The 2nd annual East Coast Pediatrics Neurology Update 2025 was held on the 24th of May 2025 at the premises of the Health Campus of University Sains Malaysia at Dewan Kuliah 3. The conference was attended by 103 doctors, nurses and allied health professionals from all over the east coast peninsula of Malaysia. During the 9 hours program, 3 experts shared updates on current management strategies and new treatments – focusing on developmental delay, epileptic encephalopathy, cerebral palsy and myopathies. 

The event started with a welcoming speech by the Head of Department of Paediatrics, Asst. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ikram bin Illias, then followed by the officiating speech by the Hospital Director, Professor Dato' Dr. Ab Rahman Izaini, setting a warm and enthusiastic tone for the day. 

Welcoming speech by the Head of the department of Paediatrics, Asst Prof. Dr. Mohd Ikram Illias

Officiating speech by the Hospital Director, Professor Dato' Dr. Ab Rahman Izaini

Officiating gimmick to kick-start the event

The symposium began with Dr. Nor Azni Yahaya presenting on “Global Developmental Delay in Children,” addressing the most fundamental challenge in paediatrics. This was followed by another session by Dr. Nor Azni Yahaya on “Developmental Epileptic Encephalopathy: Management Update, highlighting recent advances in treatment strategies, emphasizing emerging therapies and personalized approaches that aim to improve seizure control and developmental outcomes

Dr. Nor Azni Yahaya in action

The symposium resumed with Dr Rohaya Mohamad discussing “Macrocephaly and Microcephaly in Children”, providing a structured approach to evaluating abnormal head growth patterns, followed by an in-depth discussion on “Cerebral Palsy: Diagnosis and Aetiology,” which emphasized early identification and the diverse underlying causes of the condition

Dr Rohaya giving her lecture

Dr. Wan Mohd Aiman then presented on “Cerebral Palsy: Rehabilitation Management”. The session underscored the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on individualized therapy plans to optimize functional outcomes, enhance quality of life of the affected children and hence providing a better prognosis overall.

Dr Wan Mohd Aiman engaging with the audience

A lunch talk was delivered by Dr. Nor Azni Yahaya on “Dysport in Cerebral Palsy”, focusing on the use of botulinum toxin in spasticity management. Just like Botox, Dysport offers another option that is safe, effective, durable and cost effective for long term care.

Participants were captivated by the lecture.

The afternoon sessions featured Dr Azamin, who presented on “Unlocking the Mystery of Common Myopathies”. This extensive topic was effectively deconstructed into practical approaches and clinical algorithms, making the content more accessible and easier to comprehend for participants. The final topic presented by Dr Azamin was “An “Old” Chapter: Progress and Challenges in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy”   - where he reflected on our current stand with the disease, our challenges with getting earlier diagnosis and steps to be taken for a better prognosis.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Azamin in his element

The event concluded with a quiz and prize-giving ceremony followed by a token–giving ceremony to the speakers for their contributions.

On May 22, 2025, the Paediatric Department of Hospital Pakar USM organized a Paediatric Respiratory Seminar aimed at enhancing clinical knowledge in paediatric pulmonology. The seminar focused on strengthening the management and care of pediatric patients, introducing the latest treatment modalities, increasing awareness of pediatric respiratory diseases, and fostering knowledge exchange among medical professionals.

The event was led by Dr Nur Aishah binti Mazlan under the supervision of Associate Professor Dr. Mohamad Ikram bin Ilias, Head of the Paediatric Department. It attracted 88 participants from various hospitals and clinics across Kelantan.

We were honored to host two esteemed speakers: Dr. Robert Roseby, a Paediatric Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Physician at Monash Children's Hospital, Australia , and Dr. Mariana Bt Daud, Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Respiratory Consultant at Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II in Kota Bharu. They delivered insightful lectures on topics including post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans, updates on asthma management, the role of biologics in severe pediatric asthma, and the assessment of obstructive sleep apnea in children. The seminar concluded with a practical session on proper respiratory examination techniques conducted by Dr. Roseby.

We hope that all participants found the seminar informative and gained valuable, up-to-date knowledge to enhance their clinical practice

Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (HPUSM) is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Malaysian Neonatal Resuscitation Program (MyNRP) Advanced Provider Course held from April 22-23, 2025, at the BPSP, HPUSM.

