Dr Masliza Earns Honour Of Becoming An Associate Professor At Oxford University
"This is for Malaysia," she said.
By May Vin Ang — 13 Jul 2020, 04:17 PM
Editor's Note: The story has been edited to reflect that Dr Masliza Mahmod is the second Malaysian woman to be appointed Associate Professor at Oxford University, instead of the first as previously reported (although she remains the first in the Cardiovascular Medicine department).
The Star reported that the first Malaysian woman is Dr Phaik Yeong Cheah who has been Associate Professor in Bioethics and Engagement at Oxford since 2016.
Dr Masliza Mahmod has earned the honour of being appointed Associate Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Oxford University in the United Kingdom
The cardiologist was recognised for her work and research as head of clinical trials at the Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research's (OCMR) Division of Cardiovascular Medicine.
"This is for Malaysia. Being here at Oxford, I am in a better position to help Malaysia in cardiovascular medicine by opening up training opportunities for Malaysians and for research collaborations," said Dr Masliza, according to New Straits Times.
"I am grateful to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), which has allowed me to pursue my career in Oxford following my PhD. It has always been my intention to give back to the country."
Hailing from Batu Pahat, Johor, the esteemed 48-year-old has come a long way and has many other titles under her belt
She obtained her primary medical degree (MBChB) from the University of Otago, New Zealand before securing a Masters of Internal Medicine (MMed) from UKM and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Cardiovascular Medicine from the University of Oxford where she currently lectures.
According to Bernama, Dr Masliza is also a member of London's Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) and is now in the Steering Committee of the British Society of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (BSCMR) Heart Failure Research Task Force.
Her research focuses on cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), spectroscopy techniques for early detection of heart abnormalities, and finding new ways to treat patients with cardiomyopathy, heart failure, aortic valve disease, and diabetes mellitus.
Showing no sign of slowing down, the scientist and her team at Oxford University is now working with the National Heart Institute of Malaysia (IJN) to obtain a research grant for COVID-19 research locally.
Since her promotion, many notable figures in Malaysia, including the Agong, have congratulated Dr Masliza for her brilliance and outstanding achievements
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah expressed his pride in an Instagram post by the National Palace.
"His Majesty is pleased because Dr Masliza has made the nation proud," the statement said.
"In this regard, His Majesty hopes that Dr Masliza's achievements and perseverance will be a source of inspiration for all Malaysians to work hard and strive to achieve success in their respective fields, be it locally, or on the global stage."
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah also congratulated Dr Masliza on her promotion on Facebook, saying, "She is indeed a brilliant cardiologist and despite difficulties and challenges, her perseverance and deep passion in clinical research made her an outstanding academic cardiologist."
"There is no stopping her now to achieve greater heights. We are proud of her achievements," he wrote.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad also congratulated Dr Masliza in a Facebook post that highlighted her Malaysian roots.
Dr Noraini said that Dr Masliza serves as an inspiration to students and lecturers at local higher learning institutions across the country to strive in research and studies to achieve further global recognition.
