & Dress
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.
Recreation
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.
What to Pack
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.