Balancing two jobs in today’s economy is no rare occurrence. The two positions, however, that Dr. Varun Laohaprasit of North Seattle holds might come as a bit of a surprise. Laohaprasit, or Dr. Lao, as he is known in the church community, juggles practicing neurosurgery at Neurological Associates in Kirkland and acting as the senior pastor at New Hope International Church in Bellevue, Washington.
Dr. Lao became a neurologist because he was “interested in human physiology and anatomy and wanted to help people who suffer.” He became a pastor because he knew that he had “a teaching gift and pastoral gift” and he “cared for people’s wellbeing.” Because of his medical training, he did not plan to be a senior pastor of a church, however, he felt so compelled to do so by God that he could not deny the role.
Dr. Lao was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand, where he attended Chulalongkorn University and graduated first in his class from King Chulalongkorn Royal University’s Medical school. His wife, Da, who is also a senior pastor at New Hope International Church, attended Chulalongkorn University with him in Thailand.
38 years ago, Varun and Da moved from Bangkok to Seattle so that Varun could attend the University of Washington’s medical school, where he became a chief resident. Shortly after, despite Varun’s busy schedule as a rising neurosurgeon, the Laohaprasits decided to found a new church for the Seattle community in their home’s basement which has since grown into the New Hope International Church, an international, protestant, evangelical, non-denominational church which seats over 300 people in Northwest Bellevue. Dr. Lao joined the Neurological Associate practice in 1993. He also practices at Overlake and Evergreen Hospitals and was awarded the Inspirational Award for Clinical Ability and Humanitarian Concern by Harborview Medical Center.
Because each of the positions that Dr. Lao holds are very demanding, he has to prioritize his time between the two, and relies upon the assistance of his family often. Dr. Lao feels that many aspects of being a pastor can be related to his medical career. He is honest with his patients and has compassion for them, just as he is honest with the members of his church. He feels that God has helped him to make decisions regarding surgical care and operations and he often prays for the the health of his patients.
Dr. Lao recalls feeling the power and influence of his religious dedication during one operation in particular. Prior to the operation, he performed a CT scan on the patient which only revealed one blood clot in their brain. During the operation however, he began to feel as though god was encouraging him to explore another part the brain. Once he did, he discovered a second blood clot and as a result, was able to save the life of the patient.
On the other side, in his position as a pastor, Dr. Lao has also seen the significant positive effects of his knowledge of medicine. He has had many patients referred to him through his church, and has been able to soothe and encourage many church members who have come to him suffering from medical ailments and illness. He remembers one woman who joined his church with terminal colon cancer. After spending time with local doctors and the church community, she won her fight with cancer. Dr. Lao attributes this success story to faith as well as medicine.
He says that “it is so fulfilling. In my neurosurgical practice, so many patients got their lives back. In my spiritual work, I have seen hundreds of lives restored, families restored and healed, children stay away from drugs and pornography and smoking and they receive strength and blessings from God. It is wonderful.”
Doctor Lao can be seen every Sunday morning preaching at New Hope International Church in Bellevue. Services are at 10:10am.
