Meet The Team

Jake is Director of the Patient Services Team at Spine Connection and has assisted patients requiring overseas orthopaedic surgery for 12 years.

Partnered with Asia-Pacific’s largest medical travel group, he gained valuable experience recognising patient needs for before, during, and after overseas medical treatment.

In 2013 Jake pioneered medical travel dedicated for spine surgery for Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and South Africa by working with local doctors, medical researchers and overseas surgeons through the SkyGen Company. Spine Connection now delivers these services to all patients around the world, including the USA and Europe.

Jake continues to bring international hospitals and leading specialists together, allowing spine patients to receive high-level care no matter where they live. His responsibility is to ensure patients are assisted through every part of the journey, with medical outcome and patient experience both the No.1 priority.

For over 30 years Malte has been working as a mediator between thousands of international spine patients, hospitals, and surgeons in Germany. In 2012 Malte was asked to become head of the international department of ONZ, and his expertise is key to assisting all Spine Connection patients during their time in Germany.

The German Spine Specialists involve Malte in all their thought processes, decisions, diagnosis, complication management, follow-up procedures if required – due to his role as spokesman and because of his ability to communicate with empathy in all cultures. In his career he has accompanied and evaluated over 10,000 spinal patients and their cases around the world. The surgeons appreciate Malte Petersen at eye level as an expert interlocutor.

Zali brings over four years of experience supporting patients and their families within medical clinic settings. Zali’s exceptional communication skills ensure the journey of receiving overseas spine treatment is seamless and stress-free, making patients and their families feel informed, supported, and at ease throughout every step.

At Spine Connection, she plays a pivotal role in managing patient expectations and facilitating smooth transitions from initial consultation through to spine treatment and rehabilitation, making her an invaluable member of our dedicated team.

Dr. Thomas Bierstedt is one of Germany’s leading motion-preserving spine surgeons. He conducts 350-400 annual spinal surgeries of all degrees of difficulty. About 50% are motion-preserving interventions, e.g. artificial disc replacement in lumbar and cervical spine, along with lumbar facet replacement.

He is an adviser and involved in the development of different implants and instruments for the companies LDR, PremiaSpine and Signus. In addition, Dr. Bierstedt is a training surgeon to junior surgeons in various surgical procedures.

He appears regularly as a speaker for state-of-the-art surgical techniques at national and international symposia and congresses.

Dr. Bernd Illerhaus is one of Germany’s leading motion-preserving spine surgeons. He performs some 400 spine interventions annually. His special emphasis is on motion-preserving disc replacement surgery and lumbar facet replacement surgery.

Dr. Illerhaus is a referenced surgeon, consultant and co-developer of different implants and instruments for companies Spine Art / Sanofi Aventis, Tessy and Spinal Kinetics.

He trains and shares his experience and knowledge with other specialists by offering hands-on operation courses and workshops. He also appears regularly as a speaker for various surgical techniques at national and international symposia and congresses

Dr. Guido Ostermann is a recognised expert within Germany for minimally invasive and endoscopic interventions of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. He performs about 350 surgeries per year and is a consultant and reference surgeon for companies like Spine Art / Sanofi Aventis, OMT and Joymax.

His patients benefit from small incisions, less blood loss, muscle sparing, and a very low risk of infections. Combined with the experience of Dr. Beirstedt and Dr. Illerhaus, the ONZ Team collaborate on patient cases to offer the most appropriate and safest solution.

Dr. Ulrich Vieregge is the Medical Director at Medicos Aufschalke, where all Spine Connection Germany patients learn to move confidently again after hospital discharge.

Dr. Vieregge believes in a wholistic approach to rehabilitation, where the body and mind learn to work together for the best possible outcome. He liaises with certified orthopaedic specialists, sports and nutritional scientists, sports coaches, physiotherapists and psychologists to ensure our patients receive the support they need during their 6-8 sessions per day.

Our patients enjoy his character, sense of humour and caring nature during their recovery.

