A Cardiologist with a Personal Connection to Heart Disease
– Dr. Tachawut Tiensuntisook –
Heart disease is complex, but electrophysiology is even more intricate. This specialised field reveals a wealth of information about the health problems a patient is facing, and it is the role of Dr. Tachawut Tiensuntisook, a cardiologist at the Heart, Kidney, and Metabolism Centre at BNH Hospital, to decipher these intricate patterns. However, what truly makes Dr. Tachawut an exceptional heart specialist is not only his technical expertise but also his personal understanding of heart disease, as he is part of a family affected by the condition.
A Doctor's Journey
“When I was in Year 8, my father became very ill. He had a stroke, and his liver was severely infected. During that time, I was extremely anxious. Everything seemed to be falling apart. My mother had to manage everything while my father was in hospital for nearly a year before he recovered. That experience marked the beginning of my decision to pursue medicine.”
After completing his high school studies, Tachawut entered the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University. By his fourth year, he was certain that cardiology was his true calling. Upon graduation, he took part in a special programme, serving for one year at the internal medicine department of Phrapokklao Hospital in Chanthaburi. He then pursued further education in internal medicine and chose to specialise in cardiology, a field he had been passionate about since his early medical school days.
“Cardiology offers a unique opportunity to turn a truly terrible day into the best one. It’s an emergency specialty – if the condition is severe, the patient can die, but if we intervene in time, we can save their life.”
One memorable case where Dr. Tachawut was involved in turning a patient’s worst day into the best was a male patient in his senior years. The patient had three blocked coronary arteries, leading to cardiac arrest. Even after the patient was revived through CPR, he needed to remain on a heart-lung machine and mechanical support for nearly a month. During that period, the patient suffered from arrhythmias, but after several surgeries, medications, and more than a month of intensive care, his condition stabilised. When he was discharged from the hospital, he required a pacemaker to be fitted permanently.
“I may not be very good at talking, but I am a great listener. To gain the trust of a patient, I always let them talk first. I listen to them carefully and give them time. This makes them feel like we care. When it comes to treatment, I always examine the patient thoroughly and provide Complete Care – viewing them as a person, not just a disease. We treat them comprehensively, and we work as a team, alongside surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, and nutritionists, to ensure that the patient receives the best possible care.”
A Career Dedicated to Electrophysiology
Dr. Tachawut began working part-time at BNH Hospital while still specialising in cardiology and later in electrophysiology. Electrophysiology is a subspecialty that involves using radiofrequency ablation to treat arrhythmias, inserting pacemakers, and interpreting electrocardiograms (ECGs) to identify areas where the heart rhythm is abnormal.
“Our job is akin to decoding a secret message. A single ECG can reveal so much. We need to understand why certain patterns appear and what underlying conditions they may point to.”
After completing his training in electrophysiology, Dr. Tachawut transitioned to a full-time role at BNH Hospital, where he has worked ever since.
“When I came here, I wasn’t disappointed. I felt very comfortable. The team is great, and we all work together to take care of the patients. We can easily talk things through, like being siblings. If I’m unsure about something, I can simply pick up the phone and call someone. This collaboration makes everything run smoothly. The facilities are excellent, and the equipment is all top-notch, which is why I decided to stay full-time at BNH Hospital.”
Caring for His Father: A Personal Insight into Patient Care
The turning point in Dr. Tachawut’s journey into medicine was when his father became seriously ill in his youth. Although his father overcame the crisis and regained near-full health, he remained at high risk for further complications. Not long ago, his father underwent heart surgery, and Dr. Tachawut was closely involved in adjusting his medications and working alongside the heart surgery team to ensure a successful recovery.
“Looking after my father gave me peace of mind because I know everything about his condition. I understand what could happen and what the consequences might be if we do or don’t do something.”
However, caring for a family member presents its own set of challenges. As with many parents, Dr. Tachawut found that his father sometimes listened more to others than to his own son. This has led Dr. Tachawut to consult with senior doctors to help guide his father’s care.
