Congratulations to Dr. Wan Alyaa Atiqah Wan Zainalam and Dr. Nuzaimah Bani on successfully passing their dissertation viva for the Master in Paediatrics at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), which was conducted today, 6th May 2024. Dr. Wan Alyaa, with her dissertation topic "Arm Span Minus Height and Its Relation to Final Height in Patients with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, received the Best Presentation Award. We extend our gratitude to all the lecturers involved and, of course, our external examiner, Dr. Rozitah Razman from the Paediatric Department at Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab 2, Kota Bharu.

As you both embark on the next chapter of your careers, may you continue to inspire and make significant strides in Paediatric medicine, enriching the lives of countless children and their families. Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved accomplishment!

On 27^th April 2024, Paediatric Department of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) with the  collaboration of Paediatric Club Hospital USM had successfully organized their first-ever East Coast Paediatric Neurology Update. With the theme of: ‘Navigating the Developing Brain: Managing Common Paediatric Neurological Disorders’, this grand event, which was held at H Elite Design Hotel, Kota Bharu, Kelantan had attracted 195 participants from across the country. It aimed to provide continuous education and training in paediatric neurology field. This event had received sponsorship from Medants Technology, Lifeways Sdn Bhd and Eisai.

The opening speech was delivered by Associate Professor Dr Mohamad Ikram bin Ilias, Head of Paediatric Department USM followed by a remarkable keynote from Professor Dr Abdul Razak, Dean of School of Medical Sciences, USM. Subsequently, a mind-blowing gimmick was performed by a hemiplegic cerebral palsy patient named Raja Khairil Nizam, who proudly presented an acrylic brain that symbolized the theme of the event, to Professor Dr Abdul Razak as to officiate the ceremony.

A series of lectures were presented by the renowned speakers, namely Dr Rohaya Mohamad (Paediatric Neurologist Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu), Dr Nor Azni Yahaya (Paediatric Neurologist and Head of Paediatric Department, Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II, Kota Bharu), Professor Dr Zabidi Hussin (Vice Chancellor University of Cyberjaya and Paediatric Neurologist) and Associate Professor Dr Azamin (Paediatric Neurologist, Islamic International University Malaysia, IIUM). Participants were also actively involved in a quiz via Kahoot. 3 lucky winners with the highest scores received prizes from the organizer. Subsequently, 4 interesting cases were presented by Medical Officers from USM, HRPZ II and Hospital UIA for a fruitful and eye-opener discussion from the panelists. Finally, the emcee proceeded with closing remarks and the event was adjourned at 4.35pm.

EAST COAST PAEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY UPDATE 2024

In honor of World Down Syndrome Day, the Pediatric Department of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia launched an initiative to celebrate children with Down syndrome, in collaboration with Yayasan Orang Kurang Upaya Kelantan (YOKUK) on March 2nd, 2024, marking 25 years of YOKUK's service. Sponsored by the Malaysian Pediatric Association (MPA) and AL-Kauthar Edukids, the event took place at Pantai Seri Nipah Bachok Kelantan and welcomed 13 children with Down syndrome, 18 spastic children, and 24 facilitators from medical students of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Management Science University (MSU).

The program aimed.

1. To introduce Down syndrome to the community,
2. Foster family bonds,
3. Provide social stimulation,
4. Expose the children to society, and
5. Offer medical students exposure to community programs and working with special needs children.

Throughout the event, various games were organized to enhance the children's fine motor, gross motor, and social skills,

1. Sandcastle competition They were divided into 5 groups and with the help of facilitators they were asked to build the sandcastle.
2. Dressing- up Games With the materials that have been given to them, they are required to create the most beautiful dress among themselves.
3. Drum circle. We made a circle, and all of the participants will hold percussion and with the help of the leader, they will play the drum and create any songs.
4. Soopa – Doopa
5. Musical Chair.

Despite adverse weather conditions, the event concluded successfully at 2 pm, leaving participants and family members satisfied and hopeful for its continuation annually. The organizers expressed gratitude to the Pediatric Department HUSM and MPA for their support and contributions

On 28^th and 29^th February 2024, Department of Paediatrics Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (Hospital USM) celebrated Paediatric World Cancer Day with great fervour and dedication towards raising awareness about childhood cancer and advocating for the welfare of childhood cancer patients. This event was in conjunction with World Cancer Day Celebration at the hospital level which were also participated by other departments who directly involved in the treatment of cancer patients namely Department of Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy And Oncology, Department of Radiology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Surgery and Stem Cell Unit. The event aimed to shed light on the journey faced by children battling cancer and emphasize the importance of early detection, access to quality treatment, and support systems that available for affected patients and families. About 250 visitors that consisted of hospital visitors, patients and hospital staff had attended the booth.

Event Highlights

1) Awareness Campaigns: Various awareness campaigns were organized throughout the days, including cancer talk, quizzes about common Paediatric Oncology- early signs and symptoms, common types and treatment available. These initiatives aimed to educate the public about childhood cancer, its signs, available treatment options, and the importance of timely intervention. Visitors received prizes like hampers, goodies bags, and souvenirs for the quizzes attempted. They also received brochures that contained important information regarding childhood cancer.

2) Survivor Stories: Inspirational videos presentation was delivered by paediatric cancer survivors, sharing their journeys of resilience, hope, and triumph over adversity, and life after completing treatment. These stories served as powerful reminders of the strength and courage exhibited by paediatric cancer patients and highlighted the importance of continued support and advocacy.

3) Fundraising Initiatives: Fundraising initiatives were organized to raise funds for paediatric cancer patients. This included selling of cakes, sampul raya and donation to help cancer patients who are currently ongoing treatment.

The Paediatric World Cancer Day celebration was a resounding success, bringing together healthcare professionals, hospital visitors, patients, and their families to unite in the fight against childhood cancer. Through education, support, and advocacy, we reaffirmed our commitment to improve outcomes for childhood cancer patients and work towards a future where no child has to face cancer alone. We would like to thank t Paediatrics Department Hospital USM and Malaysian Paediatric Association (MPA) for the support and contribution