The Women of PHKL Shaping the Future of Healthcare

7 March 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Healthcare is more than just a science; it embodies compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to healing. Behind every life saved and every family instilled with hope stand extraordinary individuals who dedicate themselves to the well-being of others. This International Women’s Day, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) pays tribute to the women who embody these values—exceptional doctors who not only break barriers in medicine but also profoundly impact lives in countless ways.

From mending the tiniest hearts to pioneering advancements in cancer care, these women are much more than their titles suggest; they are healers, mentors, and changemakers. Their hands have comforted those in pain, their voices have assuaged the fears of the anxious, and their expertise has brought light to the darkest of moments. Beyond individual patient care, their contributions are instrumental in shaping a more sustainable healthcare system—one that guarantees quality treatment is a right, not a privilege, for future generations.

However, the journey for women in medicine has not always been straightforward. In a field that was historically male-dominated, these doctors have defied the odds—not only by excelling in their specialities but by inspiring future generations to aspire for greatness. Their influence extends beyond the walls of hospitals; they are shaping policies, mentoring young doctors, and advocating for equitable healthcare access for all. By leading advancements in medical education, research, and patient care, they are ensuring a healthcare system that is effective today and sustainable for years to come.

Their journeys remind us that the finest doctors are not only skilled practitioners; they are individuals who lead with their hearts, uplift others, and redefine the essence of care.

Among these remarkable women is Dr Siti Laura, a Consultant Paediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon whose mission is to mend tiny hearts, effectively giving life a second chance.

A child's heartbeat symbolises life’s potential, yet for many born with congenital heart conditions, it often represents fragility. Dr Siti Laura has devoted her career to offering these children a fighting chance, demonstrating that even the smallest hearts deserve the most significant care.

Her journey commenced at Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) in 2004, where she spent 14 years performing transformative surgeries on young patients. Driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence, she sought further training at Birmingham Children's Hospital in the UK, completing a Fellowship in Paediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery. This experience not only sharpened her surgical skills but also deepened her understanding of the profound impact her work has on families.

In 2020, Dr Siti Laura played a pivotal role in establishing the Paediatric Cardiothoracic Service at Serdang Hospital, a groundbreaking initiative that ensured underprivileged children received life-saving care. Today, as a Consultant at PHKL, she continues to restore not only tiny hearts but also the hopes and dreams of countless families. Her work exemplifies the power of expertise, compassion, and perseverance.

"That moment when you see the difference you can make in a child's life—giving them the chance to play, run, and laugh without a care in the world—is indescribable," she shares. "Paediatric heart surgery is more than just a procedure; it is a responsibility to provide children with the fighting chance they deserve. With every tiny heart I help mend, I am giving a second chance at a new life."

For Dr Poongkodi Nagappan, Consultant Urologist, there is a prevalent misconception that urology is a medical specialty exclusively for men. This belief likely arises from the fact that urologists often address conditions more commonly associated with men, such as prostate issues, erectile dysfunction, and male infertility. However, urology is a diverse field that encompasses the urinary tract and reproductive systems in both men and women, as well as certain conditions affecting children. It is a specialty that impacts lives across all genders and ages, yet women’s urological health frequently remains overlooked or misunderstood.

At Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL), Dr Poongkodi is on a mission to alter this narrative. As one of only two NSR-certified female urologists in Malaysia, she offers a unique perspective and a profound understanding of women’s and children’s urological health. Her journey in urology commenced in 2009, during which she gained invaluable hands-on experience across various hospitals before earning her Malaysian Board of Urology certification and FRCS (Urol) (Glasg) in 2012. Motivated by a desire to serve the underserved, she further specialised in Paediatric Urology in the UK, bringing essential expertise back to Malaysia.

Since 2015, Dr Poongkodi has been a steadfast advocate for increasing awareness and enhancing access to specialised urological care, particularly for women who often postpone seeking treatment due to stigma, embarrassment, or lack of awareness. "Many women suffer in silence with urological issues, believing it's simply something they must endure," she explains. "My goal is to change that by providing compassionate, specialised care that makes them feel heard, supported, and empowered to take control of their health."

Dr Nur Fadhlina is a Consultant Clinical Oncologist dedicated to fighting cancer with knowledge, compassion, and innovation.

Cancer is more than a diagnosis; it is a life-altering journey that tests the resilience of patients and their families in unimaginable ways. For Dr Nur Fadhlina (Nina), the battle against cancer is intensely personal. Each patient she treats, every breakthrough she contributes to, and every young doctor she mentors represents a step closer to transforming fear into hope.

Her journey commenced with rigorous training at University College London and Barts NHS Trusts, where she honed her expertise in oncology. Armed with an FRCR and a Master’s in Clinical Oncology from the Institute of Cancer Research in London, Dr Nina returned home with a mission—to push the boundaries of cancer treatment and education in Malaysia.

However, her impact extends far beyond the walls of a hospital. As the driving force behind the Cancer ECHO UM project, she connects doctors across the country, ensuring that even those in rural areas have access to the latest knowledge in oncology. She has led groundbreaking research and clinical trials in head and neck and breast cancers, earning international recognition, including the CIC Award for Highest Research Grant Procured (2021) and being named a Japan Society of Medical Oncology Rising Star in Asia (2023).

Despite these accolades, Dr Nina measures success not by the awards she has received, but by the faces of survivors—the mothers, fathers, and children who celebrate another birthday thanks to early detection, improved treatments, and relentless research.

"Knowledge is power, and in cancer care, it can be the difference between life and death. My mission is to ensure that both patients and doctors alike have access to the latest advancements in treatment," she states.

These remarkable women at PHKL embody not only medical excellence; they represent resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to their patients. Their stories remind us that breaking barriers in healthcare is not solely about being the first or the only—it is about making a lasting impact.

This International Women’s Day, PHKL celebrates not only their achievements but also the hope, healing, and inspiration they bring to their patients and the future of healthcare.

Pic captions: From left to right: Dr Siti Laura, Dr Poongkodi Nagappan, and Dr Nur Fadlina.