Tsewang Yishey Pemba

Tibetan doctor and writer

Tsewang Yishey Pemba (5 June 1932 – 26 November 2011) was a pioneering Tibetan doctor and writer. He is recognized as the first Tibetan to become a qualified medical doctor and was also a prolific author, contributing significantly to Tibetan literature and cultural preservation.

Early Life and Education

Tsewang Yishey Pemba was born in Gyantse, Tibet, into a prominent family. His father, Pemba Tsering, was a senior official in the Tibetan government. Pemba was sent to India for his education, attending St. Joseph's School, Darjeeling, and later St. Joseph's College, Darjeeling. He pursued medical studies at Calcutta Medical College, becoming the first Tibetan to qualify as a medical doctor.

Medical Career

After completing his medical education, Pemba returned to Tibet, where he worked as a doctor. He was instrumental in modernizing medical practices in Tibet, introducing Western medical techniques and knowledge. His work was crucial in bridging traditional Tibetan medicine with modern medical practices.

Pemba Rimshi with colleagues in Lhasa, 1952

Literary Contributions

In addition to his medical career, Pemba was a prolific writer. He wrote several books and articles, both in English and Tibetan, focusing on Tibetan culture, history, and the challenges faced by Tibetans in the modern world. His works are considered important contributions to Tibetan literature and have been influential in preserving Tibetan cultural identity.

Later Life and Legacy

Pemba spent his later years in Kalimpong, India, where he continued to write and engage with the Tibetan community. He passed away on 26 November 2011. His legacy lives on through his writings and the impact he had on Tibetan medicine and literature.

Related Pages

• Tibetan medicine
• Tibetan literature
• Gyantse
• Kalimpong