Mummy’s Cardiologist passed away yesterday

Today morning, while having breakfast, PohPoh noticed this report in TheStar:

Tuesday October 30, 2007

Celebrated cardiologist killed in mishap

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Dr Nik Zainal Abidin Abdul Rahman who set up the first fully equipped cardiac catheterisation laboratory at the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital in 1977 was killed in an accident in Bentong yesterday.

Dr Nik Zainal, 65, whose four-wheel drive collided with a trailer at about 5pm near the Karak Highway, died at the scene. A friend who was accompanying him escaped unhurt.

A traffic police spokesman said Dr Nik Zainal was heading towards Bentong town from his house in Janda Baik and was about to enter the highway when the incident occurred.

Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican described Dr Nik Zainal as a cardiologist who brought fame to the hospital and the country in general.

“His contribution in the medical field is immense and so is his reputation. He produced so many good doctors especially cardiologists in this country,” he said.

Dr Nik Zainal was also a member of the team that was involved in the first coronary by-pass surgery in the country on Oct 22, 1982.

(from thestar.com.my)

When Mummy had heart problem? Well, it was a long long story. When Mummy was born, PohPoh was working a nurse in clinic. In hospital, a lot of doctors (friends) came and visit. As usual, doctors would start checking Mummy, the baby. KongKong and PohPoh friends found some abnormal sound in Mummy’s heart.

That time during 1970s, there were not many cardiologist. Mummy was referred to Dr Nik Zainal who was the best cardiologist during that time. Mummy was sent to KL and was specially referred by PohPoh’s friend who was a Doctor and also Dr Nik Zainal close friend.

To cut the story short, Mummy was found with murmur in the heart which did not need any surgery but further observation till adult. After a few times, seeing Dr Nik Zainal, then referred us to Dr Ng a cardiologist in Penang which was nearer for us. From then onward, Mummy had been seeing Dr Ng on yearly basis until teenage age. Dr Ng said that as Mummy grew the sound getting softer which was good news. Mummy’s murmur didn’t grow bigger.

Mummy used to be a blue baby when young and was not allowed to join any sports. However, Mummy began to join athletics and martial art during secondary school, poly and uni times which actually surprised KongKong, PohPoh and a lot of people. Even though Mummy did not make it to the state level, Mummy was quite happy to be able to be active.

So, when Mummy’s was pregnant, Mummy was closely monitored by Dr Raman due to this history and also Mummy was Thallasemia minor.

This post is especially dedicated to Dr Nik Zainal. Mummy may not know you personally (because Mummy was a baby then) but you were a great and humble doctor even though you are a celebrated Cardiologist (as KongKong and PohPoh informed Mummy).