Breathing Life into Paediatric Care: Coffee Break with Dr Zehan, Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Respiratory Specialist
04 November 2024
Early intervention and personalised care can be life-changing, especially when it comes to children’s respiratory health. For Dr. Noor Zehan Abdul Rahim, a Consultant Paediatrician & Paediatric Respiratory Specialist, this philosophy is at the core of her work. Driven by the desire to improve the lives of children facing complex breathing challenges, Dr. Zehan combines her deep clinical expertise with a heartfelt commitment to patient education and family support.
Dr. Zehan’s journey in paediatrics has been marked by her hands-on experience in managing a wide spectrum of childhood respiratory conditions. After beginning her career in paediatric wards across the UK, she has since built a reputation for her patient-centric approach, empowering families with knowledge and resources to better manage their children’s health. Today, as she brings her expertise back to Malaysia, Dr. Zehan remains dedicated to creating a positive impact on each young patient she encounters, one breath at a time.
A Love for Pediatrics
Dr Zehan’s career began in paediatrics, which quickly became a calling for her. She found working with children particularly rewarding, especially in contrast to adult care. “Pediatrics was my first posting as a houseman,” she recalls. “After doing paediatrics, I found that going into adult care was not something I liked because children, no matter what sickness they have, tend to be very happy unless they’re in real pain or afraid of their surroundings.” Her connection with young patients is rooted in the infectious positivity they bring, despite their health challenges. Dr. Zehan explains, “If you can make that fear go away, they are usually a charm to work with.” She finds that the resilience and spirit of children add a unique energy to her work. "Their charming spirits inspire me daily and make my work truly fulfilling,” the lung specialist shares, highlighting why she chose to build her career in helping children overcome respiratory challenges.
Making a Miracle
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Throughout her time in London, Dr Zehan encountered cases that pushed the boundaries of her skills and knowledge. One of her most memorable patients was a young child with an exceptionally rare lung condition that initially seemed untreatable. The child was initially given a palliative diagnosis, but Dr Zehan’s approach and resourcefulness turned the situation around. “Today, that child is seven years old, healthy, and living a full life,” she reflects.
Another impactful case involved siblings who had been misdiagnosed with asthma and were undergoing harmful treatments that weren’t actually needed. Dr Zehan’s reevaluation and adjusted treatment led to significant improvements in their growth and overall health. “Correcting a diagnosis and witnessing the positive transformation it brings to a family is incredibly fulfilling,” she shares. Such experiences strengthened her resolve to bring similar levels of care and dedication back to Malaysia.
A New Chapter at Home
After nearly a decade abroad, the pull of family and the desire to give back to her community drew Dr Zehan back to Malaysia. “My parents are ageing, and I wanted to be present for my family, especially my nephew and niece,” she explains. For Dr Zehan, this transition isn’t simply about resuming a career in her home country; it’s about leveraging her international experience to enhance the standards of paediatric care in Malaysia, one patient at a time.
Returning to her roots allows Dr Zehan to reconnect with family while giving her the chance to play a critical role in Malaysia’s healthcare system. Her vision for paediatric respiratory care in Malaysia is shaped by her time in the UK, and she aims to blend this knowledge with her local insights to support children and families navigating respiratory challenges.
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Working in Malaysia’s private healthcare system presents unique adjustments for Dr Zehan, who was accustomed to the collaborative, team-based environment of UK hospitals. “It can be very isolating working in private because you are solely managing your own patients. It’s not a team that is managing the whole cohort of patients.
Despite the challenges, Dr Zehan is determined to make a positive impact in her new role. Private practice, she explains, offers certain freedoms in tailoring care to individual patients, allowing her to connect more personally with families and follow each patient’s journey closely. She’s committed to offering the highest quality of care.
Since her return, Dr Zehan has found solace in the close bonds of her family. Spending time with her parents, nephews, and niece has been a welcome change after years spent far from home. “Being around my family is rejuvenating,” she shares. She often spends evenings catching up with loved ones, relishing the simple moments of family life she missed while abroad.
Adventures Beyond Medicine
Outside her career, Dr Zehan is an avid hiker and world traveller, passions she pursued fully during her years in the UK. After spending a significant portion of her career in London, she took the opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes of the UK and beyond. She particularly enjoyed the breathtaking beauty of places like the Lake District, where she embraced the tranquillity of nature through trail walking, and the rugged terrain of Snowdonia in Wales.
Dr Zehan’s favourite hiking experience was in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, which she describes as an ultimate adventure, showcasing the thrill of exploring new terrains. She also visited the Everest Base Camp on the Tibet side, although she found it less exciting than she had anticipated. Looking ahead, she has plans to venture into the hiking trails of Pakistan, hoping to join colleagues for shared experiences in nature.
Despite her busy schedule, Dr Zehan cherishes the moments spent travelling, as they allow her to unwind and escape the daily grind. She enjoys immersing herself in different cultures, relishing the food and atmosphere of places like Greece and the south of France. Her travels not only broaden her horizons but also provide her with a fresh perspective that she brings into her practice, enriching her interactions with patients and families.
Her Vision for the Future
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Dr. Zehan has big plans to create an asthma clinic, a dedicated space where patients can receive clear answers and thorough care. “I’m planning to establish a clinic where patients can come in, get properly diagnosed, and leave knowing whether they have asthma or not,” she explains. This isn’t just about diagnosis—it’s about ensuring families understand asthma, empowering them with knowledge that’s vital for effective care.
Her vision for the clinic is to offer a comprehensive asthma care package. “We want patients to go through essential investigations, clinical exams, and then a consultation on the results,” she says. “If asthma treatment is necessary, we’ll start with long-term inhaled steroids, guiding patients through every step right here in the clinic.” It’s about creating a space where families feel supported from diagnosis through to treatment.
But Dr. Zehan’s ambitions don’t stop with asthma. Looking ahead, she hopes to launch a structured paediatric sleep service. While sleep studies are currently available, she envisions a more organised approach to serve children with potential sleep issues. “Sleep is essential for a child’s well-being, and structured, specialised care can make a significant difference,” she notes. With this in place, Dr. Zehan aims to expand diagnostic options and ultimately, improve outcomes for her young patients.
Words of Advice
Dr. Zehan Rahim emphasises the importance of passion and perseverance for those pursuing a career in paediatric respiratory care. She encourages aspiring specialists to seek hands-on experience through internships, volunteer opportunities, and shadowing professionals, as this early exposure builds a strong foundation of knowledge and skills. Staying curious and engaging in ongoing education are also vital, given the rapid advancements in medical science.
Moreover, Dr. Zehan highlights the significance of empathy in paediatric care. Building strong communication skills is essential for effectively connecting with children and their families, helping to alleviate their fears and concerns. By fostering trust and understanding, future paediatric respiratory specialists can make a meaningful impact in the lives of their patients.
A heartfelt thank you to Dr Zehan for your commitment to paediatric respiratory health and for inspiring us all with your journey.
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