Global Heart Failure Experts Lead Boehringer Ingelheim Workshop

omegakimia@yahoo.com
Posted in Workshop

Boehringer Ingelheim (BI), a global leader in cardiovascular innovation, hosted a prestigious Heart Failure Workshop in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, bringing together leading cardiologists, medical practitioners, and healthcare professionals to tackle the growing heart failure burden in the region.

The workshop featured internationally renowned heart failure specialists, including:

  • Professor Piotr Ponikowski (Poland), co-chair of the 2021 ESC Heart Failure Guidelines and a leading global authority on the pathophysiology and treatment of heart failure.
  • Professor John Atherton (Brisbane, Australia), Director of Cardiology at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and a prominent figure in heart failure research and policy.
  • Professor David Sim (Singapore), Senior Consultant Cardiologist at National Heart Centre Singapore and a regional leader in heart failure and advanced cardiac therapies.

Their participation underscored the global collaboration needed to address heart failure, especially in fast-growing healthcare environments like Vietnam.

Key Highlights of the Workshop:

  • Evidence-Based Updates: Professors Ponikowski, Atherton, and Sim provided insightful updates on heart failure diagnosis, pharmacological advancements, and the integration of the latest ESC and ACC guidelines into everyday clinical practice.
  • Focus on SGLT2 Inhibitors: Cutting-edge discussions focused on the clinical value of SGLT2 inhibitors such as empagliflozin in both HFrEF and HFpEF, supported by recent landmark trials.
  • Case-Based Learning: Real-world patient cases from both Vietnam and international settings were analyzed to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
  • Multidisciplinary Exchange: Participants engaged in panel discussions addressing treatment barriers, healthcare infrastructure gaps, and strategies to optimize outcomes in heart failure patients across Southeast Asia.

Strengthening Vietnam’s Cardiovascular Landscape

This workshop is part of Boehringer Ingelheim’s broader effort to empower local healthcare professionals through continuous medical education, with the ultimate goal of improving lives for patients with chronic cardiovascular conditions.

With consultant cardiologist from Singapore, Dr Jeremy Chai from National Heart Center Singapore, Dr Nithin from Woodlands Hospital & Dr Chan Po Fun from Mount Elizabeth Hospital Singapore!

Consultant Cardiologist from Malaysia: Dr Beni Isman Bin Rusani from KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital 2, Dr Mohd Ridzuan Bin Mohd Said from IIUM & Dr Sharimila Shanmugam from IJN!

Boehringer Ingelheim

About Boehringer Ingelheim

Boehringer Ingelheim is a research-driven pharmaceutical company with a strong focus on cardiovascular, metabolic, and respiratory diseases. Through innovation and partnership, BI is committed to advancing human health across the globe.

Quick Short Tour at Ho Chi Minh Vietnam

Tried Halal@Saigon the night before departure!

Stayed at VinPearl Landmark 81 Hotel, the tallest building in Vietnam! Even taller than Petronas Twin Tower!! Dining in the sky! My room was at Level 59, breakfast at level 66!

Glad to be back in Vietnam HCM after almost 15 years!

Second tallest building in SouthEast Asia!

Menarini GP Symposium 2025: Advancing Primary Care with Practical Clinical Insights in Johor Bahru

omegakimia@yahoo.com
Posted in Drug Talk

The Menarini GP Symposium 2025, held on 29th June 2025 at Amari Hotel, Johor Bahru, brought together a diverse panel of medical experts and general practitioners for a full-day event centred on practical, evidence-based updates relevant to daily clinical practice. Organized by A. Menarini Singapore Pte Ltd, the symposium aimed to empower front-line clinicians with the latest knowledge in multi-disciplinary patient care.

Menarini GP Symposium

The event opened with welcoming remarks by Dr. Tan Zi Han, Chairman of MMA Johor Branch, setting the tone for a day filled with interactive learning and collaboration.

I had the honour of joining as one of the invited speakers at Menarini GP Symposium and presented during the morning plenary alongside Dr. Winton Chong, Consultant ENT Specialist from Hospital Sultan Ismail. My talk focused on cardiovascular safety of COX-2 inhibitors, with an emphasis on bridging secondary and primary care seamlessly for improved patient outcomes.

The rest of the programme featured a series of impactful talks covering a broad range of specialties, including:

  • Allergic Rhinitis and ENT Updates by Dr. Winton Chong
  • Wound Healing and Scar Management by Dr. Lee Chin Yen and Dr. Angeline Tay
  • Cognitive Decline in the Elderly by Dr. Ng Chai Chen
  • Asthma and COPD Treatment Updates by Dr. Ng Khai Lip and Dr. Lim Jin Lee
  • Musculoskeletal Pain and NSAID Safety by Dr. Teoh Tek Jiunn
  • Atopic Dermatitis and Oxidative Stress by Dr. Sam Chian Hoon
  • Wound Management Strategies by Dr. Christopher Hanjian Sheng

This symposium served not only as a platform for scientific exchange but also as a meaningful opportunity for professional connection. It was a personal highlight to reconnect with many old friends and colleagues from Johor Bahru—many of whom I had not seen in years. There was a real sense of camaraderie and shared purpose throughout the day.

