#Thaistory

A century ago, Dr. George Bradley McFarland helped redefine Thai medicine and medical education. His work at Siriraj Hospital’s medical college laid the foundations for today’s Thai clinical practice and the Thai-English medical lexicon. The story remains a powerful example of international collaboration in health and education that still resonates in Thai classrooms and clinics.

Born in Bangkok in 1866 to American Presbyterian missionaries, McFarland grew up fluent in Thai and deeply engaged with Thai culture. After earning his medical degree in Philadelphia, he returned to Siam not as a guest, but as a bridge between Western science and Thai tradition. His approach shaped both how care is delivered and how medical training is conducted.