Surgical subspecialisation in Malaysia began to take root in the 1990s, when the growing complexity of clinical cases highlighted the need for surgeons to focus their expertise. Several structured training pathways were introduced during this time, but Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Surgery remained an area without formal training despite its technical challenges and obvious impact on patient outcomes.
The turning point came in 2003. Recognizing the urgent need to establish Upper GI as a subspecialty, Dato’ P. Kandasami and Dr Abdolah Salleh set in motion the country’s first structured training program. Dato’ Kandasami, who had retired from government service and was then with IMU Seremban, was deeply passionate about advancing this field. Dr Abdolah Salleh, based in Selayang and representing the Ministry of Health, provided crucial support in shaping the initiative. Together, they designed a three-year program—two years locally and one abroad—at a time when no JPA scholarship existed for this pathway, only paid study leave. Alongside training, a comprehensive curriculum was developed, modelled on international programs but carefully adapted to suit Malaysia’s unique healthcare needs.
Hospital Seremban soon emerged as the national referral and training hub for Upper GI surgery. Complex and high-risk cases from across the country were directed there, providing invaluable experience and cementing the hospital’s reputation. Interest grew steadily; surgeons such as Dr Sudirman joined the pioneering program, while overseas attachments were arranged in the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia. My own training abroad took place at Queen Alexandra Hospital in the UK before I returned in 2005 to continue strengthening the program.
As more candidates applied, it became clear that additional trainers and centres were needed. Dr Andrew Gunn from Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Johor Bahru, joined the faculty, while Sungai Buloh Hospital was later incorporated as a training site. Trainees rotated through multiple hospitals to broaden their exposure, and regular interviews were introduced to track their progress. This structured approach ensured that the program could expand while maintaining quality and consistency.
With the growth of trained surgeons came the need for a community. This led to the formation of the Upper GI Surgical Club, which provided a platform for case discussions and knowledge exchange. The momentum eventually gave rise to the Malaysian Upper GI Surgical Society (MUGIS), a professional body that continues to thrive today, promoting education, collaboration, and excellence in the field.
Over the past two decades, Upper GI surgery in Malaysia has evolved into one of the most respected surgical subspecialties. The program now offers a comprehensive training pathway, supported by established centres of excellence and strong international partnerships. Perhaps most importantly, it has fostered a new generation of leaders who are carrying the specialty forward. What began as a vision in the early 2000s has matured into a dynamic, nationally recognized subspecialty—one that continues to raise standards of care and inspire future surgeons
