Malaysian heart rhythm care has reached a new academic milestone with Dr Suraya Hani Kamsani becoming the first Malaysian woman to obtain a PhD in electrophysiology.
The Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist at Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) received her Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Adelaide, Australia, with her work focused on atrial fibrillation and advanced ablation technologies.
Her research includes pulsed field ablation (PFA), an emerging technology for treating abnormal heart rhythms, including first-in-human research in the field.
IJN Acting Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Shaiful Azmi Yahaya said the achievement highlighted the importance of combining clinical practice with research as cardiovascular medicine becomes increasingly technology-driven.
“Clinical excellence today cannot depend solely on experience in the treatment room. It must also be grounded in research, evidence and continuous learning. When our specialists are actively involved in research and advanced academic work, they are better positioned to evaluate new technologies, challenge existing practices and bring meaningful advances into patient care,” he said.
Dr Suraya continued her clinical responsibilities while pursuing her doctoral research and specialises in complex heart rhythm disorders, including catheter ablation and the implantation and management of cardiac rhythm devices.
Her research and publications have also covered atrial fibrillation, pulsed field ablation, cardiac pacing and emerging technologies in electrophysiology.
Dr Suraya said her PhD had strengthened the link between research and clinical practice.
“For me, pursuing a PhD was never simply about obtaining another qualification. Research teaches us to question, to examine evidence more critically and to understand why we do what we do in clinical practice. Ultimately, that knowledge has to come back to the patient whether through better decision-making, safer procedures or new approaches to treatment,” she said.
IJN said the achievement also highlighted opportunities for Malaysian clinicians, particularly women, to pursue specialised cardiovascular fields and contribute to medical research internationally.
