PUTRAJAYA: Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has been appointed as the Chair of the Global Surgery Committee of the International Society of Surgery (ISS) for the 2017-2021 term.
The appointment was announced on Dec 25 by ISS.
In a statement today, Dr Noor Hisham said his appointment was part of his role as the Councillor at Large in ISS Executive Committee.
Prior to his latest appointment, he was also appointed to the Executive Board of ISS as Councillor at Large for a five-year term from 2017 to 2021 which was announced on Aug 17 during the 47th World Congress of Surgery General Assembly 2017.
He is the first Malaysian to receive such recognition.
"This adds to the honour for the country; to lead and serve this renowned global society," Dr Noor Hisham said.
On his appointment as the Chair of the Global Surgery Committee of ISS, he said: "It is with utmost honour and humility, I accepted this global leadership role to engage with all national chapters and representatives from respective countries, to develop framework in teaching and training programmes particularly in developing countries, coupled with improving the organisation to adapt changes based on creative ideas and innovations.
"This role will also project ISS as a global organisation in surgical development towards quality care and focusing on patient safety.
"More important is the recognition and confidence of the international community in our doctors, surgeons and Malaysian Civil Service which is Par Excellence."