Saturday, June 28, 2008

An Apple A Day

When you're 72 years old, it takes more than apples to keep the doctor away.

Last week, Nuch and I took her parents to see Dr. Sunthorn, their family doctor. He has a clinic just down the street from their home, and although the medicines are all modern, the actual clinic looks like something you'd find in a museum of 19th century medical history. That's an exaggeration, but there is a "historic" feel to it - everything is made of wood, it has that attic smell, and it's small - like Williamsburg.

Here's Dr. Sunthorn. He's had a few apples in his day, as well, which begs the questions - sure, the doctor is taking care of us, but who's taking care of the doctor?


Waiting room.

Unwritten rule in Thailand - never see the doctor with your wife (or in this case, both daughter and wife). At best, you may be able to leave the house on your own, but you'll never eat another potato chip in your life.

This is one of Nuch's dad's drawings. Dr. Sunthorn told me that in his younger years he had taken a trip to Switzerland, and now, looking at this picture, he could envision the alps, as if he were standing on the peak of the Matterhorn.

By the way, Nuch's dad doesn't go around paying debts with his art work. This was just a gift because he knew Dr. Sunthorn had a passion for it.

Dr. Sunthorn doesn't have a computer, but he does have a wall of pocket notebooks, filled with 50 years of prescriptions, diagnoses, and bio-histories along with tabs and inserts - all held together by rubberbands. I should have taken a picture. They're mostly covered in dust and cobwebs and, once again, make the place look like a museum. Notice the 3 columns per page.

Dr. Sunthorn gave his usual advice, as Nuch and her mother listened attentively - don't eat sugar, salt, fried food, fatty food, spicy food, or anything else that may have taste. "Apples are okay, and I'll see you again in 2 weeks".


And Nuch is a flower short of a giraffe's chin.



Here's a quick video. Enjoy.

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