nd
Forging Ahead: Bridging Gaps in Global Surgery
9-11th July 2025,
Hilton Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tony Yong Yee Khong
Dr. Tony Yong Yee Khong is a pioneering General and Trauma Surgeon from Malaysia's Ministry of Health subspecialty programme, having completed his fellowship with an overseas attachment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, in 2018.
Driven by a profound sense of purpose, Dr. Tony Yong views his work with injured patients as a calling. He is acutely aware of the substantial burden of trauma on society, particularly among the productive young segment in urban and semi-urban areas. He advocates for robust trauma care systems to mitigate the long-term socioeconomic consequences, such as loss of income and chronic disability, which disproportionately affect those with limited access to private healthcare.
Since 2015, Dr. Tony Yong, alongside his esteemed colleagues Dr. Azuddin Mohd. Khairy and Dr. Tiong Vun-Ee, has been instrumental in the development and continuous improvement of the Trauma Care System at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah (HTAR) and the Central Selangor Cluster. His ongoing dedication includes advancing the critical care of trauma patients through collaborative efforts with the intensive care team at HTAR.
In his personal time, Dr. Tony Yong cultivates a calming balance by engaging in his intricate home aquascape projects.
Abstract
Traumatic injuries continue to pose a significant public health burden globally, with disproportionately high morbidity and mortality rates observed in resource-limited settings. While advancements in trauma care have improved outcomes in high-income countries, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to trained personnel, and insufficient resources persist in many developing nations. I will explore key strategies for "Improving Trauma Surgery Outcomes in Resource-Limited Settings," with a specific focus on the Malaysian context. We will discuss prevalent challenges unique to Malaysia's diverse geographical landscape and healthcare system, including disparities in urban versus rural access, the burden of road traffic injuries, and the need for robust prehospital care. Drawing upon local experiences and international best practices, I aim to highlight practical and sustainable interventions. These may include optimizing existing resources, implementing cost-effective technologies, strengthening trauma system development through tiered referral networks, enhancing training programs for healthcare professionals, and fostering inter-agency collaboration. The aim is to demonstrate how targeted, context-specific interventions can lead to tangible improvements in trauma patient survival and functional recovery, ultimately reducing the societal and economic impact of trauma in Malaysia and similar resource-constrained environments.