Editorial

Greetings!

This issue of Normah Grapevine showcases the 2nd Mulu Rafflesia Heart Valve Symposium which is a leading international symposium on cardiothoracic surgery convened at the Normah Medical Specialist Centre in June this year. The symposium the brain child of our Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Prof. (Dr) Saw Huat Seong explores the frontiers in knowledge, progress made and the continuing challenges facing this discipline particularly in the Asian Region.

The presence of prominent international speakers and speakers from within the region ensured a high quality scientific symposium with the focus on valvular heart disease In Asian setting. The article by our Corporate Affairs Administrator describes the scientific programme and social activities of this symposium which was opened by the Right Honourable Chief Minister of Sarawak, YAB Datuk Patinggi -Tan Sri (Dr) Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud.

The feature clinical articles for this issue are related to pregnancy and labour. Our Resident Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr. Clarence Chuo describes the common issues and disorders of pregnancy as well as other issues such as travel in pregnancy. His article clearly and concisely describes a range of issues from diet in pregnancy to exercise and sex during pregnancy. The articles on "Antenatal Care and Labour" will be most useful and required reading for all couples planning to have a baby.

The article on "Cancer Pain Relief and Palliative Care" highlights an important aspect of care for people living with advanced cancer. Palliative care and cancer pain relief has transformed the quality of life many patients with advanced cancer bringing renewed hope and comfort to them and their loved ones. This article by Dr. JK Joseph, Consultant Medical Oncologist will be especially relevant to those people and their relatives living with cancer.

We hope you enjoy these articles and they will entertain, educate, inform and stimulate your interest.

Happy Reading from the Editorial Team!