From the 150+ strong team at Medicos Aufschalke, Maike is the main physical trainer assisting Spine Connection patients.

He has completed his Masters in Sports Science and his clients enjoy his strong yet friendly support and guidance during their recovery from spine surgery in Germany.

Dr. Tayard Buranakarl is Director and Co-Founder of the Bangkok Spine Academy, and Vice-President of the Thai Spine Society. He completed his first overseas training fellowship in year 2000, graduating from UCLA School of Medicine (California, USA). He consults in Thai and English.

Special Accomplishments:

• Medtronic Surgeon Instructor (Asia-Pacific, Current)
• First Direct Lateral Interbody Fusion (DLIF) in Thailand
• First SI Joint Fusion in Thailand
• First OLIF51 in ASEAN Group of Countries
• Medtronic Key Opinion Leader for OLIF51 (International)

Dr. Tayard brings his skill and experience to our team so we can better assist local and overseas patients looking for faster, more affordable, and superior solutions.

His area of speciality is multi-level cervical interventions, scoliosis surgery, and reconstructive lumbar surgeries using the very latest Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) techniques. This includes Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion (OLIF), Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) and Direct Lateral Interbody Fusion (DLIF). Performing these surgeries using percutaneous keyhole methods (unlike open surgery) allows patients to benefit from less blood loss, preserving muscle and connective tissue, and ultimately a faster recovery time.

He also performs SIJ Fusion, and the new MIS-CAPT technique, a way to safely stabilize damaged spine levels in elderly patients or those with poor bone quality.

Dr. Chaidej Sasomboon is an Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon practicing at the Bangkok Spine Academy and Bangkok International Hospital. He completed Orthopaedic Surgery training at Ramathibodi Hospital (2015), a Spine Surgery Fellowship at Bangkok Hospital Medical Center (2017), advanced clinical observership in Neurological Surgery at UCSF San Fransico (2019), and additional spine training at NewYork‑Presbyterian Och Spine Hospital, Columbia University (2020). He consults in Thai and English.

Special Accomplishments:

• Deputy Medical Director, Bangkok International Hospital (Brain x Bone)
• Author/co‑author, Changing of Pelvic Incidence after Lumbosacral Fusion: A Retrospective Study in Bangkok Hospital (Bangkok Medical Journal, 2018)
• Lumbar Spinal Injections, Hands‑on Workshop, North American Spine Society (2020)

Dr. Chaidej brings his minimally invasive expertise to our team so we can better assist local and overseas patients seeking efficient, precise care and modern solutions for neck and back problems.

Area of speciality and techniques:
His clinical focus spans cervical and lumbar conditions—including herniated discs, cervical radiculopathy/myelopathy, spondylolisthesis, vertebral compression fractures, and spinal trauma—treated with the latest MIS approaches. These include techniques available at Bangkok Spine Academy such as MIS‑TLIF, OLIF, DLIF, ALIF, and endoscopic discectomy, supported by O‑arm 3D navigation and intraoperative neuromonitoring to enhance surgical accuracy and safety. Performing surgical operations through keyhole incisions helps minimize blood loss, preserve muscle and soft tissue, and support faster recovery compared with traditional open procedures.

Dr. Kanit Chamroontaneskul is an Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon with Bangkok Spine Academy at Bangkok Hospital and Bangkok International Hospital. He earned his M.D. from Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University (1990), completed Orthopedic Surgery training at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital (1996), and underwent advanced Spine Surgery training at the University of Virginia, USA (2003). He consults in Thai and English.

Special Accomplishments:

• Spine Surgery training at the University of Virginia, USA (2003)
• Co-author, Changing of Pelvic Incidence after Lumbosacral Fusion: A Retrospective Study in Bangkok Hospital (Bangkok Medical Journal, 2018)
• Contributor to hospital patient-education on O-ARM–guided MIS techniques for degenerative spine disease
• Performs MIS spinal fusion and MIS pedicle cement augmentation at Bangkok Hospital Spine Center

Dr. Kanit brings his skill and experience to our team so we can better assist local and overseas patients looking for faster, more affordable, and superior solutions.

