Dr. Kamalan Jeevaratnam is a Reader in Clinical Physiology and currently serves as the Head of the Department of Preclinical Sciences at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, UK. Prior to this, he held the position of Lead in Physiology at the PU-RCSI School of Medicine in Kuala Lumpur.
Advancing Cardiology Through Cross-Disciplinary Research and Expertise
Dr. Kamalan’s research, titled “Mechanistic Insight for Cardiac Cellular Therapy Using Stem Cells,” focuses on both human and veterinary cardiology. His work emphasizes the development of clinical risk prediction models for arrhythmias and the identification of biomarkers for coronary artery disease. His broader interests span integrative physiology, the discovery of novel therapeutic agents, research at the human-animal health interface, and advancements in medical education.
Trained as a cardiac electrophysiologist, Dr. Kamalan holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge, a Master of Medical Science (MMedSc) from the International Medical University, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Universiti Putra Malaysia. In 2011, he was admitted as a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS) in the United Kingdom.
Innovative Approaches to Understanding and Treating Cardiac Arrhythmias
Dr. Kamalan’s main clinical focus is in companion animal medicine, with a particular interest in cardiology. “My research integrates electrophysiological methods, molecular cardiology, and computational techniques,” he explains. His work is centered on using integrative physiology to investigate the underlying mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias and to develop effective risk stratification strategies for clinical application. This includes identifying and characterizing novel ion channel and receptor genes through functional studies, employing gene targeting techniques, and conducting invasive analyses of arrhythmic substrates in patients.
Merdeka Award Grant Opens Doors to Global Collaboration in Cardiology
In 2014, Dr. Kamalan was awarded the prestigious Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment, which took him to the Anne McLaren Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine at the University of Cambridge. The grant provided him with the opportunity to collaborate with leading experts and engage in hands-on research at one of the world’s top universities. However, for Dr. Kamalan, the most valuable aspect of the experience was the chance to network with distinguished professors both within Cambridge and beyond.
“I can now confidently say that I personally know at least four world-renowned cardiology researchers and professors. I am actively working to build strong collaborations with them and to explore further research opportunities together. For me, that is perhaps the most significant and lasting benefit of receiving the Merdeka Award Grant,” he reflected.
Dr. Kamalan Jeevaratnam’s career reflects a rare blend of clinical expertise, research excellence, and international collaboration. From advancing the understanding of cardiac arrhythmias through integrative physiology to fostering global research partnerships, his work continues to make significant contributions to both human and veterinary cardiology. His achievements—anchored in rigorous scholarship, innovation, and a commitment to bridging disciplines—exemplify the transformative impact of dedicated research on medical science and education. With an ever-expanding network of leading experts and a passion for discovery, Dr. Kamalan remains at the forefront of advancing cardiovascular research and inspiring the next generation of scientists and clinicians.
This is a collaboration between Varnam Malaysia and Yayasan Hasanah – a foundation by Khazanah Nasional.
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