A Gentle-Hearted Cardiologist
– Dr. Natthinee Mattanapojanat –
A Multi-Dimensional Woman
To juniors, she is the caring “Ah Jie” who notices when something’s wrong. To seniors, she’s the sweet and sometimes playful “little one.” To her friends, she is the ultimate supporter – no need for anyone to address her with the formal title of “doctor.” But to her patients, she is simply Dr. Fern—Dr. Natthinee Mattanapojanat, a warm and empathetic heart specialist at the Heart, Vascular, and Metabolism Centre at BNH Hospital.
Beneath the image of a highly capable professional lies a soul that has endured deep emotional turning points. These experiences not only deepened her empathy for patients but also taught her how to understand and embrace her own humanity.
The Day Her Father Passed Away
“My dad was my pride, my inspiration, my everything. We never had those deep heart-to-heart talks, nor did he share philosophies like a life coach would today. He just lived by example – an engineer admired by many, a man for whom family was always the highest priority. That made me want to grow into someone he would be proud of.”
She believed he could do anything, so when he became ill with lung cancer during her fourth year in medical school, she simply thought, “He’ll get better. He always does.” But he didn’t.
Everything happened too fast. He passed away in less than a year, and she hadn’t even been able to say thank you, or tell him she loved him. “It was like I was just a child, refusing to accept reality.”
Dr. Natthinee, a self-proclaimed “daddy’s girl,” grew up in a close-knit family of four – father, mother, herself, and her younger brother. Her father’s passing brought not only profound grief, but also a transformation in her values and behaviour. It made her realise how crucial it is to spend time with the living, and gave her unique insight into the families of patients facing end-of-life moments.
“I now always encourage families to say what they need to say – to be present, to express love while it can still be heard. I never want anyone else to carry the regret I did.”
Chasing Goals, Then Coming Back to Herself
From Year 1 to Year 12, Dr. Natthinee attended St. Joseph Bangna School, just minutes from home. Her school life was comfortable and competition-free. An introvert who loved to dance, she became a cheerleader and, ultimately, the only student in her year to be accepted into the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University.
“When I got the news that I had passed the entrance exam, I remember the pure joy in my dad’s eyes. That hug and his smile still gives me strength on hard days. I wish he had lived to see me graduate.”
What began as a simple, hopeful step turned into an ever-escalating series of goals: get into med school, graduate with first-class honours, specialise in internal medicine, then in cardiology, and finally, work at a top hospital.
“I kept striving for ‘the next level.’ But after giving everything – time, energy, effort – there were times things didn’t go my way. It taught me that so much in life is beyond our control. The only thing we truly own is our attitude and our actions. The saying ‘Do your best and let go of the outcome’ became my compass.”
Eventually, she stopped and asked herself, “Why am I not happy? Didn’t I fight for this for eight years?” That reflection marked a turning point.
“From that day on, I chose to appreciate each moment. I don’t chase goals the way I used to. Now I just want peaceful, ordinary days, waking up on time, enjoying good food, being healthy, driving safely, exercising, meditating, and ending the day with restful sleep.”
Finding Peace from Within
Colleagues often ask about her hobbies, expecting something trendy or social-media-worthy. But Dr. Natthinee simply enjoys quiet time with herself – reflecting, thinking, feeling. What used to seem “boring” became essential.
“I love this quote from the series Sathu: ‘People say they love themselves but can’t stand being alone. They’re constantly looking for someone or something to fill the void.’”
Her self-awareness shifted. She learned to embrace both strengths and flaws. “I used to be a perfectionist, trying to fix everything myself and those around me. But life has taught me that there’s no black or white, only shades of grey. I no longer push away my imperfections. I accept them and grow.”
She became kinder to herself. “Once I learned self-compassion, I could truly show compassion to others.”
Wearing Earrings and a Stethoscope
She may be known for her floral dresses, delicate earrings peeking out from her white coat, and soft perfume – but she doesn’t consider herself fashionable. “I love street food, wear what I like, and enjoy looking after myself – not for anyone else, but because it makes me happy.”
Her consulting room features a large white rose bouquet, plush toys, and a warm ambiance. She adores flowers and nature, especially sunset views over lakes, each one unique, yet consistently beautiful. “When I sit in nature, I’m reminded that my problems are tiny in the grand scheme of things.”
Walking Beside Her Patients
Though she’s easily recognisable, Dr. Natthinee believes it’s the little human touches that count most.
“No two patients are the same, even if they have the same condition. Some want detailed explanations. Some just want to be heard. I try to sense their needs and fill that gap before they leave my room. The person in front of me is what matters most.”
She walks alongside each patient step by step through their treatment plans. “I explain their options, what the medication does, and what to expect. I want them to feel empowered, not overwhelmed.”
Years ago, as a new doctor, she didn’t understand why some patients didn’t follow advice. Now, she does. “They wear many hats: parent, business owner, carer. Sometimes, health gets deprioritised. So I explain without judgement. I want them to feel safe returning to me.”
In the End, It’s About Meaning
Dr. Natthinee believes that if you understand yourself, you can better understand others. “Everything in life is temporary, including us. But that’s exactly why we must love with intention, act with integrity, and speak from the heart.”
Her philosophy is simple: “Say thank you often. Apologise when needed. Say ‘I love you’ when people are still here to hear it. Live in a way that brings pride, not regret.”
“I know one day I’ll be forgotten. But if I can be a small source of joy or inspiration to someone – even if they don’t remember my name – I’ll be content.”
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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
NATTHINEE MATTANAPOJANAT, M.D.
พญ. ณัฏฐิณี มัทนพจนารถ
Speciality
Internal Medicine
Cardiology
Education
Medical Degree, Doctor of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Board and Sub board Certification
The Medical Council of Thailand, Cardiology, Khon Kaen University
The Medical Council of Thailand, Internal Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
Language
English
Thai
Gender
Female
Schedule
Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Centre
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 08:00 - 19:00 Available on week 2, 4 of the month |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | - |
| Friday | - |
| Saturday | - |
| Sunday | 07:00 - 16:00 |
This is the doctor's regular weekly schedule. Actual availability may vary — please confirm the available date and time when you make an appointment.