His area of speciality includes comprehensive management of cervical and lumbar conditions—such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, vertebral compression fractures, and spinal infection—treated with the latest MIS approaches. These include minimally invasive decompression, MIS spinal fusion, and pedicle-based cement augmentation. Using keyhole techniques helps minimize blood loss, preserve muscle and soft tissue, and support a faster recovery compared with traditional open procedures.

Dr. Porameth Charoentanakorn is an Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon at Bangkok Hospital (Headquarter) and Bangkok International Hospital (Brain x Bone), practicing within the Spine Center/Bangkok Spine Academy. He completed advanced MIS spine training at Rush University Medical Center, USA (2014), a spine surgery program at the University of Tennessee, USA (2013), spine surgery training at Chulalongkorn University (2011), orthopaedic surgery at Chulalongkorn University (2009), and his M.D. at Prince of Songkla University (2002).

Special Accomplishments:

• U.S. trained in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (Rush University Medical Center, 2014).
• Additional U.S. spine training at the University of Tennessee (2013).

Dr. Porameth brings his skill and experience to our team so we can better assist local and overseas patients looking for faster, more affordable, and superior solutions.

His area of speciality includes comprehensive management of neck and back conditions—herniated discs, cervical radiculopathy, lumbar stenosis, and spondylolisthesis—using the latest MIS approaches. At the Bangkok Spine Academy, surgical options include MIS-TLIF, OLIF, and DLIF, performed with keyhole techniques to minimize blood loss, preserve muscle and soft tissue, and support faster recovery compared with traditional open procedures.

Dr. Sarij Srisuparp is an Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon at Bangkok International Hospital (Brain x Bone) and Bangkok Hospital (Headquarters). He earned his M.D. from Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University (1985), completed Orthopedic Surgery training at Siriraj (1991), and advanced training in Spine & Pediatric Orthopaedics at the University of Hong Kong (1997). He consults in Thai and English.

Special Accomplishments:

• Contributor to Bangkok Hospital patient-education on Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
• Featured in Bangkok International Hospital guidance on Cervical Disc Replacement.

Dr. Sarij brings his skill and experience to our team so we can better assist local and overseas patients looking for faster, more affordable, and superior solutions.

His area of speciality includes comprehensive management of neck and back conditions—herniated discs, cervical radiculopathy/myelopathy, lumbar stenosis, and spondylolisthesis—treated with the latest MIS approaches. At Bangkok Spine Academy, options include MIS-TLIF and other interbody fusions (ALIF/DLIF/OLIF) supported by advanced technology such as operating microscopes, O-arm 3D imaging, navigation, and neuromonitoring; he also performs microscopic lumbar discectomy and CDR where indicated. Using keyhole techniques helps minimize blood loss, preserve muscle and soft tissue, and support faster recovery compared with traditional open procedures.

Dr. Athikom Methathien is an Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon practicing at Bangkok Hospital (Headquarter) and Bangkok International Hospital. He received his M.D. from Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University (2002), completed Orthopedic Surgery training at Rajavithi Hospital (2009), and undertook advanced Spine Surgery training at The Rothman Institute, USA (2013). He consults in Thai and English.

Special Accomplishments:

• Spine Surgery fellowship, The Rothman Institute (USA, 2013).
• Orthopaedic Surgery board certification, Rajavithi Hospital (2009).
• Professional memberships of North American Spine Society (NASS) and Scoliosis Research Society (SRS).
• Co-author, “Comparison of Surgical Results of Direct Vertebral Rotation with Simple Rod Derotation for Correction of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis,” J Med Assoc Thai (2017).

Dr. Athikom brings his skill and experience to our team so we can better assist local and overseas patients looking for faster, more affordable, and superior solutions.

