The Next Chapter: Why I Chose Sexual Medicine — From Thailand to Baylor College of Medicine

Ultimo aggiornamento: Giugno 6, 2026

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Redatto e revisionato a livello medico dal Dott. Soarawee Weerasopone (Dott. Pom)
Last Updated: June 2026

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A Turning Point After Cambodia

For the past eight years, my medical journey was defined by the dusty roads of Cambodia and the high-stakes challenge of building a modern urology service from the ground up. From performing the first 4th-generation ESWL cases in Phnom Penh to surviving the logistical nightmare of COVID-19 border closures, my time with the Royal Phnom Penh Hospital and Royal Angkor International Hospital was a “precious urology experience” that shaped who I am today.

However, every great journey has a turning point. As I transitioned back to Thailand in 2024 to join Bangkok Hospital Headquarters (BHQ), I realized that my mission wasn’t just to practice urology — it was to master a specialized field that remains underserved in Southeast Asia: Sexual Medicine.

Today, I am embarking on a prestigious Clinical Observership and Research Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, under the mentorship of the world-renowned Professor Mohit Khera. This is the story of why I chose this path — and how I plan to carry forward a legendary legacy.

Inheriting a Legacy: The Influence of Professor Somboon Leungwattanakij

The decision to specialize in Sexual Medicine was deeply influenced by a titan in the field, Professor Somboon Leungwattanakij. Growing up, I remember seeing a tall, charismatic doctor on television, explaining men’s health with a perfect blend of formal expertise and approachable humor. That was Professor Somboon.

When I joined BHQ, I found myself working in the office right next to him. It was a “pinch-me” moment. As the senior-most expert in penile prosthesis surgery and men’s health in Thailand, Professor Somboon has spent decades helping patients regain their quality of life.

With his retirement approaching, a critical question arose: Who would carry the torch for specialized Men’s Health at one of the region’s best hospitals? After many consultations with the hospital leadership and the Professor himself, I knew the answer. Professor Somboon is leaving his legacy to me, and I take that responsibility with the utmost gravity.

To honor that legacy, I knew I couldn’t just be “good” — I had to seek out the best training in the world.

Why Baylor College of Medicine and Professor Mohit Khera?

When looking for the pinnacle of training in Sexual Medicine and penile prosthesis surgery, all roads led to Professor Mohit Khera at Baylor College of Medicine.

The World-Renowned Expert

Professor Khera is a global authority in the field, having served as the President of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA). His work in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), erectile dysfunction, and complex penile implant surgery is cited by urologists worldwide.

A Dual-Track Fellowship

My time at Baylor is a dual-track journey:

1. Clinical Observership — Shadowing Professor Khera in the clinic and the operating room at the Texas Medical Center, observing the most advanced surgical techniques for penile prostheses.
2. Research Fellowship — Engaging in cutting-edge research to push the boundaries of what is possible in men’s health.

My goal is clear: by combining the wisdom I’ve gained from Professor Somboon with the world-class techniques of Professor Khera, I aim to become one of the leading penile prosthesis surgeons in Southeast Asia.

Overcoming the “Storms” Before the Journey

The path to Houston was anything but easy. Much like my early days in Cambodia where we lacked the most basic equipment, this new chapter was met with significant obstacles.

The Visa Crisis

In early 2025, just as I was preparing to depart, a sudden suspension of student visa processing in the US threatened to derail everything. I had already experienced this heartbreak once before — a fellowship at UCSF was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Standing on the precipice of a second cancellation was devastating.

However, in August 2025, the clouds cleared. We secured an interview on the very first day the embassy reopened. Even then, a missing birth certificate for my daughter nearly caused a rejection at the interview window — but we persevered.

A Family Leap of Faith

Moving to the USA for a year isn’t just a career move; it’s a family sacrifice. My wife and daughter joined me, carrying over 100 kilograms of luggage across the world to start a new life in Houston. Their support is the foundation upon which this fellowship is built.

The Vision: From Cambodia to the Future of Thai Urology

Looking back at my 8 years in Cambodia, I see a pattern of pioneering. I was there for the first flexible ureterorenoscope, the first Men’s Health Clinic in Phnom Penh, and the first REZUM procedure in the country.