The two-day intensive training program led by course director Dr. Farohah Che Mat Zain and her dedicated team saw the participation of 35 healthcare professionals, including doctors and paramedics from various departments including Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Emergency Medicine, Operation Theatre, Surgical Ward, and Executive Ward.

Program Objectives;

The training program focused on several key objectives:

• Enhancing participants' knowledge and skills in neonatal resuscitation algorithm according to the latest international guidelines
• Developing practical competencies in managing newborn emergencies during the critical first minutes of life
• Fostering interdepartmental collaboration to ensure coordinated care during neonatal emergencies
• Building confidence in healthcare providers to execute effective resuscitation techniques in high-pressure situations
• Standardizing neonatal care protocols across departments to improve patient outcomes

Course Structure and Content

Day 1 (April 22, 2025)

The course began with registration and an introduction to the MyNRP hands-on training approach.

The speakers given by

• Dr Farohah Che Mat Zain
• Foundations of neonatal resuscitation
• Anticipating and preparing for resuscitation
• Initial steps of newborn care
• Use of resuscitation devices for positive pressure ventilation
• Intubation techniques (including management of meconium-stained liquor)
• Laryngeal mask airway placement
• Chest compressions
• Medications and umbilical venous cannulation

• Dr Nor Rosidah Ibrahim
• Resuscitation and stabilization of preterm babies
• Post-resuscitation care

• AP Dr Noraida Ramli
• Ethics and end-of-life care
• Improving resuscitation team performance
• Resuscitation outside the delivery room
• Quality improvement strategies

The first day concluded with integrated skills practice sessions led by the instructor team.

Day 2 (April 23, 2025)

The second day focused on assessment and practical application:

• Theory examination (MCQ format)
• Integrated performance skills practice covering, Positive pressure ventilation, Laryngeal mask airway placement, Intubation techniques, Chest compressions, Medication administration and umbilical venous catheterization. Simulation and debriefing sessions emphasizing leadership, teamwork, and communication, Feedback and summation.

Course Impact 

The Department of Paediatrics at HPUSM extends sincere gratitude to all 35 participants, 12 instructors, and 17 organizing committee members for their dedication and commitment to enhancing these critical lifesaving skills. Under the leadership of the course director, the department reaffirms its commitment to offering regular MyNRP training sessions with the goal of extending this vital knowledge to more healthcare facilities across Malaysia and ensuring optimal care for newborns requiring resuscitation.

View the video showcasing our course journey

The East Coast Endocrine Conference 2025 was successfully held on February 16, 2025, organized by the Department of Paediatrics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, at the prestigious Grand Renal Hotel in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The conference attracted 150 participants from across the eastern states of Malaysia, serving as a significant platform for paediatricians and healthcare professionals to exchange knowledge and advancements in endocrinology.

The event was graced by distinguished speakers, including Associate Professor Dr. Suhaimi Hussain, who not only served as a key speaker but also as the program director. Other esteemed speakers included Associate Professor Dr. Noraida Ramli, Dr. Ahmad Hadif Zaidin from Universiti Sains Malaysia, and Dr. Teoh Sze Teik from Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah. Enhancing the conference’s international outlook, Professor Dr. Loke Kah Yin from the National University of Singapore delivered valuable insights into various endocrinological topics.

A broad spectrum of contemporary endocrine topics was covered, enriching attendees’ knowledge and clinical expertise. Key discussions included the management of short stature, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, congenital hypothyroidism, puberty-related disorders, hypoglycemia, advancements in diabetes technology, small for gestational age, and the role of imaging in diagnosing pituitary disorders. The educational experience was further enhanced through interactive quizzes, fostering participant engagement and awarding prizes to winners.

In addition to the scientific sessions, a pharmaceutical exhibition was set up outside the conference hall, allowing attendees to explore the latest advancements in pharmaceutical solutions related to endocrinology. This segment added an extra dimension to the event, facilitating industry engagement and awareness of cutting-edge developments.

In conclusion, the East Coast Endocrine Conference 2025 successfully provided a dynamic platform for healthcare professionals to stay abreast of the latest advancements in endocrinology. With its comprehensive agenda, expert-led discussions, and interactive sessions, the conference not only deepened participants' understanding of key endocrine topics but also fostered meaningful networking opportunities. This event underscored the importance of ongoing education and collaboration, ensuring that paediatricians and healthcare professionals remain well-equipped to address the evolving challenges in endocrinology.