News Release. For Immediate Release; March
1, 1999
The ERGYS 2 Debuts in Thailand
| Thailand is a beautiful country about the size of Texas located in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by Myanmar (Burma) to the west, Laos to the north and northeast, Cambodia to the southeast, and Malaysia to the south. The population has grown to 70 million people. Most of the country is rural with rice farming and other agriculture as the main occupation. Closer to the cities, factories produce a myriad of products from semiconductors to automobiles. King Bhumriphon heads a constitutional monarchy. He has been in power for over 50 years and is revered by the Thai people. Thais speak the charming Thai language. |
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| The largest cities are Bangkok in the central
region and Chiang Mai in the north. Bangkok is large, very crowded, polluted, and floods
easily during the rainy season as it lies just below sea level, but most people who live
there enjoy the people and numerous activities. Chiang Mai boasts mountains, water falls,
gardens, and cooler temperatures. Also in the north are numerous hilltribe peoples who
have migrated from persecution in southern China over the last 200 years. They wear
colorful outfits and live a peaceful life. In southern Thailand, the Adaman Sea and Gulf
of Thailand claim beautiful secluded beaches, delicious seafood, and snorkeling which
rivals the Caribbean.
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Nursing staff and Dr. Kendrick Kahler at Bangkla Baptist Hospital. Most of the nurses are from the Hmong and Mien Hilltribes |
| Thai culture is very different from western culture. Social interaction is governed by respect for the mental state of others and the Buddhist ideal of equilibrium, not the western competitiveness and the emotional give-and-take. Thais are taught to keep track of the thoughts of others in conversation, keep the tone light, and smooth over any conflicts. Thais will correct people in private and blame extenuating circumstances in order that they do not "sia na" or lose face. Thais also have a relaxed view of life, "sabai, sabai," consideration for others, "grayng jai," and a respect for generosity, "mee nam jai." The family unit is very important. Adults and the elderly are given honor and often live with the children until death. Thai people are very friendly. The common greeting is "Sawadee khrap" or hello, followed by "Gin khao reung" or have you eaten your rice? Come here and experience why this country is referred to as the "Land of Smiles." |  Physical therapist (in formal dress) in front of the PT Department at Bangkla Baptist Hospital |
 Dr. Kendrick Kahler riding the ERGYS 2 at the Nan Clinic |
Biography Kendrick Kahler, M.D., was raised in New Braunfels, Texas, near San Antonio. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1985 where he was track captain. He served two years in the U.S. Army as an infantry platoon leader before suffering a spinal cord injury while on duty in the Sinai Desert of Egypt in 1987. Kendrick went on to graduate from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston medical school in 1993, and completed his residency in family practice at Spohn Memorial Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1996. He enjoys fishing, reading, swimming, and as you can see, meeting new people. He has been riding the REGYS and ERGYS systems since 1988. |
| Work in Thailand Dr. Kahler joined the staff of the Bangkla Christian Hospital in October 1998. He sees patients in the general clinic as well as in the inpatient center and emergency room. He does limited obstetrics and surgery. He rotates periodically up to the new clinic in the Nan Province, just 40 km from Laos. "I came to Thailand to provide medical care for many in the underserved areas, but more importantly, to give them the power and hope that comes from a daily relationship with Jesus Christ." The Nan clinic draws many from the Hmong, Mien, and Akha hilltribes in the area, as well as Lao refugees. The clinic also organizes medical teams from the US throughout the year. They travel to these remote hilltribe villages to provide on-site medical care and Christian evangelism. The response has been encouraging. Dr. Kahler provided the main speech a year ago at the first meeting of the Thai Paralysis Society in Bangkok. There, he realized his other goal was to help the local disabled community become aware of newer equipment and the more active lifestyle of paraplegics and quadriplegics in the US. "I brought the ERGYS 2 to Thailand because it is an integral part of my exercise routine. While I am here, I want others to ride it and experience all the benefits--benefits which include decreased back and leg pain, decreased spasticity, protection from decubitus ulcers, protection from venous thrombosis, and to top it off, a 'runner's high'." Colleagues Kendrick works with full time missionary physicians Doug Derbyshire, M.D., of Arizona and John Gibson, M.D., of Texas. All three are licensed by the Thai Medical Board and certified by the American Board of Family Practice. Both missionary physicians live here with their young families and speak fluent Thai. How to Ride the ERGYS 2 in Thailand Paraplegics and quadriplegics with good circulation in the legs, no decubitus ulcers, and normal range of motion of the lower extremities are encouraged to call or write and schedule a free ride at the following address: Department of Physical Therapy |
For Further InformationTHERAPEUTIC ALLIANCES INC. |
