Dr. Rajesh Ramkissoon

Dr. Rajesh Ramkissoon is a hematologist at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) in Port of Spain — Trinidad and Tobago's largest public teaching hospital, affiliated with the University of the West Indies (UWI). With over 18 years of clinical experience, Dr. Ramkissoon manages a broad spectrum of blood disorders affecting the ethnically diverse population of Trinidad and Tobago. Sickle cell disease is a particular clinical priority in the Caribbean region, where the genetic trait has high prevalence among populations of African and South Asian descent. He provides both acute management of sickle cell crises and long-term chronic disease management programs for sickle cell patients. He also manages hematological malignancies — leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma — in collaboration with the oncology service at EWMSC, and treats benign blood disorders including anemia, thrombocytopenia, and coagulation abnormalities.

Dr. Ramkissoon completed his undergraduate medical education at the University of the West Indies (UWI) St Augustine Campus — Trinidad's primary medical school and one of the leading academic medical institutions in the Caribbean. He earned his MBBS and subsequently pursued postgraduate training leading to MRCP (UK) — Membership of the Royal College of Physicians — a highly respected British medical qualification that reflects clinical competence across internal medicine. His hematology specialty training was completed through the UWI/UK Partnership Programme, which provides Caribbean physicians with specialty training aligned with UK and North American standards. This dual credentialing in both UWI and UK-recognized qualifications reflects the strong academic partnership between Caribbean and British medical institutions.

Dr. Ramkissoon's hematology practice covers both benign and malignant blood disorders. In sickle cell disease — his primary clinical focus — he manages acute vaso-occlusive crises, acute chest syndrome, and stroke in the acute setting, while supervising long-term programs including hydroxyurea therapy, transfusion management, and chelation for iron overload. Hematological malignancy management includes chemotherapy protocols for acute leukemias, lymphoma staging and treatment, and supportive care for myeloma. In benign hematology, he evaluates and manages iron deficiency anemia, hemolytic anemias, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), and von Willebrand disease. He performs and interprets bone marrow biopsies and aspirates and coordinates with pathology for diagnostic hematology. He works closely with oncology colleagues on complex hematology-oncology interface cases.

The Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex is Trinidad's principal public teaching hospital and serves all patients in the country including expatriates and foreign nationals. Trinidad and Tobago has a well-developed private healthcare sector alongside its public system, and international patients can access hematology services through both public and private routes in Port of Spain. The country's English-speaking environment makes healthcare navigation straightforward for international patients. Trinidad has good air connectivity to North America and the UK, making it accessible for Caribbean regional patients seeking hematological care. For highly specialized procedures such as bone marrow transplantation, patients are typically referred to centers in Miami, Toronto, or London. Dr. Ramkissoon consults in English.

Dr. Ramkissoon has been recognized within Trinidad and Tobago's medical community for his contributions to hematology practice at the national teaching hospital. His MRCP (UK) qualification reflects internationally benchmarked clinical excellence. His work in sickle cell disease management has contributed to improved outcomes for a patient population with complex chronic disease needs. He has participated in Caribbean regional hematology meetings and workshops, including those organized by the Caribbean Haematology Society, reflecting professional engagement with the wider Caribbean medical community. His sustained academic and clinical practice at UWI-affiliated EWMSC contributes to the training of the next generation of Trinidad and Tobago's physicians.