His area of speciality includes comprehensive management of cervical and lumbar conditions—such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and scoliosis—treated with modern techniques available at Bangkok Spine Academy. These include minimally invasive options (e.g. OLIF, DLIF, ALIF) supported by O-arm 3D navigation and intraoperative neuromonitoring to enhance surgical accuracy and safety. Using keyhole approaches helps reduce blood loss, preserve muscle and connective tissue, and promote faster recovery compared with traditional open procedures.

Dr. Pattara Kasanunt is a dedicated spine surgeon at the Vejthani Spine Center, with extensive training across Thailand, Korea, and Germany. He graduated with his M.D. from Srinakharinwirot University (2007), achieved Thai Board certification in Orthopedics (2011) and Spine Surgery (2012), and went on to complete advanced fellowships in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and OLIF at Sungkyunkwan University, Korea (2015), as well as robotic-assisted spine surgery training in Düsseldorf, Germany (2017).

Special Accomplishments:

• Diploma, Thai Board of Orthopedic Surgery (2011)
• Diploma, Thai Board of Spine Surgery (2012)
• Certificate in Spine Surgery, Chulalongkorn University (2013)
• Fellowship in Minimally Invasive & OLIF Spine Surgery, Korea (2015)
• Advanced training in Robotic-Assisted Spine Surgery, Germany (2017)

Dr. Pattara combines his international training with years of clinical practice to provide patients with modern, minimally invasive solutions to complex spinal conditions. His focus on tissue-sparing surgical methods helps patients benefit from reduced blood loss, preserved musculature, and quicker rehabilitation compared to traditional open procedures.

His areas of expertise include multi-level cervical and lumbar reconstructions, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, and advanced MIS procedures such as OLIF, TLIF, and robotic-assisted stabilization. He is fluent in Thai and English, enabling him to consult effectively with both local and international patients seeking world-class care.

Dr. Vit Kotheeranurak is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon at Vejthani International Hospital, widely recognized for his expertise in minimally invasive and endoscopic spine procedures. He graduated with his M.D. from Chulalongkorn University (2011), completed the Thai Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (2013–2016) at Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital where he was class president, and went on to earn a Clinical Fellowship in Spine Surgery at Chulalongkorn University (2017).

Special Accomplishments:

• Fellowship in Endoscopic Spine Surgery — Desert Institute for Spine Care, Phoenix, USA (2017)
• Fellowship in Spinal Deformity & Minimally Invasive Surgery — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, USA (2017)
• Fellowship in Minimally Invasive & Endoscopic Spine Surgery — Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, Catholic University of Korea (2018)
• Fellowship in Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery — Leon-Wiltse Memorial Hospital, Suwon, South Korea (2018)
• Assistant Vice President, Spine Society of Thailand (SST)
• Instructor, Endoscopic Spine Surgery Curriculum, AO Spine
• Member” North American Spine Society (NASS)
• Editor, Neurospine Journal

Dr. Vit integrates his international fellowship training with a strong academic and leadership background, offering patients world-class spine care with a focus on less invasive approaches that reduce blood loss, muscle damage, and recovery time. His particular interests include treating herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and complex cervical and lumbar disorders using cutting-edge endoscopic and minimally invasive methods.

Fluent in Thai and English, Dr. Vit is committed to providing advanced, patient-centered care for both local and international patients seeking superior spine surgery outcomes at Vejthani International Hospital.

