New Straits Times

USM obesity specialist receives international award

By Audrey Dermawan | 19 January 2023

GEORGE TOWN: A lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)'s Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (IPPT) in Bertam, Dr Teoh Soo Huat, recently received the Dr Peter G. Lindner Award from the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), United States of America.

A lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)’s Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (IPPT) in Bertam, Dr Teoh Soo Huat, recently received the Dr Peter G. Lindner Award from the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), United States of America.

OMA, based in Colorado, is the largest organisation comprising clinicians, nurses and medical assistants who are involved in raising the standards in public health for those affected by obesity.

Dr Teoh, 39, is the sole recipient from outside of the United States, which recognises contributions by medical experts in the field of obesity.

"This award serves as a motivation for me to continue playing a bigger role in the field of medical obesity in the country.

I hope to develop the field through quality clinical services and to train doctors with similar interests.

"This is my way of honouring the country and USM for the support given to me, as I go into this field," he said.

The medical obesity doctor and expert in family health at the Clinical Medical Department in IPPT strives to assist the Malaysian community in dealing with issues regarding obesity, which at present has become more serious, through evidence-based treatments.

"We offer clinical services for those facing obesity problems by providing guidelines for healthy lifestyle changes, advice on behaviour modifications and obesity medication and consultation on bariatric operation procedures.

"Data collected from patients could also stimulate research efforts in improving treatment techniques and standards of service in the field, which is in line with the university being a tower of knowledge," he added.

Teoh, born in Jelutong here, has been involved in this field for close to 12 years, including serving for seven years with the Health Ministry prior to working at USM.

With the support of USM and the Higher Education Ministry, Teoh completed his subspecialist medical obesity training in Ottawa, Canada in 2022.

He had earlier received an acknowledgement as a National Fellow from the World Obesity Federation in 2020.