Now, I am applying that same pioneering spirit to Sexual Medicine. Men’s health is often a “blue ocean” — a field full of potential but frequently overlooked or stigmatized. By bringing American-standard penile prosthesis surgery and evidence-based TRT back to Bangkok Hospital Headquarters, I am not just returning home; I am bringing the future of urology with me.

“If I go alone I go fast, but if we go together we go far.”

This quote from Professor Allen Chiu has guided me since 2019. My journey to Baylor is not just for my own growth, but to ensure that patients in Thailand and the broader ASEAN region have access to the highest level of care possible.

Conclusion: The Long Way Home

In a poetic twist of fate, I was born at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters in 1984. After years of training and practicing across Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, and Cambodia, I have finally returned to the place where my life began.

The eight years in Cambodia were the “long way home,” providing me with the grit and experience to handle any challenge. Now, with the legacy of Professor Somboon in my heart and the mentorship of Professor Mohit Khera in my hands, I am ready for this new journey.

Stay tuned for more updates from Houston as I document my experiences at Baylor College of Medicine.

Quick Facts About Dr. Pom’s New Journey

• Current Role: Urologist at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters (BHQ)
• Specialization: Robotic Surgery, Men’s Health, and Penile Prosthesis
• Fellowship Site: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
• Mentors: Prof. Somboon Leungwattanakij (Thailand) and Prof. Mohit Khera (USA)

If you are interested in advanced men’s health care, testosterone replacement therapy, or penile prosthesis consultation, you can prenota una consulenza con il Dr. Pom presso la Sede Centrale dell'Ospedale Bangkok.

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Domande frequenti

Q1: What is Sexual Medicine, and how is it different from general urology?

Sexual Medicine is a specialized branch of urology focused on diagnosing and treating sexual health conditions in men, including erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease, low testosterone (hypogonadism), ejaculatory disorders, and penile prosthesis surgery. While general urology addresses the broader urinary tract, Sexual Medicine specifically targets the hormonal, vascular, neurological, and psychological factors that affect male sexual function and quality of life.

Q2: Who is Professor Mohit Khera, and why is Baylor College of Medicine a top destination for Sexual Medicine training?

Professor Mohit Khera is a world-renowned urologist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and a former President of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA). His expertise in testosterone replacement therapy, erectile dysfunction, and complex penile prosthesis surgery is cited globally. Baylor’s affiliation with the Texas Medical Center — the largest medical complex in the world — makes it one of the most respected destinations for advanced training in men’s health.

Q3: Who is Professor Somboon Leungwattanakij, and what is his legacy in Thai urology?

Professor Somboon Leungwattanakij is regarded as the senior-most expert in penile prosthesis surgery and men’s health in Thailand. Over decades of practice, he has helped countless patients regain their quality of life and is widely recognized for explaining men’s health on national television in an accessible way. With his retirement approaching, his legacy in specialized Men’s Health at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters is being passed on to Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone (Dr. Pom).

Q4: What does a Clinical Observership and Research Fellowship at Baylor involve?

The fellowship is a dual-track program. The Clinical Observership involves shadowing Professor Khera and his team in the outpatient clinic and the operating room at the Texas Medical Center, observing advanced techniques for penile prosthesis implantation and complex sexual medicine cases. The Research Fellowship involves participating in academic research projects in andrology, testosterone therapy, and erectile dysfunction — contributing to peer-reviewed publications in the field.

Q5: When will Dr. Pom return to practice in Thailand?

Dr. Pom’s fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine is approximately one year in duration. After completing the program, he will return to Bangkok Hospital Headquarters (BHQ) to continue practicing as a board-certified urologist specializing in robotic surgery, men’s health, penile prosthesis surgery, and testosterone replacement therapy. He will also continue consulting at Samitivej Sriracha Hospital in Chonburi.

Q6: How can patients in Thailand and ASEAN benefit from this fellowship?

By bringing American-standard penile prosthesis surgery techniques and evidence-based testosterone replacement therapy back to Bangkok Hospital Headquarters, Dr. Pom aims to make world-class sexual medicine care accessible to patients in Thailand and the broader ASEAN region — without the need to travel to the United States or Europe. This includes inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation, advanced TRT protocols, and modern erectile dysfunction management.

Disclaimer: Questo contenuto è redatto e revisionato dal Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone, urologo certificato presso il Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. È inteso solo a scopo educativo e non costituisce consulenza medica. Consultare sempre un professionista sanitario qualificato prima di iniziare qualsiasi trattamento medico.