LIST OF CONSULTANTS:COLUMBIA ASIA HOSPITAL NUSAJAYA
INTERNAL MEDICINE & RHEUMATOLOGY
DR PAGALAVAN LETCHUMANAN
MBBS(Mal) MRCP(UK) FRCP(Edin) AM(Mal.)
Dr Pagalavan secured a place to do medicine in University of Malaya (UM) in 1992 after becoming the top STPM student for the state of Negeri Sembilan in 1991, scoring 5A’s. Upon graduating from UM, he underwent his Housemanship training at Ipoh Hospital after which he was transferred to Pontian District Hospital in 1998. After passing his MRCP Part 1 in 1999, he was transferred to Hospital Sultanah Aminah for further training. He underwent training in several specialities including Nephrology, Cardiology, Neurology and Respiratory medicine. He passed his MRCP Part 2 in 2001 and subsequently left to Edinburgh, UK to complete his MRCP Part 3 clinical exams. He obtained his MRCP (UK) in June 2002.
He worked as a Clinical Specialist at Hospital Sultanah Aminah from July 2002 till June 2005, during which he was put in-charge of ICU and HDU patients for almost 2 years. He also covered as a specialist in Nephrology, Respiratory medicine and Neurology during this period of time. He published a paper on “Melioidosis: The Johor Bahru Experience” in 2005 (MJM Dec 2005; 60(5): 599-605), the first data on Melioidosis from the Southern Region.
In July 2005, he left to continue his subspeciality training in Rheumatology at Selayang Hospital. He was the first to publish a paper on “ Systemic Sclerosis” (Demography, clinical and laboratory features of Systemic Sclerosis in a Malaysian Rheumatology centre. Medical Journal of Malaysia June 2007; 62(2): 117-121) from Malaysia, during his 18 months stay in Selayang Hospital. He resigned from government service in 2006 and joined Monash University Malaysia as a Lecturer. To complete his training in Rheumatology, he went to Singapore General Hospital under the guidance and supervision of A/Prof Julian Thumboo in March 2007 and completed in August 2008. During his stay in Singapore, he published 3 papers in high-ranking International Rheumatology Journals. He was subsequently promoted as Senior Lecturer in Monash University in 2009. He received his Fellowship of Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (FRCP) in May 2010. He left Monash University and joined Columbia Asia Hospital Nusajaya (CAHN) in July 2010 as Consultant Physician & Rheumatologist. He is also the Chief of Medical Services for CAHN
GENERAL SURGERY
1) Dr Kumar Hari Rajah
MBBS (Manipal), M.Med Surgery (UM), MRCS (Ire)
2) Dr Zulkarnain Hasan
MD (USM) M.Med Surgery (USM) AFRCS (Ire)
Dr.Zulkarnain Hasan joined Columbia Asia Hospital Nusajaya since October 2010 as a fulltime Consultant General Surgeon. He has extensive experience in the field of surgery having performed more than 500 appendicectomies, more than 200 open inguinal hernia surgeries throughout this career as both trainee and surgeon.
DrZulkarnain’s special interest includes upper gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, endoscopic and laparoscopic procedure and surgery. He also has experience working in thoracic unit to handle non-cardiac thoracic conditions. Two (2) years in surgical training abroad allowed him an opportunity to work with experienced surgeons in upper GI surgery in Ireland. He is able to perform minor, major and laparoscopic surgery such as laparoscopic appendicectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic hernia repair procedure.
Dr.Zulkarnain is well-trained and expert in performing diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedure such as endoscopic ligation of esophageal varices, control of peptic ulcers, snare of polyp, PEG tube insertion and etc.
OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
1) Dr Rajesh Mahendran Radha Krishnan
MBBS (India) M.Med O&G (UKM)
2) Dr Teh Jin Teik
MBBS (India) M.Med O&G (Mal)
ORTHOPAEDIC
Dr Yoga Raj
MBBS (Mal.) MS Ortho (Mal.) M.Med Sc (Otago) AO Fellow (Milan)
Fellowship in Arthroplasty (NZ)(M’sia), OHD (Niosh)
PAEDIATRIC
Dr. Muhammad Izzuddin Poo
MBBS(Mal.) M.Med Paeds (UM)
ANAESTHESIOLOGY
1) Dr Norezalee bin Ahmad
MBChB (Bristol) M.Med Anaes (UKM) AM (Mal.)
2) Dr Tan Kok Hui
MBBS(UM) M.Med Anaes (UM)
RADIOLOGY
Dr Siti Suhaila Ismail
MBBS (USM) M.Med Rad (USM)
Pagalavan's Avatar 
Do you have any ENT specialist?
Not at the moment. We are processing an application. We should have one by the next 2 months.
Do you have any ENTD specialist in your hospital?
proud to have one of my uncles to join the CAH team though.
How is your hospital charges? Is it more expensive because I thought ColumbiaAsia Hospital is for foreigners?
