Q&A with Cardiologist Rajesh Bhola, MD

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, with a heart attack occurring in the United States approximately every 40 seconds. This broad category includes serious conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, cardiac arrest and stroke. As residents of Public Hospital District No. 2 (Island Health) continue to age, access to more comprehensive cardiology services has been identified as a key priority.

To assist with expanding these services, Dr. Rajesh Bhola, founder of Peace Arch Cardiology in Bellingham, joined the Island Health Medical Staff. This means many patients who are admitted into the hospital or are in the Emergency Department can now have a cardiology consult without the need to transfer to a tertiary facility, keeping care close to home for local residents.

We sat down with Dr. Bhola to learn more about his philosophy and decision to join Island Health.

Q: After a successful career as an independent cardiologist, why have you decided to join Island Health?

A: Supporting the growth of cardiology services means a great deal to me, and to explain why, I need to share a bit of my story. I grew up in India and was raised by my mother after my father passed away when I was 10. We had very little; sometimes I borrowed scraps of paper from classmates just to take notes in school. Even then, I knew I wanted a life filled with purpose. I felt a strong drive to give back and help others, and that fire still burns today. Despite the obstacles I faced, I worked hard to push forward and turn those challenges into motivation to make a difference.

That determination paid off. At just 19, I was accepted into Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi, one of India’s top medical schools. My best friend’s parents generously helped cover my tuition. Becoming a doctor wasn’t just a career choice—it was the fulfillment of my life’s purpose.

After medical school, I moved to the U.S. and underwent residency training in internal medicine at Cook County Hospital Chicago and Cardiology fellowship training at University of Colorado and University of Kansas. I moved to the Pacific Northwest and started a successful, independent cardiology practice in 2008.

Now, I feel called to give back. After meeting Island Health’s leadership team several times, I realized we shared a vision for strengthening cardiology services in the Anacortes area.

Island Health is not a cookie-cutter health system. I admire this team’s courage and commitment to invest in such an essential service. I believe healthcare should be local. My goal is simple: to help patients in this community receive the care they need—close to home.

Q: What’s the most important part of patient care?

A: Listening is where everything begins. When I listen closely, I hear more than symptoms. I hear the story behind the patient’s story. What are they really telling me? What matters most to them as they navigate their heart condition or health? Every person wants to be seen, understood and heard. When we take the time to understand the deeper story, we build real connections and those connections are what help patients heal and live healthier lives.

Q: What might patients be surprised to hear about caring for their heart?

A: Find your happiness. Of course, it’s very important to exercise and eat well, but finding true joy and inner happiness can make all the difference in your health, both emotionally and physically.