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KUCHING, July 5: Dr Diana Foo, a clinician researcher at the Clinical Research Centre (CRC) of Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), has recently been selected as one of the 25 ‘2023 Emerging Leaders’ of the World Heart Federation (WHF).
According to Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Dr Foo is the only one from Malaysia and one of only two from the Asean region selected.
“We are proud of the achievements and prestigious recognition for Dr Diana Foo in clinical research (which highlights) her sheer perseverance in pursuing unconventional paths.
“Moreover, it’s personally satisfying to witness individuals like Dr Foo who have emerged through, now carrying the (Sarawak) flag, soaring high. This is what legacy is about,” he said in a congratulatory remark posted on his social media yesterday.
Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, pointed out that Dr Foo’s selection as the WHF’s 2023 Emerging Leaders cohort is fitting, given the remarkable progress and advancements in cardiac services at SGH since its establishment in 2001.
Dr Sim was the first head of the centre from 2003 to 2011.
“Our cardiac images be it echo, angiogram, cardiac MRI, cardiac CT are all in digital format.
“SGH has become one of the few cardiac centres in the world with 22 years of digital data (embracing artificial intelligence in research in cardiology). This is owing to the foresight of ensuring digital Y2K at the time (where) all new medical equipment acquired must be digital Y2K compliant,” he explained.
Dr Sim expressed gratitude to all those who have shared the vision and passionately pursued the common mission through CRC SGH as their collective efforts have undoubtedly played a vital role in the success of individuals like Dr Foo.
Meanwhile, the 2023 Emerging Leaders cohort includes candidates from 19 countries across five continents.
The 2023 cohort marks the programme’s ninth year and will focus on digital health and cardiovascular disease such as coronary heart disease, hypertension and atrial fibrillation.
According to the World Heart Federation, WHF Salim Yusuf Emerging Leaders Programme was created to form and develop a long-term cadre of experts who collaborate, research, and act to reduce premature mortality from cardiovascular disease globally.
The programme, designed by Dr Salim Yusuf in 2014, provides training and networking opportunities in cardiovascular health policy and implementation research for healthcare practitioners, researchers, and global health advocates. — DayakDaily
