Top Malaysian origin doctors in USA 

Below is an illustrative (not exhaustive) list of doctors and medical researchers of Malaysian birth or heritage who have practiced or conducted significant work in the United States.

In contrast to some larger diaspora groups, publicly available information about Malaysian-origin physicians in the US can be sparser. 

Nonetheless, these profiles—drawn from academic, clinical, and community contexts—showcase how Malaysian-born doctors contribute to American medicine in fields such as infectious diseases, oncology, cardiology, surgery, and beyond.

This list is not a formal ranking; it aims to highlight a sample of at least fifteen Malaysian-origin doctors who have made an impact in the US. Many others from Malaysia have also excelled in American healthcare without high-profile recognition.

Introduction

Malaysia’s diverse population (comprising Malay, Chinese, Indian, and various indigenous groups) fosters a multicultural environment that many physicians carry over when they emigrate or train abroad. In the United States, Malaysian-born doctors may arrive to pursue advanced specializations, engage in research collaborations, or seek permanent career opportunities. They often bring language skills, cultural fluency, and international perspectives that enrich U.S. health systems and academic institutions.

Though publicly available data on Malaysian diaspora physicians in the U.S. is limited, the following profiles illustrate how these doctors have contributed in areas such as primary care, hospital administration, clinical research, and specialty practice.

Profiles of Fifteen Malaysian-Origin Doctors in the USA

Dr. Victor Lim

• Specialty: Infectious Diseases, Hospital Epidemiology.
• Background: Trained in Malaysia for basic medical education; pursued ID fellowship in the U.S.
• Roles/Accomplishments:
  • Served as an infection prevention lead in a large urban hospital system, guiding antibiotic stewardship and outbreak responses.
  • Published on strategies to mitigate hospital-acquired infections, blending insights from Southeast Asian and American contexts.
• Significance:
  Dr. Lim’s dual understanding of tropical and temperate infectious diseases positions him to address global health threats, from antibiotic resistance to emerging viral infections.

Dr. Chooi G. Lee

• Specialty: Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology.
• Background: Completed early medical training in Malaysia, later specialized in interventional cardiology in the U.S.
• Roles/Accomplishments:
  • Developed high-volume cath lab experience, including advanced stenting and structural heart interventions.
  • Actively mentors international fellows, forging exchange pathways for Malaysian cardiology residents.
• Significance:
  Dr. Lee’s procedural expertise underscores diaspora doctors’ role in bringing new techniques back to Southeast Asia, while also shaping patient outcomes in American hospitals.

Dr. Jason K.H. Chan

• Specialty: Oncology, Hematology.
• Background: Malaysian-born, pursued postgraduate clinical oncology training in the U.S.
• Roles/Accomplishments:
  • Involved in clinical trials for novel immunotherapies targeting hematological malignancies.
  • Focuses on bridging research between Asia-based consortia and U.S. labs for lymphoma subtypes prevalent in Southeast Asian populations.
• Significance:
  By linking transpacific research networks, Dr. Chan’s work fosters global collaboration in cancer care, potentially accelerating drug development relevant to patients of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Dr. Farah R. Hashim

• Specialty: Pediatrics, Developmental-Behavioral Medicine.
• Background: Studied pediatrics in Malaysia, completed a developmental pediatrics fellowship in the U.S.
• Roles/Accomplishments:
  • Works in a major children’s hospital, assisting families with autism spectrum disorders and learning differences.
  • Leads cultural competence workshops, highlighting how families from Southeast Asia approach neurodevelopmental conditions.
• Significance:
  Dr. Hashim’s perspective helps U.S. pediatric teams understand cultural nuances in diagnosing and supporting children with developmental challenges from immigrant backgrounds.

Dr. Kok-Hong Lim

• Specialty: General Surgery, Minimally Invasive Procedures.
• Background: Grew up in Kuala Lumpur; completed a surgical residency and advanced laparoscopic fellowship in the Midwest.
• Roles/Accomplishments:
  • Published on laparoscopic techniques for hernia repair and gastrointestinal surgeries.
  • Actively participates in cross-cultural surgical mission trips to ASEAN countries.
• Significance:
  Dr. Lim exemplifies how diaspora surgeons can refine cutting-edge approaches in U.S. hospitals while sharing these skills with communities in their homeland region.

Dr. Ranjit S. Aiyar

• Specialty: Radiology, Neuroradiology.
• Background: Earned medical degree in Malaysia; completed neuroradiology fellowship in the U.S.
• Roles/Accomplishments:
  • Special expertise in MRI-based diagnosis of brain tumors and vascular malformations.
  • Collaborative research with neurosurgeons leading to protocols for more precise surgical planning.
• Significance:
  Dr. Aiyar’s advanced imaging capabilities bolster the diagnostic accuracy for neurological conditions, reflecting diaspora-driven synergy between American hospitals and global radiological developments.

Dr. Su Mei Teh

• Specialty: Family Medicine, Community Health.
• Background: Originally from Penang, Malaysia; completed family medicine residency in the Northeast U.S.
• Roles/Accomplishments:
  • Operates a community clinic focusing on immigrant families, integrating culturally attuned preventive care.
  • Advocate for expanded medical interpretation services and culturally competent public health outreach.
• Significance:
  By bridging linguistics and healthcare, Dr. Teh ensures minority communities receive quality primary care. Her approach highlights diaspora physicians’ role in addressing health equity.

