Dato Dr A Damodaran might not be a name familiar to the public, but in the medical field, he’s a GEM. Fondly known as one of the best Consultant Anesthesiologist, he has recently crafted a book bearing the title, ‘Counting Back: Memoirs of an Anesthesiologist’ that delves into the world of anesthesiology.
If you’re hankering to read something related to anesthesiology, we suggest this spellbinding masterpiece by Dr Damo. The 86-year-old anesthesiologist who set up the first Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Alor Setar was amongst 18 of Malaysia’s firsts anesthesiologist. – as interviewed by Jane, Digital Team.
“As a doctor, the most important thing is dedication and it is indeed a sacrifice of some sort which we should strive in performing.” Dato Dr A Damodaran
With a long list of contributions to the hospital, one to be highlighted is, he initiated the Open-Heart Surgery at Pantai Hospital, Kuala Lumpur for which he went to Australia to be trained and returned with a team of expertise in the field to help start the first procedure at the hospital on Jan 4th, 1989.
In the course of his illustrious career, Dr Damodaran has published and presented several papers in various journals and symposia and has participated in various international and regional conferences.
Among the highlights of his career is the fact that he established the first ICU at the Alor Star General Hospital, Kedah, in 1974, which gained fame for the treatment of snake bites, obstetric emergencies, and tetanus. He also established the first Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in a private hospital namely, Assunta Hospital in Petaling Jaya, in 1982.
Dr Damo’s career choice was inspired by his father, who was a Hospital Assistant in an estate hospital. “My father was an important figure in my character building.” – Academy of Medicine of Malaysia
For the services that he has rendered over the years, the specialist was conferred with the following awards;
- BCK from the State of Kedah
- PJK from the State of Perlis
- DIMP – carries the title Dato’ from the Sultan of Pahang, in 2006
According to the Academy of Medicine of Malaysia, Dr Damo was instrumental in developing the ICU in Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, besides promoting the Neonatal ICU. One of his outstanding contributions to the profession is the fact that he co-authored the book “History of Anesthesia in Malaysia” together with Dr Alex Gurubatham, which was launched in June 2013. Besides that, he was the Anesthetist for the first Cardiac surgery performed in Pantai Hospital.
Immense respect for this dedicated doctor and his contributions in the field of anesthesiology. Thank you Dr Damodaran.
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