Malaysian Society of Rheumatology (MSR)

The Protem Committee of the Malaysian Society of Rheumatology (MSR) held its first informal meeting at the University Hospital on 2nd October 1987.

The first Protem Committee comprised a small group of doctors from various medical disciplines. Professor Florence Wang (then Head of the Department of Medicine at University Hospital) served as the first President, Professor Subramaniam (professor of Orthopaedics at University Hospital) the Vice-President, Dr. Kiran Veerapen (one of the four Rheumatologists in the committee) the Secretary and Dr. Chin Gek Liew, the Treasurer. The executive committee members were Tan Sri Dr Abu Bakar Suleiman (then Director-General of Health), Dr. Abdul Shukor, Dr. Ho Kok Kheong and Dr. K. Maheendran.

The MSR inaugural meeting was held on 9th January 1989 during which, a scientific session was held and thereafter, the society with its Protem Committee was formally introduced to the founder members by Professor Florence Wang.

The Malaysian Society of Rheumatology was registered with the Registrar of Societies on 7th August 1989, following which the Protem Committee was dissolved and a new official executive committee was elected. MSR soon gained recognition and was warmly welcomed by regional Rheumatology bodies, namely, the Rheumatology Association of ASEAN (RAA) and the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR). MSR began to actively participate in the activities of these organisations.

Objectives & Vision:

• To promote the growth of Rheumatology as a speciality.
• To improve the state of management of rheumatic diseases.
• To promote arthritis awareness – the affliction, treatment and impact amongst professionals, the public and to health care providers, for the sake of our patients and their carers. state of management of rheumatic diseases.