Dr. Weerasak Singhatanadgige is an accomplished orthopaedic and spine surgeon at Vejthani’s Spine Center, celebrated for his expertise in advanced minimally invasive techniques and spinal reconstruction. After earning his M.D. with First-Class Honors from Chulalongkorn University (2003), he completed his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery (2007–2008) and a Clinical Spine Surgery Fellowship at Chulalongkorn Hospital (2012)

Special Accomplishments:

• Research Fellowship in Cervical Spine Surgery - Washington University in St. Louis, USA (2014)
• Research Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery - Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA (2015)
• Over 1,000 spinal surgeries performed, including over 500 cervical procedure svia micro-decompression, MIS TLIF, OLIF, and ALIF
• Board-Certified: Thai Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (2010) & Orthopedics Training at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (2008)
• Deputy Secretary General, Spine Society of Thailand (Institutional Representative)

Dr. Weerasak brings extensive surgical experience and research leadership to Vejthani’s multidisciplinary spine team. His skilful use of tissue-sparing techniques ensures reduced blood loss, preserved musculature, and accelerated recovery for patients with spinal trauma, degenerative disease, and deformity.

Fluent in Thai and English, he is dedicated to delivering internationally-informed, personalized care to both local and overseas patients seeking top-tier spine treatment at Vejthani International Hospital.

Dr. Pichet Yiemsiri (MD) is Thailand’s Olympic Team Physician including for the 2016 Rio Games and various national Volleyball, Winter Games and Marital Arts teams since 2009.

He believes “Exercise is a medicine for making a difference in a person's physical, emotional and mental state.”

Dr. Pichet’s protocols offer pain relief for the musculoskeletal system, with exercises to increase the range of motion following muscle strain, tendentious, sports-related and degenerative conditions. His scientific yet personal approach ensures professional athletes can continue to perform at 100% capacity.

He has published multiple scientific papers on sports rehabilitation for Musculoskeletal Injuries.

Dr. Wisutthinee Thueakthong (MD) graduated from prestigious Mahidol University in Bangkok, and is a clinical instructor for Rehabilitation.

Her focus includes Pain Management and Neurology, where she received training fellowships in both Maryland and New York, USA.

Dr. Wi is passionate about treating musculoskeletal pain without surgery, with other areas of interest including osteoarthritis and deformities involving the lower limbs and feet.

She advocates that improving your musculoskeletal system can enhance your overall health including slowing down and healing inhibitive conditions like office syndrome, osteoarthritis and cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Chakri Faithed (MD) received his Medical degree at Phramongkutklao College of Medicine before completing his fellowship in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Phramongkutklao hospital.

He is a member of the Thai Board of Rehabilitation Medicine, and his approach to rehab is that “every patient is unique, and longevity in outcome is only achievable with a highly personalized approach”.

Dr. Chakri is an expert in musculoskeletal disorders and treats patients of all ages. Alongside sports rehabilitation his main focus is health-related conditions, including degenerative joint conditions that limit a patient’s ability to function and enjoy a good quality of life.

Dr. Thein Htut is the Medical Director at both Stem Cells 21 Regenerative Medicine and Immunotherapy clinics in Bangkok. He has been a Medical Doctor for 40 years, with a surgical background he has a long history working in England, Germany, Israel, Singapore and Thailand.

Dr. Htut has worked in the field of Regenerative Medicine for 15 years, and liaises between patients, treating doctors, specialists and all 30+ staff at SC21 to ensure patients have the best possible treatment and outcome. His friendly nature and sense of humour is welcomed by all international visitors to the SC21 clinics.

Dr. Pornpatcharin Wongsaisri (Dr. Joyce) is the attending physician at SC21 and oversees all patient general treatments and care.

As a Doctor of both Medicine and Opthalmology, Dr. Joyce calls upon a wide scope of skills when assisting patients receiving regenerative therapies. She as keen interests in anti-ageing, nutrition and hormone replacement. Dr. Joyce designs personalised IV and take-home nutrition programs to support stem cell functions.

Dr. Wichitrat Champian (Dr. Wi) is a new addition to the SC21 team and her warm and friendly personality is welcomed by all patients. She has specialist training in cell based regenerative therapies and is a qualified physiotherapist and Medical Doctor. She received additional education in regenerative therapies in South Korea, Greece and the USA.

Dr. Wi brings a broad scope of knowledge, with memberships in the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, Stem Cell Society of Singapore, Medical Council of Thailand, and Physiotherapy Council of Thailand.