Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) continues to strengthen its commitment to clinical and academic excellence following the achievement of Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist Dr Suraya Hani Kamsani, who recently received her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) scroll from the University of Adelaide, Australia.

The achievement marks a significant milestone as Dr Suraya is recognised as the first Malaysian woman to obtain a PhD in electrophysiology, a highly specialised area of cardiology focused on the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. Beyond the personal accomplishment, her achievement reflects IJN’s continued efforts to develop clinician-scientists who are able to combine specialist clinical expertise with research, scientific inquiry and the generation of new medical knowledge.

As cardiovascular medicine continues to evolve through increasingly complex technologies and treatment approaches, academic and research expertise has become an important component of modern clinical practice. Exposure to research allows clinicians to critically assess emerging evidence, evaluate new technologies and translate scientific discoveries into practical approaches that can ultimately benefit patients.

Dr Suraya’s clinical and research interests are particularly focused on atrial fibrillation and advanced ablation technologies. Her work has contributed to research involving pulsed field ablation (PFA), an emerging technology used in the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms, including first-in-human research in the field.

Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of IJN, Datuk Dr Shaiful Azmi Yahaya, said Dr Suraya’s achievement represents the type of integration between clinical practice and academic research that IJN aims to further strengthen.

According to him, clinical excellence can no longer depend solely on experience in the treatment room, but must also be supported by research, evidence and continuous learning. Clinicians who actively participate in research and advanced academic work are better equipped to assess new technologies, question existing practices and contribute meaningful advances to patient care.

Dr Suraya pursued her doctoral research while continuing her clinical responsibilities, building on her experience in diagnosing and managing complex heart rhythm disorders. Her clinical practice includes advanced electrophysiology procedures such as catheter ablation, as well as the implantation and management of cardiac rhythm devices.

Her research and publications have also explored areas including atrial fibrillation, pulsed field ablation, cardiac pacing and emerging technologies in electrophysiology. Through this combination of clinical practice and research, she has continued to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the management of heart rhythm disorders.

For Dr Suraya, the pursuit of a PhD represented more than an academic qualification. Her doctoral journey strengthened the relationship between research and clinical practice, encouraging a more critical approach to evidence and decision-making. She emphasised that the ultimate value of research lies in translating knowledge into better decisions, safer procedures and new treatment approaches for patients.

Her achievement also highlights the growing opportunities for Malaysian women to pursue highly specialised areas of cardiovascular medicine and contribute to medical research and innovation at an international level. It demonstrates how clinical specialists can play a broader role in advancing healthcare through both patient care and scientific discovery.

With research, education and specialist development continuing alongside its clinical services, IJN remains focused on building a strong clinical-academic ecosystem. By nurturing specialists who are equipped to bridge scientific research with clinical practice, the institution aims to ensure that advances in cardiovascular medicine can be translated into meaningful improvements in patient care.