IN February last year, the winds of fate whispered an unwelcome truth into the ears of Professor Dr Sharifah Sulaiha Syed Aznal: she has colon cancer. The news reverberated through her being, shaking the very foundations of her existence.
"It was a huge shock. I'd been living such a full life," recalls the academician, head bobbing slowly in recollection. Yet, amidst the feelings of uncertainty and fear, the dean of International Medical University's (IMU) School of Medicine found solace in the unwavering support of her loved ones.
"My children, especially…" she continues softly, "regard me as one of their closest role models. I wanted to show them that setbacks in life don't have to mean the end. My kids are my guiding light — the reason I refuse to surrender."
Realising that the journey ahead would be tumultuous, Sharifah Sulaiha's indomitable spirit refused to waver. By July of the same year, halfway through her arduous chemotherapy, she found herself back traipsing the hallowed halls of IMU.
"There IS light at the end of the tunnel and we must never lose sight of that," she asserts, voice infused with quiet determination. And she's right. Today, the bespectacled 53-year-old happily shares that her recent scans have been clear.
OF PROMISE AND POTENTIAL
Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, she is the third of five siblings in a household where education and discipline were paramount. Her late father, Syed Aznal Syed Osman, epitomised the virtues of dedication and selflessness.
"He was a teacher, an assistant headmaster, a discipline teacher, and later, a liaison officer for Malaysian students in the United Kingdom (south of England and then Wales). When he returned to Malaysia, he joined the Examination Unit in the Ministry of Education Ministry," recalls Sharifah Sulaiha, whose mother was a full-time housewife, who gave tuition to primary school children.
Continuing, she shares that in the community, her father was a leader and used his spare time to train the neighbourhood kids in preparation for various sports tournaments. "He was never NOT doing anything," she recalls with a small chuckle.
Observing her father's immersive engagement with life, she absorbed a multitude of invaluable life skills. "I witnessed his stage presence, his adeptness in social interactions, his quick thinking, and his leadership in various projects and team settings," she reflects, adding: "It all became ingrained in me, fostering a natural inclination to embrace challenges."
Her parents, she continues fondly, have always been her best friends and shoulders to cry on. "They'd do anything to see their children excel in their respective paths," shares Suhaila, adding: "I remember dad even postponed his postgraduate studies and sold his car just to ensure there'd be sufficient funds to support our tertiary education."
Her father's unwavering commitment to his family's wellbeing certainly left an indelible mark on his daughter, instilling in her the belief that one's actions should always serve the greater good.
Eyes misting under her glasses, she reminisces: "The biggest lesson I learnt from my dad, which has stood me in good stead today, is the importance of being generous and to never expect anything in return. And that when we do something, it shouldn't be for our own benefit, but for those around us. According to him, they're the pillars that are supporting us to get to where we need to be."
Growing up, she remembers harbouring several ambitions. Smiling at the recollection, she confides: "At one point, I wanted to be a police officer, and then a criminal lawyer. Another time, I thought I should be a CSI officer! Entering the field of medicine never really crossed my mind."
Expression thoughtful, she shares that her memories as a youngster of being in overcrowded hospitals filled with the din of shouting and the sight of people in pain definitely didn't entice her to join the profession.
Elaborates Sharifah Sulaiha: "It wasn't the kind of place that you'd want to spend your waking moments at. I thought it best to pursue less tumultuous paths… maybe become an engineer, or a lawyer or maybe an accountant!"
TIDES OF CHANGE
Certainly, her journey into medicine was serendipitous — a path paved by her father's sage counsel. "If you seek to make a difference for people and the nation as a whole, then you must be willing to change the things that need changing," he once opined. He believed strongly that she would fit the role of a doctor perfectly.
Heeding his wisdom, she embarked on a journey that would redefine the trajectory of her life — a journey marked by plenty of trials and triumphs, setbacks and successes. From the hallowed halls of academia to the bustling corridors of hospitals, Sharifah Sulaiha pursued a path illuminated by a steadfast commitment to healing and compassion.
In her early days of practising medicine in Glasgow, Scotland, her journey was marked by moments of deep reflection and self-discovery. Yet, it was her return to Malaysia in the mid-1990s that opened the door to a myriad of enriching experiences and insights — a return that would profoundly shape her professional path.