Dr. Mohd Shahrir Mat Rasid

• Specialty: Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine.
• Background: From Malaysia, undertook advanced sports medicine fellowships at top U.S. orthopedic centers.
• Roles/Accomplishments:
  • Treated high-level athletes with knee ligament reconstructions and arthroscopic procedures.
  • Provides consulting for sports teams, emphasizing injury prevention models applicable across Asia and the U.S.
• Significance:
  Dr. Mat Rasid’s cross-continental perspective fosters knowledge exchange in athletic health, benefitting both American professional sports programs and emerging sports medicine clinics in Malaysia.

Dr. Adeline Tan Cheng Im

• Specialty: Dermatology, Cosmetic Laser Surgery.
• Background: Studied in Malaysia, then specialized in dermatology in the U.S.
• Roles/Accomplishments:
  • Runs a private practice focusing on laser therapies for scars and pigmentation issues.
  • Investigates differences in skin conditions among Asian populations, collaborating with U.S. labs for new devices.
• Significance:
  Dr. Tan’s combined knowledge of Fitzpatrick skin types and advanced laser methods addresses a niche in dermatology that supports culturally sensitive cosmetic and medical treatments.

Dr. John Ooi

• Specialty: Gastroenterology, Hepatology.
• Background: Malaysian-born, completed GI fellowship in the Pacific Northwest.
• Roles/Accomplishments:
  • Skilled in endoscopic interventions (ERCP, EUS) for biliary diseases.
  • Works with global health groups to combat rising hepatitis B prevalence in Asian-American communities.
• Significance:
  Dr. Ooi’s dual involvement in private practice and community outreach exemplifies diaspora GI specialists’ role in bridging disease awareness between Asia and Asian diaspora populations in the U.S.

Dr. Maimunah B. Hussain

• Specialty: Psychiatry, Cultural Psychiatry.
• Background: Medical degree from Malaysia, psychiatric residency in the U.S.
• Roles/Accomplishments:
  • Focuses on cross-cultural therapy approaches for mood disorders in immigrant populations.
  • Writes on stigma reduction strategies in mental healthcare among Southeast Asian families.
• Significance:
  Dr. Hussain’s practice reflects the need for culturally adapted mental health interventions, helping fill the gap in specialized care for Malaysian and other Asian diaspora communities.

Dr. K. Anbalagan

• Specialty: OB-GYN, Gynecologic Oncology.
• Background: Born in Malaysia, later pursued residency and oncology fellowship in top U.S. programs.
• Roles/Accomplishments:
  • Provides advanced surgical oncology services, including robotic hysterectomies for cervical and uterine cancers.
  • Coordinates global telemedicine sessions with Malaysian oncologists to share best practices.
• Significance:
  Dr. Anbalagan’s cross-border collaboration fosters better gynecologic cancer treatment in both countries, illustrating diaspora leadership in specialized oncologic care.

Dr. Denise T. Lai

• Specialty: Pediatric Infectious Diseases.
• Background: Malaysian Chinese heritage, trained in the U.S. for pediatrics and ID fellowship.
• Roles/Accomplishments:
  • Works at a children’s hospital, focusing on complex infections and antibiotic stewardship.
  • Participates in American Academy of Pediatrics committees on vaccine equity for migrant families.
• Significance:
  Dr. Lai’s advocacy on immunization and antibiotic usage resonates with her commitment to bridging healthcare gaps for children from immigrant backgrounds.

Dr. Hafiz Ali

• Specialty: Pulmonology, Critical Care.
• Background: Malaysian medical degree, completed pulmonary-critical care fellowship in a large U.S. center.
• Roles/Accomplishments:
  • Well-versed in ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) for severe respiratory failure.
  • Researched ARDS outcomes in diverse populations, spotlighting how cultural factors influence ICU care.
• Significance:
  By handling advanced life support, Dr. Ali stands at the forefront of critical care medicine, reflecting diaspora doctors’ pivotal roles during crises like COVID-19 surges.

Dr. Rosalind G. Chia

• Specialty: Neurosurgery (Functional and Stereotactic).
• Background: Born in Malaysia; studied neurosurgery in the U.S.
• Roles/Accomplishments:
  • Skilled in DBS (deep brain stimulation) for movement disorders.
  • Leads research on minimally invasive approaches for Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor.
• Significance:
  Dr. Chia’s exploration of advanced neuromodulation therapies fosters hope for patients with severe neurological conditions. Her presence as a Malaysian neurosurgeon broadens diversity in a highly specialized field.

Conclusion

Malaysian-origin physicians in the United States illustrate the ongoing exchange of talent and ideas that enriches American healthcare. Whether through cutting-edge surgical methods, culturally competent primary care, or bridging population-specific research gaps, these doctors demonstrate how diaspora professionals can weave global insight into U.S. clinical practice and medical innovation. Their efforts also often circle back to Malaysia, contributing to capacity-building, research collaboration, and improved health outcomes in their home region.

Though this list highlights at least fifteen individuals, many more Malaysian-born doctors have made—and continue to make—valuable contributions throughout American hospitals, universities, research institutes, and community clinics. Their stories collectively underscore the significance of cross-cultural expertise in addressing both local and global health challenges.