To register for the program, click here.
Dear Esteemed Physician Friends,
As ones who have devoted our lives to caring for others, we all recognize the immeasurable value of “time” — an invaluable resource critical to saving lives. Yet while we tirelessly serve our patients, the overwhelming weight of workloads, chronic sleep deprivation, and accumulated stress can quietly erode our health, often without our being aware of it.
According to the National Statistical Office of Thailand, in 2024, the physician-to-population ratio has improved to 1:922. However, many of our colleagues, particularly those serving in rural areas, continue to shoulder relentless, onerous responsibilities. Alarmingly, a growing number of doctors are experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, and palpitations. These may be subtle yet ominous warning signs of cardiac arrhythmia, a condition that frequently goes undetected.
The statistics are concerning; in 2021, over 1.5 million people in Thailand were diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmias, a number that continues to trend upward, particularly among seniors. However, this condition is not limited to older adults. It can affect individuals across all age groups. And for us doctors, chronic fatigue and stress are significant risk factors.
Heart Disease: The Silent Crisis in the Medical Community
Cardiac arrhythmias often manifest without persistent or noticeable symptoms, making timely diagnosis a challenge. This difficulty is further compounded by the dearth of cardiac electrophysiologists in Thailand, resulting in many physicians lacking access to advanced diagnostic tools or specialist consultations. Without accurate diagnosis and precise intervention, it can lead to severe complications such as ischemic stroke, pulmonary embolism, and heart failure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular mortality by up to threefold.
The loss of a medical professional reverberates far beyond personal grief. It delivers a wrenching blow to the healthcare system as a whole. “One doctor can care for and save the lives of many.”
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Save Doctors’ Heart: A Peer-to-Peer Initiative Born from the Heart
Besides heart disease, many doctors also had concerning conditions like liver disease, hypertension, and elevated blood sugar. These highlight the issue of "neglect" in self-care.
Many doctors may already be familiar with the inaugural “Save Doctors’ Heart” project, which took place in 2022. The program was warmly received by medical professionals nationwide, with 1,532 doctors expressing interest and 1,236 eligible for screening. The screening identified heart abnormalities in 10 doctors, most of whom were asymptomatic. All received timely interventions, including coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG), coronary angiography (CAG), and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with balloon angioplasty and stent placement.
As we recognize the overriding significance of this issue, the Cardiology Center at MedPark Hospital is once again continuing the “Save Doctors’ Heart” initiative.
Because the Heart of a Doctor ... is a Heart that Cares for the Whole World.
Good health is essential for fulfilling our responsibilities and providing patients with the highest quality of care. The “Save Doctors’ Heart 2025” initiative is not merely a screening program but a call to action, reminding us of the critical importance of taking heart health seriously.
MedPark Hospital Cardiology Center offers advanced cardiac electrophysiology services with a dedicated multidisciplinary team and cutting-edge technology. We sincerely hope this initiative can support and promote doctors' health across Thailand, ensuring they live long, healthy lives and enabling them to remain “vigorous caregivers” and “a dependable source of medical support for patients” for years to come.
Act now, taking care of the "hearts" of our colleagues and our own.
To register for the program, click here.
For more details, contact the Cardiology Center at MedPark Hospital, Tel: 02-090-3104