Dr. Tshering Dorji

Dr. Tshering Dorji is a cardiologist at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu, providing non-invasive cardiac services for Bhutan's population. With 11 years of cardiology experience, he is one of Bhutan's senior cardiologists.

Dr. Tshering trained in Bhutan before completing his DM in Cardiology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi — reflecting the close India-Bhutan medical training relationship. He obtained echocardiography training and returned to Bhutan to build cardiac diagnostic capacity at the national referral hospital.

Rheumatic heart disease remains a significant burden in Bhutan, and Dr. Tshering's echocardiography practice is particularly important for valvular disease assessment. The rising prevalence of hypertension and hypertensive heart disease in Bhutan's urbanizing population is another major focus of his practice.

For patients requiring coronary angiography or interventional cardiac procedures, he facilitates referrals to cardiac centres in India.

Dr. Tshering earned his MBBS from Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan — the country's national medical school established to train Bhutanese physicians domestically. He was selected for advanced cardiology training at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi — India's premier postgraduate medical institution — completing his DM in Cardiology through the India-Bhutan specialist training partnership. He acquired specialist echocardiography training during his cardiology residency and holds a Certificate in Echocardiography. Following his return to Bhutan, he established echocardiographic assessment capacity within JDWNRH's cardiology department. He maintains continuing medical education through the Bhutan Medical and Health Council and the Cardiological Society of India, keeping updated with current international cardiology guidelines and practice.

Dr. Tshering performs comprehensive echocardiography for assessment of valvular disease — including rheumatic mitral stenosis and regurgitation prevalent in Bhutan's population — ventricular systolic and diastolic function, cardiomyopathies, and pericardial disease. He manages hypertension and hypertensive heart disease, heart failure, rheumatic heart disease, atrial fibrillation including anticoagulation management, and coronary artery disease risk stratification. He performs ECG interpretation, Holter monitoring, and exercise stress testing for ischaemia evaluation. For patients requiring coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention, valve surgery, or electrophysiology studies not currently available within Bhutan, he coordinates referrals through established pathways to cardiac centres in India, primarily Kolkata, Delhi, or Bengaluru.

Dr. Tshering has contributed to the Bhutan Health Journal and participates in Bhutan Medical and Health Council continuing education. His interests include rheumatic heart disease burden in Bhutan and cardiovascular disease prevention strategies.

Dr. Tshering provides cardiology consultations for international patients and tourists at JDWNRH in Thimphu. International visitors who develop cardiac symptoms — chest pain, palpitations, exertional breathlessness — during their stay in Bhutan can access cardiological assessment through the hospital's outpatient department. High altitude exacerbates pre-existing cardiac conditions, and Bhutan's trekking routes attract visitors who may require cardiovascular evaluation. Dr. Tshering consults in Dzongkha, English, and Hindi, making him accessible to Indian tourists and business visitors in Thimphu. For patients requiring interventional cardiac procedures not available within Bhutan, he provides clear referral recommendations and relevant clinical documentation to facilitate smooth transition to cardiac centres in India. Video consultations are available for pre-travel cardiac evaluation.

Dr. Tshering has been recognised by Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital for his contributions to cardiology services in Bhutan. As one of the country's few AIIMS-trained cardiologists, his clinical expertise is essential to the hospital's cardiac care capability. He is an active member of the Bhutan Medical and Health Council and the Cardiological Society of India, maintaining engagement with international cardiology standards and guidelines. He contributes to cardiovascular disease prevention and hypertension awareness programmes at JDWNRH and participates in mentoring junior doctors in ECG interpretation and echocardiography, supporting the development of the next generation of Bhutanese physicians in cardiac care.