The escalating cost of healthcare in Malaysia has become a pressing concern. With private hospitals increasing charges and insurance premiums rising in tandem, many Malaysians find themselves priced out of private care. This growing financial burden is forcing more people to turn to public hospitals, placing unprecedented pressure on a system already operating at capacity.…
All posts in Thoughts
Strategic Framework for KOM 2025–2030: Realising Competence and Compassion
The Kulliyyah of Medicine (KOM) at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) has developed a transformative strategic framework for 2025–2030. Guided by the Tawhidic worldview, the framework integrates faith (iman), knowledge (‘ilm), and good character (akhlaq) into every aspect of its academic, research, and community engagement efforts. It aims to produce healthcare professionals who embody…
My Pray
I feel so tired, the nights turn grey, My mind keeps spinning, worries stay. From top and bottom, demands don’t sway, Yet Allah guides me, come what may. The leaders question, their doubts they say, The staff grow restless, their hopes decay. Resources dwindle, fears find their way, But Allah’s wisdom will not delay. No…
Embracing Sustainable Healthcare for a Healthier Planet and Future
Sustainable healthcare is a transformative approach that not only ensures the effective delivery of healthcare services but also aligns with the principles of planetary health. Planetary health recognises the interconnectedness of human health and the environment, emphasising that the well-being of humanity depends on the health of the Earth’s ecosystems. By reducing healthcare’s environmental impact,…
Strengthening MBBS Curriculum through Tawhidic Epistemology
The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) MBBS programme was recently accredited for another five years, with a revised curriculum set to launch for the 2025/2026 cohort. This new curriculum restructures the programme into the university’s three-semester academic system, aligning it with the broader university framework. It also emphasises practical and clinical skills in assessments and…
One Health as an Approach and Planetary Health as the Outcome
Recently, I had the privilege of catching up with an old colleague, Professor Razita Sham, who has been appointed as a Professor in the Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Prof Razita, who is retiring from UNIMAS, and I share a professional history. Although she is more senior than I am, we completed…
Using AI in Medicine and Preparing a Framework for Medical Education
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine is transforming healthcare, enabling advanced diagnostics, improved decision-making, and operational efficiencies. However, its application requires careful consideration to ensure that the essence of patient care—ethical responsibility and compassion—is maintained. Clear guidelines are essential to navigate this evolving landscape while simultaneously preparing medical professionals to harness AI effectively…
Impact Over Output in Education and Research
In the modern landscape of education and community engagement, success has long been measured by outputs—metrics like the number of publications, course completions, or participants reached. While these indicators of process are essential, they often offer only a superficial view of the real-world change that such efforts can achieve. True impact extends beyond these processes,…
Expanding Flexibility in Malaysia’s Medical Specialist Training
The evolving demands on healthcare systems worldwide have highlighted the need for direct-care physicians to adopt educational roles. A recent JAMA article by Sweigart, Watson, and Burger (2024) emphasises this trend, explaining that more physicians are being called upon to act as educators as training expands to new healthcare settings. This development is particularly relevant…
Lonely
Reluctant I stood, thrust into this place,Not chosen by will, yet I embrace the grace,A weight I carry, solemn and true,Guided by purpose, though unsure of the view. Time fades to whispers, deadlines blur,I heed no pressure from titles that stir,If power deems me fit to leave,Indifference shields what I believe. Climbing the curve, each…