Zaliha Omar: The Inspiring Journey of Malaysia’s “Mother of Rehabilitation”

At the #ISPRM2024 congress in Sydney, Dr. Zaliha Omar, winner of the prestigious Herman Flax Award, shared her transformative journey in establishing and advancing rehabilitation medicine in Malaysia. Fondly known as the “Mother of Rehabilitation” in Malaysia, Dr. Omar recounted her incredible efforts in building a robust and innovative rehabilitation system over decades of dedication and perseverance.

From Humble Beginnings to National Impact

Dr. Omar’s pioneering work began in 1980, a time when rehabilitation services in Malaysia were limited to basic social care. With a vision to introduce a scientific approach to rehabilitation medicine, she embarked on a journey that spanned over 25 years. Starting as the sole rehabilitation physician in the country for 13 years, she developed multidisciplinary teams, postgraduate training programs, and a sustainable infrastructure that has since flourished.

Her approach emphasized teamwork and education. “I sent people to train in teams,” she explained, sharing how physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and nurses were sent abroad to gain specialized knowledge and return to train others. This methodical strategy led to the creation of specialized services in areas such as stroke rehabilitation, spinal cord injuries, and specific therapies.

Building the Future of Rehabilitation in Malaysia

Dr. Omar’s efforts culminated in the establishment of two residency programs in rehabilitation medicine, which now train 10-15 doctors annually from a pool of over 50 applicants. To date, Malaysia has produced 147 rehabilitation physicians who serve across the country, providing care from major hospitals to community clinics. An impressive 30% of these specialists have further pursued subspecialties, fostering international collaborations and continuous learning.

Her focus on accessible and integrative care has significantly expanded Malaysia’s capacity to serve its population. “At present, we can reach nearly 5 million of the 11 million people who need rehabilitation services,” she shared, expressing optimism for the next generation of healthcare professionals to further this mission.

Dr. Omar’s story is a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and relentless effort in advancing healthcare. Her dedication has laid a strong foundation for Malaysia’s rehabilitation medicine, transforming it into a globally recognized model of excellence.