Columbia Asia is a hospital catering mainly for middle income population in the country. It is a community based hospital. Infact we do not cater for medical tourism. The charges are reasonable and usually lower than KPJ or Pantai.
I am a GP from Kulaijaya actually.
I am a classmate to your surgeon, Zul Hassan.
I am also from UM. Batch 91/96.
I try to persuade my patients to see you instead of JSH and PSH from now on…
I like your writings. Keep on blogging…
Thanks. Appreciate it.
di sana…ada menyediakan perkhidmatan untuk ibu mengandung dan teknik2 mendapatkan jantina bayi ke???
Yes, sila jumpa Dr Rajesh, pakar perbidanan dan sakit puan. Dr Rajesh mempunyai kepakaran dalam membuat 3D scan untuk bayi dalam kandungan.
Dear Sir
I am registered medical assistant with MA board . I have post basic Perioperative nursing ( 1997 ), Diploma education in health science ( 2002) , Degree in health science ( 2007 ). Resigned from KKM ( 2006) Currently working as Chief Executive in the private college for allied health programe since 2010.
So, I am looking oppotunities any job related to my field in this hospital .
Thank you.
Will let the HR know. You can try to contact Catherine at 072339999. Thx
Is there a Neurologist at Columbia?
Nope.
Nice to have a column which we could discuss with u directly. Good idea and impressing!!!!
Hye dr pagalavan.. i am sherwiean anwar.still remember me? ann..who assist u at regency specialist.the curly hair 1 doc..hehe.this week i went to columbia asia for interview for nurse aide. because i already resign frm regency end of last year..and now im only doing a part time job. i dnt know if they hiring me or not..can u help me doc? im wearing a tudung for interview dat day bcuz my hair is getting long and tebal also.hehee..i saw u and dr.norazlee at cafe but i shy to say hello.. i wnt to be a nurse aide at ur opd bcuz i really miss and like this job very much.but u know the regency doc..thats why i resign and go back to sabah for 5 months and help my step mother doing her pearl bisnes there..now im only doing a part time singer bcuz i have a talent on that..but for func and dinner only and i dont have my EPF for my future..dats why i wnt a gud job for me..
Hello Dr. Pagalavan.. I would like to meet Dr Rajesh regarding of gynae problems. I plan go to your hospital on this friday (10/02/2012).. It’s need to make an any appointment.. Please give me a details. Thank you
It is better to call and make an appt as sometimes he may be operating
You can call 072339999 and make an appt .
hye.im a medical officer and im having difficulties to choose what specialty i wanna specialise in..i like ent and ortho.the problem is,some specialist said there’s no demand for ent specialist in private center and as for ortho it’s already too many of them and very hard to get through the master programme..is it true and mind sharing ur opinion and help me to decide which is better..thank you
Yes, Orthopaedic is a very competitive field to get into the Master’s programme. Every time a new private hospital opens, orthopaedic will have the most number of applications!!
As for ENT, it is true that the demand is not that high. Almost all private hospital only needs 1 ENT surgeon.
Pagal
Firstly, Happy 14th wedding anniversary
Secondly, you’ve mentioned in this blog, “… Every time a new private hospital opens, orthopaedic will have the most number of applications!!…. ” and orthopedic master program attracts a huge number of applicants, and some specialists ( according to Ridwan ) say there are too many orthopedics surgeons at the moment.
Why young doctors eagerly want to become orthopedics surgeon if the demand for orthopedics surgeon is low and sluggish and every time a new private hospital opens, orthopaedic will have the most number of applications ?
Thanks
Because it is the easiest field. You can ask any doctors about orthopedic surgeons and see what they say.
Happy medic,
Ever seen this?
Thanks Jon. I was looking for this video but couldn’t find it on my computer
Reminds me of a phrase commonly said by Orthopods themselves:
“Good Orthopaedic surgeon needs the strength of an ox and half the brain”!!
Ada pakar sakit Tuan tak di hospital ini? Thanks
I rasa you kena jumpa Dr Lim, pakar Urology. CLinic setiap selasa petang. Call untuk ambil appoitment.
Thanks….
at columbia asia nusajaya have antenatal class?
Yes, please contact our marketing department or Dr Rajesh, our O&G specialist
Hello,,if I make a mammogram test, how the procedure and with whom I want to respect
please call 07-2339999 for an appointment
I have a complex lt neuro illness and need care. Is there a general consultant who can oversee this at Columbia? I have a letter from neuro consult in sg expelling what I need.- stemetil inj, immigrant s/c, tramadol inj. Is this possible as I cannot drive to sg when I get Ill. Clare
We do have tramadol injection and stemetil injection but not sc immigran.
my wife HO YEON PING ic: 571019-07-5512 would like to do CT Abdomen n Pelvis next monday 8-4-2013 recommended by Paryway Singapore consultant oncologist Dr See Hui Ti. I tried to call yesterday 2.30pm. But cant reach. Can I go on monday 8 April as written by my doctor ? need fasting ? pls confirm
Yes, can be done. Come fasted
need fasting ?