During her stint as a medical officer in Terengganu, she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her role as a young doctor. As an active member of the hospital's quality assurance community, she delved into researching best practices and spearheaded innovative approaches to enhance processes like admissions, all aimed at elevating patient care standards.
This commitment led the hospital to be recognised as a leader in quality assurance, earning prestigious awards and an invitation to the inaugural National Convention on Quality Assurance.
Furthermore, she fervently advocated for the rights of doctors. Serving as the secretary of Section Concerning House Officers, Medical Officers, and Specialists (Schomos) within the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), Sharifah Sulaiha championed the cause for junior doctors to receive on-call allowances — a customary practice in many other nations.
Her tireless efforts bore fruit when her proposal garnered approval and was subsequently implemented nationwide. "Each of us has the power to make a difference," she affirms with unwavering resolve, "even in the smallest of ways."
SHAPING MINDS, INSPIRING FUTURES
Her ambitions had always been set on catalysing significant changes. Determined to carve a path where her influence could extend to broader horizons, she made a firm decision to diligently cultivate her career. In a light-hearted exchange with a friend, she'd quipped: "By the time I'm 40, I aim to either lead the government service or attain a professorship in academia."
As fate would have it, Sharifah Sulaiha embarked on her journey at the IMU as a lecturer in 2004, driven by the aspiration to mentor the next generation and empower them to enact their own transformations.
She began her academic career at age 33 and by the age of 40, she was promoted to associate professor. In January last year, she was appointed as the dean of the School of Medicine.
Throughout her tenure at the IMU, she tirelessly spearheaded initiatives aimed at unlocking students' potential. Nearly eight years ago, she led a pioneering effort to institutionalise work placements across all programmes, ensuring graduates' readiness for the workforce and enhancing their employability.
Additionally, she led the transformation of the IMU's Clinical Simulation Skills Centre into an independent department, catering to the needs of both undergraduate and postgraduate students, university-wide.
More recently, her leadership at the School of Medicine facilitated the evolution of the curriculum. The launch of a new curriculum in 2021 not only optimised students' exposure and learning outcomes, but also fostered enhanced interaction between students and lecturers.
Even in the face of personal challenges, Sharifah Sulaiha's dedication to her work remains unwavering. How does she strike a balance between work and life? I couldn't help asking. "Collaboration!" She replies immediately.
Elaborating, she confides that she always emphasises on the importance of nurturing a collaborative environment, be it with her husband, parents or colleagues.
"It's about mutual support. I'm there for them, and they're there for me. Without collaboration, success becomes a struggle."
PLAYING A ROLE
As an obstetrics and gynaecology specialist, she has remained deeply engaged with the healthcare challenges affecting women. Among these challenges, she highlights the persistently low response to cervical cancer screening as a pressing issue. "Despite efforts from both private and government sectors, convincing women to undergo the test remains a struggle," she laments.
Expression earnest, Sharifah Sulaiha points out that embarrassment often deters women from seeking regular tests. "We need to reassure them that there are female health professionals available — both doctors and nurses — who can provide the necessary care," she stresses. Additionally, many women fail to realise the importance of screening.
Targeted public education is the way forward, believes Sharifah Sulaiha. That said, she does acknowledge the difficulties in reaching the women who need it most. Drawing from her experience conducting community talks during her time in government service, she recalls the challenges of connecting with specific communities and capturing their attention.
Nevertheless, she believes that each individual can play a role in addressing these challenges in their own capacities.
EMBRACING CHALLENGES
As her journey continues to unfold, one thing remains crystal clear: her legacy will be that's one defined by resilience, compassion, and unwavering determination. Reinforced by a strong faith in God and emboldened by the wisdom of her parents, she navigates life's challenges with grace and humility, preferring to embrace each day as a gift, and each moment as an opportunity for growth and transformation.
Her father's "can-do" attitude is certainly embodied by the good doctor — and it's a mantra that has not changed despite her cancer diagnosis. "I don't know what fate has in store for me," confides the former college athlete who excelled in netball, hockey and volleyball.
Voice suffused with quiet resolve, Sharifah Sulaiha continues: "But if there's one thing I know, it's that I want to use the time I have to ensure that others can benefit from what I do."