Kuala lumpur: For more than three decades, Prof Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Jeswant Dillon has dedicated countless hours to operating theatres, tackling some of Malaysia's most challenging cardiothoracic surgery cases. His career, marked by a delicate balance between clinical practice, academia, research, and mentorship, recently reached a new milestone. Earlier this month, Dr Jeswant, Senior Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Institut Jantung Negara (IJN), became the first Malaysian elected as a member of the esteemed American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS), marking a significant achievement for Malaysia in the realm of global cardiothoracic surgery.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the AATS, founded in 1917, is considered the world's premier organization for the development of cardiothoracic surgical skills and patient care innovations. Membership is highly selective, comprising internationally recognized surgeons who have consistently demonstrated excellence and made substantial contributions to the field. For Dr Jeswant, this recognition is more than a professional accolade; it is a testament to his relentless dedication to advancing cardiothoracic surgery both within Malaysia and on the international stage.
Dr Jeswant, a Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) graduate, received his initial cardiothoracic training at IJN and further honed his skills with an advanced fellowship at the renowned Mayo Clinic in the United States. This laid the groundwork for his eminent career. He has held several pivotal leadership roles at IJN, including serving as the head of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery from 2014 to 2019. His clinical expertise encompasses valve repair and replacement, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, coronary artery bypass surgery, and more.
Beyond his surgical expertise, Dr Jeswant has established a prominent presence in academia, education, and training. He serves as an adjunct professor at Universitas Airlangga in Indonesia and Universiti Malaya, and is the Chairman of the Speciality Subcommittee for Education in Cardiothoracic Surgery for the Malaysian Medical Council. He is also a Board Director of IJN University College. His academic contributions include authoring and providing editorial commentary for leading international medical journals and participating as a speaker at scientific conferences.
Currently, as Sports and Fitness Ambassador at IJN, Dr Jeswant participates in various sports medicine initiatives, including serving as the team doctor for Malaysia's national cycling contingent to the Paris Olympics 2024. He also holds roles in the Southeast Asian Games Federation and the Olympic Council of Malaysia.
Despite his international acclaim, Dr Jeswant views his election to the AATS as a chance to enhance Malaysia's presence within the global cardiothoracic community. He aims to foster academic exchange, research, and clinical collaboration between AATS and IJN. As president of the Malaysian Association for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, he hopes this recognition will open opportunities for younger Malaysian surgeons through mentorship, fellowships, and international collaborations.
Dr Jeswant believes that strengthening academic and research networks will enable Malaysia to contribute more actively to global advancements in cardiovascular and thoracic care. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring that advanced, high-quality care is accessible to all Malaysians, as the field progresses toward minimally invasive therapies and precision medicine.
He expressed his hope that being the first Malaysian recipient of this award will enhance Malaysia's visibility on the global cardiothoracic landscape, paving the way for future Malaysian specialists and trainees in the international arena. Dr Jeswant advocates for collaboration between institutions and professional societies to position Malaysia as a respected leader in cardiothoracic surgery both regionally and globally.