A Cardiologist Who Chose Medicine for His Mother and Had the Opportunity to Absorb the Hygge Way of Life in Denmark
– Dr. Jiranut Cholteesupachai –
Dr. Jiranut Cholteesupachai, a cardiologist specialising in coronary interventions at the Heart, Kidney, and Metabolism Centre at BNH Hospital, is passionate about reviving patients whose hearts have stopped, enabling them to return to life. His journey as a heart specialist began with a deep motivation to help those like his grandmother, and this led him to Denmark to learn advanced coronary intervention techniques. This is his story.
Training in Denmark
“I was an only child. My mother was a single parent because my father passed away when I was still in the womb.”
As a bright student, his mother had high expectations for him to become a doctor. Dr. Jiranut didn’t have any strong dreams of his own at that time, but he saw that the medical profession could not only serve others but also provide for his family. Therefore, he had no objections to following his mother’s wishes.
Besides his mother, he was also raised with the help of his grandmother. One day, when he was in his second year at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, he returned home to find his grandmother unconscious, no longer breathing. As a medical student, his instinct was to perform CPR and rush her to the nearest hospital.
“We performed CPR in the taxi. It was difficult, but when we arrived at the emergency room, the medical team took over. Unfortunately, my grandmother passed away. It made me realise that, as a doctor, there are moments when you can’t do much, and it may have sparked my desire to become a cardiologist who can revive patients whose hearts have stopped, allowing them to return to their families.”
A Career Built on Dedication
Dr. Jiranut continued his work at Chulalongkorn Hospital after completing his training and was invited by his professors to pursue further studies in cardiology. During his time at Chulalongkorn, he became interested in heart valve interventions, which were still relatively new in Thailand. He sought the opportunity to study in the United States, preparing documents, passing language and academic exams, and reviewing subjects outside of cardiology to meet the qualifications.
After completing his two years of service in Sattahip, Chonburi, and spending his final year close to his mother in Bangkok, Dr. Jiranut worked in obstetrics and gynaecology due to a shortage of medical professionals in that department. However, his goal of becoming a cardiologist remained steadfast. After completing his service, he pursued a speciality in internal medicine and later continued to specialise in cardiology at Chulalongkorn University, while also working part-time at BNH Hospital.
“I had the opportunity to meet with a professor from Denmark who came to Chulalongkorn to perform heart valve replacement surgery as a showcase. After getting to know each other, he offered me a training opportunity in Denmark without the need for an exam. It was that simple.”
Living the Hygge Philosophy in Denmark
Dr. Jiranut moved to Denmark, one of the happiest countries in the world, to train in advanced heart procedures. His life in Denmark was enriched by the hygge philosophy, which emphasises comfort, togetherness, and contentment. His wife, also a doctor, was able to conduct research in Copenhagen, and their two young children, aged 3 and 1, joined them in Denmark.
In Denmark, with a tax rate of 30%, which is the minimum in this welfare state, Dr. Jiranut and his family enjoyed full benefits like locals: free education for the children, universal healthcare, and the opportunity to spend quality time with family. After work, he could go hiking or visit the coast with his family without travelling far from the city. He could also socialise with the local Thai community when he missed home.
Returning to BNH
After a year in Denmark, Dr. Jiranut returned to BNH Hospital, where he had worked part-time earlier in his career. “The doctors here are wonderful and gave me the opportunity to prepare for exams to study in the USA. This flexibility allowed me to study and return later to BNH, where I was welcomed warmly. The atmosphere here is like a close-knit family, and we work together as a team. It’s easier when we can communicate openly and help each other.”
Dr. Jiranut has been part of BNH Hospital for more than 10 years, contributing significantly to the cardiology team and helping countless patients.
Heart Disease Patients: A Life-Saving Impact
Dr. Jiranut is particularly passionate about patients who suffer from acute myocardial infarction. “Patients with acute heart failure present with symptoms such as chest pain, loss of consciousness, and even cardiac arrest, just as you would see on TV. The severity varies, but I am always moved when we help these patients return to their families because I know the knowledge I have gained is being used to help others.”
In one recent case, a patient who had experienced cardiac arrest was successfully resuscitated. Despite being unconscious, the team immediately performed coronary intervention and discovered that a coronary artery was blocked, preventing blood from reaching the heart. Dr. Jiranut inserted a life-saving device and immediately performed the procedure to open the artery. The procedure took hours, but after 24 hours, the patient regained consciousness.
