Clinical Dietitian, Public Health Leader & National Policy Contributor
Tenzin Wangchuk is a dedicated Registered Dietitian and Head of Department at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) — Bhutan's premier national referral centre — where he also serves as Head of Department, Nutrition and Diet Services. With over 11 years of continuous civil service in clinical and public health nutrition, he brings exceptional depth across individual patient care, national nutrition programmes, and international health partnerships.
He holds an MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics from Mahidol University, Thailand (2022–2024) — one of Asia's most respected nutrition institutions — and a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics from Bharathiar University, India. During his MSc, he completed Internship across Ramathibodhi, Bhumibol, and Siriraj Hospitals in Bangkok. He is an IDF-certified Diabetes Educator, a WHO-certified educator in Maternal Nutrition and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), and a certified Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) educator for Diabetes and MDR-TB.
Tenzin is a Council Member of SAPEN (South Asian Parenteral/Enteral Nutrition) He co-authored Bhutan's inaugural Complementary Feeding Guidelines, led the national team during the 2015 National Nutrition Survey with UNICEF Bhutan, and served as an expert member in the WHO-NCD PEN HEARTS package revision and rollout. His work spans clinical dietetics, national policy, community outreach, and international academic publication.
Areas of Expertise
Peer-Reviewed Research Publication
Influence of Sodium Reduction Using KCL and MSG on the Nutritional Profile and Consumer Acceptability of Bhutanese Cheese Curries
This study directly supports Bhutan's National Salt Reduction Strategy — of which Tenzin is a team member — by scientifically evaluating low-sodium reformulation of traditional Bhutanese cheese curries using potassium chloride (KCl) and monosodium glutamate (MSG) substitution, examining both nutritional outcomes and consumer acceptability in a national food context.
National & International Contributions
Co-Author — Bhutan's Inaugural Complementary Feeding Guidelines
Contributed to the development of Bhutan's first national Complementary Feeding Guidelines — a foundational public health document shaping infant and young child nutrition policy across the country.
Team Leader — 2015 National Nutrition Survey (UNICEF Bhutan)
Led the national team during Bhutan's 2015 National Nutrition Survey, conducted in partnership with UNICEF Bhutan — providing population-level nutrition data to inform government health planning.
Expert Member — WHO-NCD PEN HEARTS Package
Served as expert member in the WHO-NCD PEN HEARTS package revision and rollout to the districts of Bhutan — strengthening national NCD prevention and management at the primary care level.
Team Member — Bhutan's National Salt Reduction Strategy
Contributed expert dietetic knowledge to the development of Bhutan's National Salt Reduction Strategy — a public health initiative targeting cardiovascular disease risk reduction through dietary sodium control.
Expert Member — Ministry of Education & WFP School Dietary Assessment
Participated as an expert member in the Ministry of Education and World Food Programme (WFP) School Dietary Assessment — improving nutritional standards across Bhutan's school feeding programmes.
SPRINKLES Project — National Rollout Lead
Facilitated the national rollout of the SPRINKLES micronutrient supplementation project for children under 5, addressing micronutrient deficiencies at scale across Bhutan.
Professional Journey
Deputy Chief Dietitian & Head of Department — Nutrition & Diet
Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH), Thimphu, Bhutan
January 2025 — Present · Position Level: P2A
Leads the Nutrition and Diet Services department at Bhutan's national referral hospital. Responsibilities span clinical dietetics, departmental management, staff mentorship, policy contribution, and inter-agency collaboration. Also serves as IDF-certified Diabetes Educator, Council Member of SAPEN, Certified Sports Nutritionist & Fitness Coach, and Certified Mental Health Ambassador. Focal person for MBFHI (Mother and Baby Friendly Health Facility Initiative) and vulnerable population care post-COVID.
Doctoral Studies — MSc Nutrition & Dietetics
Mahidol University, Thailand (Study Leave)
2022 — 2024
Completed MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics at Mahidol University — one of Asia's top-ranked institutions for nutrition science. Undertook clinical rotations at Ramathibodhi, Bhumibol, and Siriraj Hospitals in Bangkok. Completed four soft skills courses at FGS, Mahidol University. Research led to publication on sodium reduction in Bhutanese traditional foods.
Senior Dietitian
Paro District Hospital, Bhutan
January 2019 — December 2024 (incl. study leave 2022–24)
Provided senior-level clinical nutrition services at Paro District Hospital, overseeing Medical Nutrition Therapy for a broad patient population. Served as certified educator for PEN (Package of Essential NCD) management and contributed to regional NCD rollout initiatives. Regional Supervisor for the 2nd WHO-NCD Risk Factors STEP survey.
Dietitian
Paro District Hospital, Bhutan
January 2017 — December 2018
Delivered dietetic services and nutritional counseling at Paro District Hospital. Facilitated WHO-certified IYCF education and the Mother and Baby Friendly Health Facility Initiative (MBFHI). Supported national nutrition programmes and community outreach activities.
Dietitian (P4A)
Pemagatshel District Hospital, Bhutan
January 2014 — December 2016
First posting as a Dietitian in the Bhutan Civil Service — providing frontline nutritional care at Pemagatshel District Hospital in Eastern Bhutan. Established foundational clinical nutrition practice and community engagement across a geographically remote district.
Academic Qualifications
MSc Nutrition and Dietetics
Mahidol University, Thailand — Institute of Nutrition
BSc Nutrition and Dietetics
Bharathiar University, Tamil Nadu, India — RVS College of Arts and Science
Diploma in Fitness Management
RVS College of Arts and Science, Bharathiar University, Tamil Nadu, India
BHSE — Bio-Science Stream
Drukgyel Higher Secondary School, Paro, Bhutan · Bhutan Higher Secondary Examination Board
Professional Certifications & Training
Certified Diabetes Educator
IDF — Active Certification
Maternal Nutrition & IYCF Educator
WHO-Certified — Infant & Young Child Feeding
Certified Sports Nutritionist & Fitness Coach
Performance nutrition · Exercise & lifestyle management
Certified Mental Health Ambassador
Mental wellness advocacy & holistic health
Council Member
Active Membership & Council Role
Optima Nutrition Program
Certificate in Nutrition Programme Planning
NCD Programme Management
Online Management Development Programme
Technology in Healthcare — COVID Era
Joint Webinar Certificate
PEN (Package of Essential NCD) Educator
Certified educator for NCD management
MNT Educator — Diabetes & MDR-TB
Certified Medical Nutrition Therapy Educator
Pre-Service Clinical Internships