As a cardiologist from Institut Jantung Negara (IJN), I was grateful for the chance to contribute and learn from others. The engagement from the GP community was exceptional, and their dedication to ongoing learning is truly commendable.

The event concluded with group photos, networking over refreshments, and a renewed sense of shared commitment to advancing patient care.

A heartfelt thank you to Menarini for organizing such a well-curated symposium and for supporting continued medical education in Malaysia. I look forward to more collaborations in the future.

Optimizing Acid Suppression: Role of Proton Pump Inhibitors Like Nexium in Emergency Care

omegakimia@yahoo.com
Posted in IJN Talks

A focused educational session on acid suppressive therapy was recently delivered to the Emergency Department (ED) medical team at the National Heart Institute (IJN), highlighting the clinical role of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)—with particular emphasis on Nexium (esomeprazole).

Nexium

The talk covered the mechanism of action of PPIs in inhibiting gastric acid secretion, and their critical role in managing stress-related mucosal disease, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and NSAID-induced gastritis—all relevant scenarios in emergency and cardiology settings.

Discussions also addressed the onset of action, dosing strategies, and appropriate indications of Nexium, reinforcing the importance of targeted therapy to avoid overuse or misuse of PPIs, which can be associated with long-term risks such as hypomagnesemia, C. difficile infection, and osteoporosis.

This session aimed to empower IJN ED doctors with practical knowledge for evidence-based use of PPIs, ensuring optimal patient outcomes in acute care.

Thanks AZ for the opportunity & thanks Dr Farina, Dr Suhailan for attending!

Advancing Cardiovascular Care: Highlights from the IVUS-Guided PCI Workshop

omegakimia@yahoo.com
Posted in Slider, Workshop

On a recent weekend in Kuala Lumpur, Boston Scientific successfully organized IVUS-Guided PCI workshop. The event took place at the prestigious EQ Hotel and gathered esteemed interventional cardiologists to share expertise, review case studies, and promote the adoption of imaging-guided PCI techniques in clinical practice.

IVUS-Guided PCI Workshop

The IVUS-Guided PCI Workshop was chaired by two of Malaysia’s leading cardiovascular specialists—Dato’ Sri Dr Azhari Rosman and Datuk Dr Kumara, both representing the National Heart Institute (IJN). Their leadership underscored the importance of advanced imaging tools such as IVUS in improving PCI outcomes, particularly in complex coronary lesions.

The event featured distinguished external speakers including Dr Fam Jiang Ming from Singapore, who contributed international perspectives and valuable insights into contemporary imaging practices. Dato’ Dr Mohd Sapawi from Terengganu also played a key role in the discussions, sharing his clinical experience and reinforcing the relevance of IVUS in daily interventional work across various healthcare settings.

As part of the scientific agenda, I had the privilege of presenting a clinical case involving IVUS-guided ostial stenting, which demonstrated the precision and diagnostic value of IVUS in assessing lesion morphology and optimizing stent deployment—particularly in challenging anatomical locations. The case discussion fostered active engagement among the participants, highlighting the evolving role of imaging in enhancing procedural success and long-term patient outcomes.

This well-curated IVUS-Guided PCI Workshop served not only as a platform for knowledge sharing but also as a testament to the growing emphasis on evidence-based, image-guided interventions in cardiovascular care. Special thanks to Boston Scientific for organizing this meaningful educational event and to all participating faculty for their invaluable contributions.

Empagliflozin in Focus: A Night of Insight at EMVOLUTION 2025

omegakimia@yahoo.com
Posted in Drug Talk

On the evening of 10th May 2025, I had the pleasure of speaking at EMVOLUTION, an educational empagliflozin workshop hosted by Qualitas Health in collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, held at the Royale Chulan Damansara. The event, themed “Empagliflozin’s Revolutionary Management in CRM Continuum”, gathered healthcare professionals for a dynamic discussion on the evolving landscape of chronic disease management.

I was honoured to present on “Managing the ‘Tough Guys’: Patients with Co-morbidities,” where I shared practical approaches to handling complex patient profiles—particularly those with overlapping cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic conditions. As we continue to embrace newer therapies like empagliflozin, it’s clear that we’re entering a new era of patient-centric, multi-disciplinary care.