Complete Care: Treating the Whole Patient
Dr. Jiranut’s approach to cardiology is rooted in Complete Care, ensuring that patients receive holistic, comprehensive care. He dedicates ample time to explain every aspect of the patient’s condition, treatment options, and self-care methods. “It’s important to take a comprehensive approach because if every doctor only focuses on their own specialty, no one will look at the bigger picture for the patient. If I notice any abnormalities outside of my field, we have a team of doctors to consult with and refer the patient to.”
“I also recognise that what constitutes ‘Complete’ care for a patient may vary. Some patients may not need every detail, but just knowing that their concerns are addressed and that they have a clear path forward can be enough.”
Fatherhood: Balancing Career and Family
Dr. Jiranut’s journey to becoming a doctor was motivated by a desire to take care of his mother, and now, as a father, he is committed to being there for his children.
“Raising children today is not as easy as it was for our parents. In the past, my mother worked, and I managed on my own. Now, I focus on teaching my children discipline, which I believe is crucial in today’s world. I don’t force them into anything, but I want them to take responsibility for their actions and to follow through on their commitments.”
Both Dr. Jiranut and his wife, who are both doctors, understand the challenges their children face, as they don’t have many role models outside of their medical family. Therefore, they try to expose their children to other experiences to allow them to choose their own path.
A Tribute to His Mother
Dr. Jiranut has deep admiration for his mother, who raised him alone. “I owe everything to my mother. She endured many hardships and raised me with strength. She is the driving force behind my success, and I am dedicated to taking care of her, as she did for me.”
Conclusion
Dr. Jiranat began his journey into medicine because of his desire to care for his mother. Today, he continues to be inspired by his own experiences and strives to make a difference in the lives of his patients. He believes that the key to happiness in his work is helping others, and he will continue to do so for as long as he is able.
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Coronary Artery Disease, Stroke, Lung Cancer Screening package
Take good care of these 3 vital organs that work hard every day, with a special check-up package by specialized doctors
Coronary Artery Disease, Stroke, Lung Cancer Screening package
Take good care of these 3 vital organs that work hard every day, with a special check-up package by specialized doctors.
- Cardiovascular disease screening test : Carotid Doppler Ultrasound
- Coronary calcium scan: CT Calcium Score
- Lung cancer screening: CT Chest Low Dose
Brain, Lung Examination Package
Care for Your Body’s 2 Most Critical Systems: Special-Price Screening Package by Leading Medical Specialists
Brain, Lung Examination Package
Care for Your Body’s 2 Most Critical Systems: Special-Price Screening Package by Leading Medical Specialists
- Cardiovascular disease screening test : Carotid Doppler Ultrasound
- Lung cancer screening: CT Chest Low Dose
CT Calcium Score Screening
A coronary calcium scan is used to predict the occurrence and assess risk of cardiac event. The goal is to determine if CAD is present and to what extent, even if there are no symptoms. The information is also used to find an appropriate preventive measurement for coronary artery disease for each patient.
Who should have a coronary calcium scan?
A coronary calcium scan should be performed for people with the following risk factors:
- People aged 50 and older
- Patients with an intermediate risk of developing heart disease
- Patients with diabetes or kidney failure
- Patients with High cholesterol levels or high blood pressure
- Smoking
Carotid Doppler Ultrasound Package
The Carotid Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves to examine the blood flow through the carotid arteries and to detect narrowing of your carotid arteries or potential blockages caused by plaque. It helps to determine if you are at risk of having a stroke and to determine appropriate preventative measure or treatment to lower your risk.
Who should check this package?
Your doctor will recommend carotid ultrasound if you have medical conditions that increase the risk of stroke, including:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Family history of stroke or heart disease
- Recent transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke
- Coronary artery disease
- Overweight or obese
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
JIRANUT CHOLTEESUPACHAI, M.D.
นพ. จิราณัติ ชลธีศุภชัย
Speciality
Internal Medicine
Cardiology
Education
Medical Degree, Doctor of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Board and Sub board Certification
The Medical Council of Thailand, Cardiology, Chulalongkorn University
The Medical Council of Thailand, Internal Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
Language
English
Thai
Gender
Male
Schedule
Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Centre
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 09:00 - 15:00 |
| Tuesday | 13:00 - 15:00 |
| Wednesday | - |
| Thursday | 13:00 - 19:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 - 15:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 16:00 |
| Sunday | - |
This is the doctor's regular weekly schedule. Actual availability may vary — please confirm the available date and time when you make an appointment.