We were sorry to hear of the untimely passing of Professor Dato’ Dr Khalid Yusoff, an esteemed cardiologist and our Regional Adviser for Malaysia, on 5 April 2021.
Dr Che Khalid Yusoff studied medicine at the University of Melbourne as a Colombo plan scholar.
After initial training in Australia, he moved to the University of Newcastle upon Tyne to complete his cardiology training. Known as an enthusiastic, rigorous teacher and examiner, Prof KY, as he was affectionately known to many, was later appointed as a Professor of Medicine at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
He was instrumental in setting up the first cardiac electrophysiological laboratory in Malaysia, as part of the Cardiology Unit. He also established the renowned UKM Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI). He was principal investigator for many trials, and his academic research was widely published in high impact journals, and is frequently cited by his peers.
He was a champion of medical education, and established the Faculty of Medicine at Hospital Universiti Institut Teknologi Mara. In total, Prof KY was responsible for developing four medical campuses.
His crowning glory was being appointed Vice Chancellor, and President, of UCSI University. Under his visionary leadership, UCSI University was recognised as the top Private Medical University in Malaysia for 2019 and 2020 – and now stands among the top two percent of world Universities. He was a member of the National Science and Research Council which was responsible for drafting policies and advising the government.
Besides being a passionate educator, Prof Khalid served extensively as a Council Member of the Academy of Medicine, Malaysia, as well as the President of the College of Physicians of Malaysia. The highly impactful College of Physicians Malaysia initiative, “War on Cancer”, was his brainchild, and one that he was extremely passionate about.
As the Regional Representative for the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, he helped to forge strong links between the College and the medical fraternity in Malaysia.
A brilliant scholar, passionate educator, stern examiner, visionary leader, demanding administrator – above all he was well known for his dry and acerbic wit. His passing is indeed a great loss to all of us. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Professor Datin Paduka Dr Khatijah Mohd Yusoff, and to his family.
Obituary written by Prof Datuk Seri Dr Paras Doshi DPSM KMN. SMW
FRCPE (Edinburgh) FRCPSG (Glasgow) FRCP (London)
FRAMI (Ire) MRCP Acute Medicine (UK) FRCPI (Ire) FFOM (Ire)
CMIA (Mal) AM (Mal) MBBS (Mal)
Professor Derek Bell OBE, past President of the College, said of Professor Khalid:
“Professor Khalid was well known to many College Fellows and Presidents and was a figure of great respect but also a friend to the College. I had the pleasure of meeting him in Malaysia on several occasions and he was a strong supporter of medical education and the College.”