YES
Pls ,let me know how much I’ve to prepare ?TQ
CT abdo pelvis with contrast may cost about RM 800. You need to prepare about RM 1000 at least
Good morning Dr Pagalavan! I read above that you specialized in nephrology. May we come and see you?
Hi, can you let me know how much does a full body check up(including colon scan, etc) cost? And how to make an appointment? Thanks
There are few health screening packages available. Pls call or visit the hospital for further info
Hi, I noted my son(3 years ) having some form of epilepsy. I will appreciate your help in recommending good paediatric neurologist in JB.Thks
Try Johor Specialist Hospital
hi doctor, how much does a pelvic ct scan cost at columbia?
usually below RM 1K
thanks doctor
hii.. May i know if Dr. Teh Jin Teik is still in service? i haven’t been able to search him in internet. will appreciate your reply. Thank you
If I am not mistaken, he is at Kempas Medical Centre
Hi Dr. Paga.
I’m an MO currently working in SG.
Im planning to return to Malaysia after i’m getting my post grad qualification.
I’m in dilemma of choosing my carrier path.
Whats your opinion re radiology field in Malaysia?
Many thanks!
My daughter 14 yrs old, was diagnosed with SLE Nepristis class 3 since last May and currently done 3rd cyclo at HSA and on prednisolen 7.5mg, we are looking for lowest side effect treatment, any suggestion ? can your hospital do it ?
y no service of vitamin c injection…need explanation..tq…
Vitamine C injection is NOT approved by KKM
hai dr paga, a patient with gout on allopurinol 300mg od, now uric acid already below 360, should the patient be on allopurinol forever? or can be stopped??
That depends on the indication.
so allopurinol, can be stopped yeah?? indication is just for his recurrent gout previously but now already no attack 1 year and uric normalized. can the allopurinol be titrated down and eventually off? or if a person on allopurinol, he will have to be in it forever??
You need to read our CPG. If the indication is correct , than it should be life long!!
@dr paga, did CPG ever mention about weaning or off allopurinol?seems doesnt hv. Or should a person be on it forever and ever?
If the indication to start is as mentioned, then it is forever.
Hello Dr. Pagalavan, I have enjoyed reading parts of your blog. Very interesting, although, at times, quite discouraging.
Anyway, I have a question for you — my husband is an American board-certified, fellowship-trained dermatologic/Mohs surgeon specialising in skin cancers, but also does some general derm. He is 58 years old. We would like to move back to Malaysia from Abu Dhabi where he is currently practising. I can’t seem to find any practical information regarding foreign doctors working in Malaysia. In fact, all the hospitals I have called in Seremban, KL and Melaka all do not have a single foreign doctor on board. Could you please help point me in the right direction? We have checked out the Columbia Asia hospital in Seremban and find it a pleasant and professional place, so that’s most likely the place he would like to work at, at least part-time.
Many thanks in advance. Oh, and I am also from Seremban, and my dad and uncles all went to St. Paul’s. Most of my neighbour boys were Paulians, including Greg Cham who is an ER doctor in Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and Lawrence Chan who is a cardiologist at SJMC. My sisters and I are all Seremban Convent alumni. Looking forward to your reply.
M Lin
I think firstly you need to get registered as a specialist with the NSR. Once you have done that, only then you need to apply for a job. However, private hospitals are only allowed to take foreigners if you are a PR or they are unable find a local. Once you get a job, you need to apply for MMC registration.
Actually, it’s a rather chicken and egg story, for foreigners trying to get to work in Malaysia. Private Hospitals are allowed to employ foreign specialist doctors.
For MMC registration, these doctors will need to be sponsored by a private hospital. Normally, the primary qualification should be in the 2nd Schedule (recognised Universities), but with recognised post-graduatre qualification, a non-2nd schedule primary qualification can be accepted.
At the moment, the NSR is still not under MMC, so a separate application to NSR (under Academy of Medicine Malaysia) needs to be done. I am not sure if American Board Certification is recognised as a specialist qualification by NSR. Normally, NSR will only register if the doctor is MMC registered.
After that, there is another issue of getting a work permit Visa to live and work in Malaysia.
So generally, the process would be to get, in principal, an agreement from a private hospital to want to employ the foreign doctor and willing to help sponsor for the various registrations required.
Dear Dr. Pagalavan and jkl, many thanks for the information. It sounds like the best thing to do is to find a hospital that will take him on board, then only can any real paperwork get done. Have a great week ahead! Oh, and Dr. Pagalavan, can you please recommend a rheumatologist in Seremban? I thought you were in SEremban, but see from the CA-Seremban website that you are not.
Dokter…bolehkah saya berjumpa dengan Dokter pakar rheumatik ….
please call to make appointment
Good afternoon, Doktor, I need consult for paediatric neurologist, so how to make appointment. thanks
We don’t have a paediatric neurologist