GEORGE TOWN: A lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)'s Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (IPPT) in Bertam, Dr Teoh Soo Huat, recently received the Dr Peter G. Lindner Award from the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), United States of America.
OMA is the largest organisation comprising physicians, nurses and physician assistants who are involved in raising the standards of care for people living with obesity.
Dr Teoh, 39, is the sole award recipient outside the United States, which recognises contributions of clinicians in the field of obesity medicine.
"This award serves as a motivation for me to continue my role in the field of obesity medicine in Malaysia.
I want to provide quality obesity care to patients and to train doctors with similar interests in this country.
"I am grateful to the opportunities provided by USM to develop my interest in this field." he said.
The obesity medicine doctor and family medicine specialist at the Department of Clinical Medicine in IPPT strives to assist the Malaysian community in dealing with the disease of obesity, which is prevalent in the country, through evidence-based treatments.
"We offer clinical services to people living with obesity by providing lifestyle advice, behaviour modifications, anti-obesity medications, and discussion on bridging to bariatric surgery.
"Data collected from the increasing number of patients follow up could be used for research to improve obesity care in the country. This is also in line with the function of an academic institution and USM's status as a research university." he added.
Teoh, born in Jelutong, has been involved in this field for close to 12 years, including serving for seven years with the Health Ministry prior to working at USM.
With the scholarship from USM and the Higher Education Ministry, Teoh completed his obesity medicine subspecialty training in Ottawa, Canada in 2022.
He had earlier received an award as a National Fellow from the World Obesity Federation in 2020.