Introduction

Dr. Norsiah binti Ali is a distinguished Malaysian Family Medicine Specialist and Addiction Specialist with over three decades of experience in public health and primary care. Born in Malaysia, she has dedicated her career to improving healthcare services, particularly in the areas of addiction medicine, HIV/AIDS treatment, and family health.

Dr. Norsiah's educational journey reflects her commitment to excellence in medical practice. She obtained her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Universiti Sains Malaysia in 1992, followed by a Masters in Family Medicine from the University of Malaya in 1999. Her passion for comprehensive healthcare led her to pursue further specialization, earning a Certificate in Mother & Child Health & Disability from University College London in 2005. Recognizing the growing need for expertise in addiction treatment, she completed a Fellowship in Addiction Medicine from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia in 2007. Her academic achievements also include a Graduate Certificate of Teaching in Family Medicine from the Academy of Family Physicians Malaysia in 2019 and a Diploma of Fellowship from the Academy of Medicine Malaysia in the same year.

Currently, Dr. Norsiah serves as the Head of Family Medicine Specialists in Melaka and as a Consultant Family Medicine Specialist & Addiction Specialist at Masjid Tanah Health Clinic. Her leadership extends beyond her clinical roles, as she holds key positions in various national committees. She chairs the Specialty / Subspecialty Education Committee for Family Medicine Fraternity at the Malaysian Medical Council and leads the Sub-specialization in Addiction Medicine in Primary Care for the Ministry of Health. Her influence in shaping family medicine practices is further evidenced by her role as the Immediate Past President of the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia.

Throughout her career, Dr. Norsiah has been at the forefront of developing and implementing innovative healthcare programs. She played a pivotal role in establishing harm reduction services for drug users in Malaysia, including the Needle Syringe Exchange Program and Methadone Maintenance Therapy in primary care settings. Her work in these areas has been recognized internationally, including by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for promoting community-based drug dependence treatment in Southeast Asia.

Dr. Norsiah's research interests are diverse, encompassing addiction medicine, HIV/AIDS, child and adolescent health, diabetes, and asthma. She has been involved in numerous research projects, both as a principal investigator and collaborator, contributing significantly to the body of knowledge in primary care and public health in Malaysia. Her research work includes studies on methadone treatment outcomes, alcohol use disorders, and the management of chronic diseases in primary care settings.

As an accomplished author, Dr. Norsiah has contributed to over 70 publications in peer-reviewed journals, covering a wide range of topics in family medicine and addiction treatment. She has also authored several books, including "Common Clinical Problems in Primary Care: A Quick Guide" and "Masaalah kebergantungan dadah di Malaysia; panduan kepada pesakit, keluarga dan masyarakat" (Drug Dependency Problems in Malaysia: A Guide for Patients, Families, and Society).

Dr. Norsiah's expertise is widely sought after, as evidenced by her frequent invitations to speak at national and international conferences. She has presented on various topics, including addiction medicine, primary care management of HIV/AIDS, and family medicine practices in Malaysia. Her contributions to medical education are further demonstrated through her role as a clinical and research mentor for Advanced Training in Family Medicine.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to public health and medical services, Dr. Norsiah has received numerous awards throughout her career. These include the Medal of Darjah Seri Melaka (DSM) from the state of Melaka in 2022, and multiple Excellence in Service awards from the Ministry of Health Malaysia. Her work has not only been recognized within Malaysia but has also gained international acclaim, particularly in the field of addiction medicine and harm reduction.

Dr. Norsiah Ali's career exemplifies dedication to improving public health through clinical practice, research, education, and policy development. Her multifaceted approach to healthcare, combining expertise in family medicine and addiction treatment, has made a significant impact on the Malaysian healthcare system and beyond. As she continues to lead and innovate in her field, Dr. Norsiah remains committed to her vision of comprehensive, compassionate, and evidence-based healthcare for all.

Speaker session