St. George's University Spotlights Pediatric Careers as Key to Thai Children's Well-being

Findings from health surveys focusing on Thai children and youth indicate a consistent upward trend in overweight and obesity rates.Thai Health Survey shows that 42.4% of Thai citizens aged 15 and above are obese, while World Obesity Federation predicts by 2030 nearly 50% of Thai children under 20 will be overweight or obese. The Mental Health Department reports one in 14 Thai children aged between five and eight have development issues, learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or low intelligence. These issues are linked to mental illness, drug abuse and depression in their later stage of life.

Dr. Ahmed Hussein, an SGU graduate from the Doctor of Medicine degree program in 2022, advises that regular pediatric checkups are the single most important preventive measure. "Each age group has its own anticipatory guidance for a healthy life and specific screening tools for diseases," he said. "These routine visits allow pediatricians to provide tailored advice on nutrition, development, and emotional wellbeing."

"Pediatrics is a deeply rewarding field because it's not just about treating young patients, it's about supporting entire families through some of their most vulnerable moments," said Dr. Hussein. "You become a trusted guide, helping parents navigate uncertainty and empowering them to nurture their child's health beyond the clinic. It's a role that requires empathy, resilience, and a genuine passion for making a long-term impact."

Reflecting on his journey into pediatrics, Dr. Hussein describes it as a field full of daily joy and renewal. "Each patient encounter is like meeting a new friend for playtime," he shares. "We laugh, play, and joke during our time together while tackling the main reason for their visit. It's a constant regeneration of energy during the day."

Addressing the post-pandemic surge in screen addiction, anxiety, and delayed social development in children, Dr. Hussein urges families to create emotionally connected environments. "Routines that prioritize outdoor play, face-to-face interaction, and emotional openness," he notes, are key to cultivating resilience in children navigating today's fast-evolving world.

For more information on the programs and tracks available through SGU School of Medicine, visit SGU's website.

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