title: History of Neurosurgery in Malaysia.
abstract: The development of neurosurgical services and training in Malaysia began in 1963, with the first centre established in its capital city at Hospital Kuala Lumpur, aimed to provide much needed neurosurgical services and training in the field of neurology and neurosurgery. This center subsequently expanded in 1975 with the establishment of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Neuroscience Institute (IKTAR); which integrated the three allied interdependent disciplines of neurosurgery, neurology and psychiatry. The establishment of this institute catalysed the rapid expansion of neurosurgical services in Malaysia and paved the way for development of comprehensive training for doctors, nurses, and paramedics. This culminated in the establishments of a local comprehensive neurosurgery training program for doctors in 2001; followed by a training program for nurses and paramedics in 2006. To date, there are more than 60 neurosurgeons providing expert care in 11 centers across Malaysia, along with trained personnel in the field of neurosciences.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Pahang 50586 Kuala Lumpur Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Azman
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Raffiq
authors.affiliation: Center for Neuroscience Services & Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Jafri Malin
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Abdullah
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Pahang 50586 Kuala Lumpur Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Saffari
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Haspani
authors.affiliation: Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Jalan Persiaran Abu Bakar Sultan, 80100 Johor Bharu, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Johari Siregar
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Adnan
keywords: IKTAR; Malaysia; Neurosurgery; history