By Tan Mei Kuan
Organised by Malaysia Spine Society (MSS), Ipoh hosted the 7th International Malaysia Spine Society Scientific Congress which was held from August 2 to 4 at WEIL Hotel.
“MSS started as a small discussion group. I still remember we gathered at hospital cafeterias, small seminar rooms in different hospitals, sometimes around corners during conference or meeting to discuss cases, surgical techniques, tips and share experiences. Then, MSS was established in 2006,” recalled Professor Dr Sabarul Afian Mokhtar, President of Malaysia Spine Society.
“The purpose of the society is to strengthen and promote best spinal care to our nation, through education, research training and ethical practice. Some of our programmes are the Northern Spine Symposium, East Coast Spine Circle Meeting and spine instructional courses. We are also very supportive of the Ministry of Health Spine Fellowship Programme,” he explained during the opening ceremony which was combined with a trade exhibition.
Running on the theme, “Efficacy and Safety in Spine Surgery”, the congress aimed to deliver the development of research and innovation within the framework of enhancing the safety and efficacy in the field of spine surgery and spine care. The scientific programme featured a plethora of sessions with local and international speakers from South East Asia, Indian Subcontinent, West Asia, the Far East and Australia.
The conference, with a day pre-congress workshop on patients’ examination techniques, was attended by more than 300 national and international spine surgeons, medical practitioners, allied health professionals, nurses, researchers and postgraduate students as well as supported by 28 industry partners.
Present were Dato’ Dr K.S. Sivananthan, Organising Chairman cum prominent Ipoh spine surgeon and Dr Zairul Anuar Kamarul Bahrin, Scientific Co-chairman.
MSS is a medical society for healthcare professionals from Malaysia who specialise in spine surgery. For more updates, visit www.mss.org.my.
