The beginning of the Department of Orthopedics, Ramathibodi
The Department of Orthopaedics, Ramathibodi hospital was founded in 1978. Frist, it was known as "Orthopaedic Surgery Unit". Subsequently, Council of Ministers of Thailand approved the name as “Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Physical Therapy” at 9th November, 1978. The department origins in the great work of clinical professor Dr. Direk Isarangkun Na Ayutthaya, who pioneered in orthopaedic surgery. He is the founder of the department and the first head of the department.
At 11st March 11, 1980, the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital and the Department were informed by the Ministry of University regarding corrected Thai spelling of the Department. Office of the Royal Society proposed the appropriated of Thai spelling according and the Mahidol University Council, then coined the name from “Department of Orthopaedics and Physical Therapy” to “Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Medicine” at 20th March, 1980. The Council of Ministers of Thailand also approved the proposal of the corrected name of department. At 9 April 1980, the office of the Prime Minister announced “Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Medicine” as the division of government and department in Mahidol University among 15 government agencies of the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital. At 13rd October 13, 1993, the rehabilitation department was established. Finally, the department was changed its name to "Orthopaedics Department" and had minor change in Thai spelling after that. “Orthopaedics Department” has been used as the department name since 1st November 1, 2010.
Department of Orthopaedics have main focus on teaching involving the Doctor of Medicine Program to the 5th year medical students, in-training doctors (residency program) Orthopedic Surgery and fellowship training. While drawing strength from the past, the department always looks to the future, determined to sustain its reputation as a department of orthopedic at the leading edge of teaching, practice and research. Nowadays, our department produces doctors, physicians, and medical staff with expertise in the field of orthopaedics.
List of Head of Orthopedic Department
Clinical Professor Emeritus Direk Isrankul, M.D.
The founder of the Orthopedic department
1978 - 1987
Clinical Professor Emeritus Sommart Keorochana, M.D.
1987 - 1991
Professor Wichien Laohacharoensombat, M.D.
1991 - 1999
Professor Somchai Prichasuk, M.D.
1999 - 2001
Clinical Professor Pornchai Mulpruek, M.D.
2001 - 2005
Associate Professor Thanya Subhadrabandhu, M.D.
2005 - 2007
Clinical Professor Viroj Kawinwonggowit, M.D.
2007 - 2009
Professor Wiwat Wajanavisit, M.D.
2009 - 2013
Clinical Professor Chanyut Suphachatwong, M.D.
2013 - 2017
Associate Professor Dr.Patarawan Woratanarat, M.D., Ph.D.
2017 - Present