We recently had the pleasure of reconnecting with Dr Leong Keen Wai, of the ME109 cohort and a local track graduate of IMU’s MBBS programme, currently a pre-gazetted Emergency Physician soon to take on the role of Head of Emergency at Hospital Kulai.
Dr Leong’s journey from the classrooms and sports arenas of IMU to the fast-paced world of Emergency Medicine is both inspiring and insightful.
Fondly recalling his time at IMU, Dr Leong emphasized how student life extended well beyond the lecture halls. He was an active participant in the IMU Cup, contributing his energy and teamwork to rugby, cheerleading, football, basketball, and volleyball. These experiences, he says, laid the foundation for the resilience and quick-thinking that his current role demands.
Dr Leong’s path into Emergency Medicine was sparked by an early fascination with pre-hospital care. This deep-rooted interest led him to undergo specialised training to operate emergency vehicles, including ambulances, as part of his commitment to responding swiftly and effectively in critical situations. His passion soon evolved into a broader focus on emergency response and disaster preparedness, ultimately guiding him toward a specialisation in Emergency Medicine.
Armed with IMU’s rigorous and practical medical training, Dr Leong has found himself well-equipped to meet the challenges of real-world healthcare. IMU graduates, he shared, are often praised for their readiness and initiative during Housemanship, and his own career trajectory certainly echoes that sentiment.
With a growing passion for Pre-hospital Care and Disaster Medicine, Dr Leong has already played a key role in major incidents—including managing a mass casualty event involving 44 bus accident victims—and has trained in aeromedicine, providing care via helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft in Sabah.
Dr Leong’s dedication to continuous learning and readiness extends beyond medicine. In his pursuit of excellence, he has acquired an impressive array of 10 different vehicle licences issued by the Road Transport Department (JPJ), including those for motorcycles over 500cc, three-wheeled motorcycles, motorcars, heavy lorries, tractors, excavators, and buses.
This unique combination of medical expertise and operational capability reflects his unwavering commitment to saving lives in critical scenarios. In the face of a disaster or emergency, Dr Leong prefers not to rely on others to drive ambulances, trucks, or specialised vehicles—he is ready to take the wheel himself.
He has also expressed interest in obtaining licences for operating helicopters and tower cranes, further expanding his ability to respond in a wide range of emergency situations.
In Malaysia, the path to becoming a gazetted Emergency Physician involves a rigorous and structured process. After completing a recognised medical degree and Housemanship, doctors typically serve as medical officers which includes rotations in emergency departments. Those aspiring to specialise in this pursue postgraduate qualifications such as the Master of Emergency Medicine or the Fellowship of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (FRCEM). Following this, they undergo a formal gazettement process overseen by the Ministry of Health, which includes supervised clinical training, performance evaluations, and submission of a detailed case log. Only upon fulfilling all requirements is a doctor officially recognised as a Specialist in Emergency Medicine.
Dr Leong also offered thoughtful advice for aspiring medical professionals, urging them to reflect deeply on their motivations for entering the field. Emergency Medicine, he emphasised, is not just about action—it requires mental preparedness, a long-term commitment, and a continual desire for lifelong learning.
Now based in Hospital Sultan Ismail Johor Bahru, Dr Leong is eager to continue building bridges with IMU’s growing alumni network. His story is a vivid example of how the IMU experience—grounded in both academic rigor and vibrant campus life—can shape leaders ready to serve with heart, skill, and vision.
Related articles:
Star Online, 27 February 2025: Emergency doc with 10 licences has a driving ambition
NST Online, 22 February 2025: Doctor who just wanted to drive an ambulance now has 10 licences
Updates (October 2025)
Following the publication of this article in May 2025, Dr Leong has taken on the role of Head of the Emergency Department at Hospital Kulai and earned an additional license — a Tower Crane license in September 2025, increasing his impressive collection to a total of eleven licenses.
Thoughts Shared