“I think that the families of patients are like my relationship with my father. Some children care for their parents very well, but there are often disagreements. Parents may feel that others know better, and don’t want to be told what to do. As an outsider, we have to reassure the patient that what their children are saying is valid and that they are only concerned for their well-being. This helps the family understand each other better.”
This personal experience has made Dr. Tachawut more empathetic towards both his patients and their families. With his natural ability to listen, he often helps alleviate the emotional concerns of patients.
“I often hear patients asking, ‘Why haven’t I improved? Why has this gotten worse? Why haven’t I recovered?’ Having gone through a similar experience with my father, I completely understand how they feel. What’s most important when talking to a patient’s family is to listen with empathy. That’s something I try to do with every patient.”
A Quiet Moment to Recharge: Books and Movies
Dr. Tachawut describes himself as an introverted listener. His hobbies include spending time alone, reading books, and watching movies in peace.
“I read a lot, and my interests change over time. But in the past five years, one book that really impressed me was ‘Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind’. It’s a documentary-style exploration of humanity’s origins and development, and I think the author did a brilliant job. There are other good books, but none as impactful as this one. The latest edition is out, and I plan to read it soon.”
Dr. Tachawut also enjoys reading self-help books, which have helped him understand people better and improve himself.
“There’s an overwhelming number of ‘How-to’ books these days, from perfectionism and making every moment count to learning how to give yourself a break. I’ve read many of them, and I’ve gained an understanding of different ways of thinking. Even if we don’t agree with someone’s perspective, understanding it helps us empathise with them. Many of my patients come from different backgrounds, and while I may not have encountered every type of person, reading has helped me know how to communicate with them.”
Inspiration from Movies: ‘The Shawshank Redemption’
Dr. Tachawut’s favourite film is ‘The Shawshank Redemption’, a film he has watched many times.
“I love this film because it’s one of the few that makes you feel that life can have meaning. The protagonist slowly digs his way out of prison, and it’s about perseverance, not giving up. Even when faced with adversity, he continues to pursue his dream. When he finally escapes, it’s a profoundly moving scene. Sometimes, when life presents difficulties, I think of this film and remind myself to keep pushing forward, just like the character did.”
Living by the Words of a Favourite Author
Dr. Tachawut’s life philosophy is inspired by the words of his favourite writer, ‘Roundfinger’, who said, “Do something, love someone, and endure something.”
“We can’t do everything, but we can focus on doing what we’re good at and do it to the best of our ability. We also need to love those who are important to us and endure the challenges life brings. If we do these three things, life will be much more meaningful.”
Dr. Tachawut continues to strive for self-improvement, always learning and aiming to do his best. “I want people to remember me as a doctor who is truly committed and cares deeply for my patients.”
The Doctor Who Listens
If you have the opportunity to consult with Dr. Tachawut, you will experience his commitment to listening, and each time you return for follow-up, you will see his growing effort to understand both the patient and their family, because he has walked that path himself.
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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
TACHAWUT TIENSUNTISOOK, M.D.
นพ. ธัชชาวุฒิ เทียนสันติสุข
Speciality
Internal Medicine
Cardiology
Clinical Interest
Cardiology
Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology
Internal Medicine
Education
Medical Degree, Doctor of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Fellowship
Electrophyslologist, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand
Cardiology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand
Internal Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Board and Sub board Certification
The Medical Council of Thailand, Internal Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
The Medical Council of Thailand, Cardiology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital
Language
English
Thai
Gender
Male
Schedule
Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Centre
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | - |
| Tuesday | - |
| Wednesday | 07:30 - 16:00 |
| Thursday | 07:30 - 16:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 19:00 Available on week 2, 4 of the month |
| Saturday | 07:30 - 16:00 |
| Sunday | 07:30 - 16:00 Available on week 2, 4 of the month |
This is the doctor's regular weekly schedule. Actual availability may vary — please confirm the available date and time when you make an appointment.