Dr. Wong Mun Hoe from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur followed with a compelling session titled “The Silent Killer: CKD,” shining a spotlight on the silent burden of chronic kidney disease. We wrapped up with a lively panel discussion in the spirit of a “Tonight Show”, exchanging insights across specialties.

Thanks to all who attended and contributed to the rich dialogue. Events like these remind us of the importance of collaboration in advancing patient outcomes.

Singapore’s Rising Star Program: A Launchpad for Young Talent

omegakimia@yahoo.com
Posted in Workshop

Shaping Asia’s Future in Cardiology: Rising Star Program Highlights Groundbreaking Coronary Intervention Cases

The Rising Star Program in Singapore continues to cement its reputation as a regional platform for clinical excellence and cross-border collaboration. At a recent highlight session chaired by Dr. Jack Tan and Dr. Lee Kwan Seung, distinguished interventional cardiologists from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines came together to share complex coronary intervention cases.

Its a team based presentation

Its my 1st time presenting as a team with other cardiologist from other countries!

Focusing on calcified lesions and bifurcation strategies, the session featured real-world examples demonstrating advanced techniques using IVUS (Intravascular Ultrasound) and RotaPro. These tools were central in optimizing outcomes, especially in challenging cases where precision and plaque modification were critical.

From Malaysia’s approach to heavily calcified left main interventions, to Vietnam’s innovative use of IVUS-guided bifurcation stenting, the diversity of clinical perspectives provided invaluable learning for attendees. Dr. Lee Kwan Seung emphasized the importance of imaging in lesion assessment, while Dr. Jack Tan highlighted how programs like Rising Star are nurturing the next generation of interventional leaders across Asia.

As the program grows, it continues to foster not just technical skill-sharing but also deeper professional ties across borders—solidifying Southeast Asia’s position at the forefront of cardiovascular innovation.

rising star

A group photo for all

Thanks Boston for organizing this event & the opportunity!

Thanks Datuk Dr Shaiful & Datuk Dr Kumara for the guidance!

IJN GP CV Symposium 2025 at Element Kuala Lumpur: Top Insights on Cardiovascular Risk Management for Primary Care Physicians

omegakimia@yahoo.com
Posted in Slider, Workshop

On 20 April 2025, the Institut Jantung Negara (IJN), in collaboration with the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Wilayah Persekutuan Branch, hosted the much-anticipated IJN GP CV Symposium for Primary Care Physicians at the stylish Element by Westin, Kuala Lumpur.

Focused on “Updates in Management of Cardiovascular Risk Factors”, the half-day symposium drew strong attendance from general practitioners eager to enhance their clinical acumen in tackling cardiovascular disease (CVD)—Malaysia’s leading cause of morbidity and mortality.

IJN GP CV Symposium

A Power-Packed Lineup of Experts

The event featured a multidisciplinary team of speakers and panelists from IJN, with insights from seasoned consultants, clinical fellows, and frontliners in emergency medicine and primary care.

Course Director:

  • Datuk Dr. Kumara Guruparan (Consultant Cardiologist, IJN)

Key Speakers & Panelists:

  • Datuk Dr. Ahmad Khairuddin – Senior Consultant Cardiologist, IJN
  • Dr. Aslannif Roslan – Consultant Cardiologist, IJN
  • Dr. Farina Mohd Salleh – Consultant Emergency Physician, IJN
  • Dr. Rhuban A/L M. Sundran – Cardiologist, IJN
  • Dr. Lim Wei Juan – Clinical Fellow, IJN
  • Dr. Mohd Tawfeq Mohd Noor – Clinical Fellow, IJN
  • Dr. Soh Si Ling – Clinical Fellow, IJN
  • Dr. Rowina Lynne Murray – Clinical Fellow, IJN
  • Dr. Shahrul Bin Abdul Mutalib – General Practitioner, Procare Clinic

A Meaningful Impact for Frontline Providers

This symposium underscored the critical role GPs play in early identification, risk assessment, and continuity of care for cardiovascular patients. With a strong focus on practical skills and collaborative care models, attendees left empowered to apply the latest knowledge directly in their practices.

The event also highlighted IJN’s ongoing commitment to professional development, bridging gaps between tertiary care and general practice, and ultimately improving outcomes for patients nationwide.

🩺 Key Takeaways for GPs:

  • Start screening early—even in patients as young as their 30s
  • Use structured history-taking to unearth hidden CV risks
  • Understand the nuances between ACS and CCS
  • Know when to refer and how to manage post-discharge care
  • Advocate for patient health literacy and self-empowerment

Final Words

The IJN GP CV Symposium 2025 wasn’t just a meeting—it was a call to elevate cardiovascular care through proactive, patient-centered general practice. With an impressive lineup of experts and a clinically rich agenda, it set a new benchmark for CME in cardiovascular health.

Thanks again to IJN & AZ for the opportunity for sharing!