Condolences on the Passing of Dato’ Dr K Somasundaram
Dear Faculty Members,
It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Dato’ Dr K Somasundaram, the former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, and Head of Department of Surgery, Universiti Malaya. His departure is a great loss to our medical community, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
Dato’ Dr K Somasundaram, affectionately known as Prof Soma, was a distinguished figure in the field of medicine, originating from Sri Lanka and making significant contributions during his tenure at our institution. His journey began in 1965 when he joined a pioneering group of surgeons in the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. Little did he anticipate that his planned three-year term in Malaysia would extend to over 50 years, leaving an indelible mark on the medical landscape.
Throughout his illustrious career, Prof Soma's contributions were transformative. As the first fully trained pediatric surgeon in Malaysia, he played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the care for neonates and children requiring surgery. His groundbreaking research on congenital diaphragmatic hernia, conducted in collaboration with Professor Mark Ravitch of the University of Pittsburgh, USA, showcased his commitment to advancing medical knowledge.
Prof Soma's leadership roles, from the Head of Department of Surgery to the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, underscored his dedication to medical education and patient care. His role in initiating the FRCS Edinburgh examination in Malaysia in 1980 demonstrated his commitment to providing opportunities for aspiring surgeons in our country.
One of Prof Soma's most remarkable achievements was the successful separation of conjoined twins in 1981, marking a historic moment in the region. His selfless dedication to this challenging task, which he undertook twice, highlighted his unwavering commitment to the well-being of his patients.
As a mentor, Prof Soma influenced and shaped the careers of many surgeons, including several Presidents of the College of Surgeons of Malaysia. His impact on the career of these leaders in Medicine is a testament to his guidance, support, and encouragement. His legacy as a generous mentor, a surgeon of incredible technical skill, and a true role model will be remembered by generations to come.
Even after leaving the Universiti Malaya for private practice in 1986, Prof Soma continued to contribute to medical education, remaining involved in teaching until his health began to decline. His passion for teaching and dedication to his students serve as an enduring inspiration.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Prof Soma was a fitting recipient of the M Balasegaram Award, honoring his role as a distinguished surgical trainer in Malaysia.
During this difficult time, let us join together in remembering and celebrating the life of Dato’ Dr K Somasundaram. His legacy will continue to inspire us in our pursuit of excellence in medicine and education.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.
Sincerely,
Professor Dr April Roslani
Dean
Faculty of Medicine
Universiti Malaya