Dr. Maria Fatima Soares

Dr. Maria Fatima Soares is a cardiologist at Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares in Dili, providing non-invasive cardiac services for Timor-Leste's population. With 9 years of cardiology experience, she is one of the country's specialist cardiologists managing the significant cardiovascular disease burden in this young nation.

Timor-Leste has a high burden of rheumatic heart disease — a consequence of streptococcal infection and limited access to penicillin prophylaxis — and rheumatic valvular disease assessment using echocardiography is a particularly important part of her practice. Hypertension is also increasingly prevalent as the population ages and urbanises.

For patients requiring coronary angiography, PCI, or cardiac surgery beyond Dili's capacity, she coordinates medical referral to Indonesia (Bali or Surabaya) or Australia, which are the primary destinations for Timorese cardiac patients requiring advanced intervention. Dr. Soares obtained her cardiology training in Indonesia, reflecting the close medical relationship between the two neighbouring countries.

Dr. Soares earned her MD from the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL), completing her basic medical training at the country's primary university which operates with support from Portuguese and Cuban medical education partnerships. She completed her Diploma in Cardiology through training in Indonesia — reflecting the close medical training relationship between Timor-Leste and its larger neighbour — gaining practical cardiology skills including echocardiography and ECG interpretation at Indonesian cardiac facilities with greater patient volume and technology access than is available in Dili. She holds a Certificate in Echocardiography — the most valuable diagnostic modality for cardiac assessment in Timor-Leste's resource-constrained setting. She participates in continuing cardiology education through the Timor-Leste Medical Association and maintains professional connections with Indonesian cardiology partners who support skills development for Timorese cardiologists.

Dr. Soares performs echocardiography for assessment of rheumatic valvular disease, ventricular function, cardiomyopathy, and pericardial effusion. She manages hypertension, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and rheumatic heart disease with appropriate medical therapy guided by echocardiographic findings. She performs ECG interpretation, basic Holter monitoring, and blood pressure assessment. She provides penicillin prophylaxis programmes for rheumatic heart disease prevention and coordinates medical referrals to Indonesia or Australia for patients requiring coronary angiography, PCI, cardiac surgery, or electrophysiology procedures beyond Timor-Leste's current capacity.

Dr. Soares participates in Timor-Leste Medical Association activities and has contributed to rheumatic heart disease data collection supported by the RHD Australia program. She is focused on clinical cardiology practice within Timor-Leste's developing healthcare system.

Dr. Soares sees international patients at Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares, including NGO workers, diplomats, and expatriates in Dili who require cardiac evaluation and management. She consults in Tetum, Portuguese, Indonesian, and English. Video consultations are available for cardiac second opinions and follow-up management for international patients. For patients requiring advanced cardiac interventions not available in Timor-Leste — coronary angiography, PCI, cardiac surgery, or electrophysiology — Dr. Soares facilitates medical referral to Indonesia (Bali or Surabaya) or Australia, the established overseas referral destinations for Timorese cardiac patients. She coordinates referral documentation and works with the Ministry of Health's overseas referral programme. International visitors to Timor-Leste are strongly advised to carry comprehensive travel and medical evacuation insurance.

Dr. Soares has made significant contributions to cardiology service development at Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares, establishing and maintaining echocardiography services critical for assessing the high burden of rheumatic heart disease in Timor-Leste. She is a member of the Timor-Leste Medical Association and participates actively in cardiovascular health programs supported by international partners including RHD Australia, WHO, and Australian Aid. Dr. Soares has been acknowledged by HNGV for her dedication to building cardiac diagnostic capability in a resource-limited setting and for her role in the national rheumatic heart disease programme. Her contributions to echocardiography training for allied health staff are also recognized by the Timorese medical community.