WORDS LIM TECK CHOON
Orthopaedics is a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
Within this broad field lies orthopaedic oncology, a specialized area dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of bone and soft tissue tumours, both benign and malignant.
Orthopaedic oncologists work closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care, aiming to preserve limb function while treating cancer effectively.
To get a deeper understanding of orthopaedic oncology, I recently had both the privilege and pleasure to sit down with Dr Choong Chee Leong, a distinguished professional whose career has been a remarkable journey of dedication, expertise, and inspiration. He allowed us to delve into his experiences, motivations, and the guiding principles that have shaped his path, offering a unique insight into the work and passion behind
A CALLING IN ORTHOPAEDICS
 FEATURED EXPERTDR CHOONG CHEE LEONG Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon (Orthopaedic-Oncology) Beacon Hospital |
Dr Choong Chee Leong’s journey into orthopaedics began during his time as a medical officer at Taiping Hospital.
One pivotal experience involved an industrial injury patient whose right hand was crushed by a machine. He was rushed into surgery, where Dr Choong used part of the patient’s palm bone to replace the crushed part of the ring finger.
Despite losing his little finger and part of his ring finger, the patient was grateful to have his palm intact.
Having been a part of this surgical invention, Dr Choong witnessed firsthand the profound impact of surgical intervention.
“At that moment, I realized that orthopaedic specialists play a crucial role not just in treating fractures,” he recalls. It is also about restoring function, hope, and quality of life.
THE ALLURE OF ORTHOPAEDICS
Orthopaedics offers immediate, visible results. Whether through fracture repairs or joint replacements, the transformation in patients’ lives can be swift and profound.
The dynamic nature of the field, with continuous advancements in technology and surgical techniques, drew Dr Choong deeper into the specialty.
He credits much of his development to the mentorship of esteemed surgeons such as Mr Manoharan Krishnan and Mr Mohan Raj, who demonstrated exceptional surgical skills. He also acknowledges Miss Chye and Miss Suryasmi Duski for instilling in him the values of compassion and dedication to patient care.
THE PATH TO ORTHOPAEDIC ONCOLOGY
Dr Choong’s interest in orthopaedic oncology was sparked in 2009 when he served as a liaison doctor at Taiping Hospital, referring bone cancer patients to Dr Chye Ping Ching in Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
The role required him to convince patients to travel as far as 300 kilometers for specialized treatment—an emotionally challenging but rewarding responsibility.
One notable case involved a man in his late 40s whose femur had been fixed three times but kept failing. Dr Choong played a crucial role in the process of diagnosing him with osteosarcoma, ensuring he received proper treatment.
A defining moment came in 2010 when Dr Chye invited him to assist in a complex, 10-hour surgery in Kuala Lumpur. That experience solidified his decision to specialize in orthopaedic oncology, a field where he could significantly impact patients’ quality of life.
“After that surgery, Dr Chye kept encouraging to pursue the path of an orthopaedic oncology surgeon,” he says.
Bolstered by this encouragement, he made that first step to become what he is today.
ORTHOPAEDIC ONCOLOGY IS REWARDING BUT CHALLENGING
“One of the most rewarding aspects of orthopaedic oncology is the opportunity to significantly improve my patients’ quality of life,” Dr Choong tells us.
He elaborates that many patients with bone tumours face not only the threat of cancer, but also the potential loss of mobility and function.
“By providing effective surgical interventions and treatment plans, orthopaedic oncologists can help restore function and allow patients to return to their daily activities. The ability to make such a significant impact in patients’ lives is a powerful motivator for me,” he says.
However, the vocation is also challenging.
Treating bone and soft tissue tumours requires a tailored approach that considers the tumour type, location, and overall health of the patient. Dr Choong emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary team to ensure accurate diagnoses and optimal treatment plans.
Beyond the clinical complexities, the emotional toll of the specialty is immense. It can be overwhelming to deliver the difficult news of a cancer diagnosis to patients and their loved ones, discuss the potential for limb loss, and support patients through long-term treatment can be overwhelming.
Yet, despite these challenges, Dr. Choong remains dedicated to providing compassionate care and guidance.
“Each day presents new challenges, but it also offers the chance to provide hope and healing to those in need,” he says.
COMMUNICATING WITH PATIENTS
Dr Choong’s philosophy in this area is to approach difficult conversations with empathy and clarity.
He prioritizes transparent, jargon-free communication that will ensure that his patients fully understand their diagnosis and treatment options.
“By prioritising these elements, I aim to help my patients navigate their diagnosis with dignity and hope,” says Dr Choong, “thus ensuring that they feel empowered throughout their treatment journey.”
CAREER MILESTONES AND INNOVATIONS
Dr Choong’s career is marked by pioneering advancements, including the use of liquid nitrogen recycling autografts for paediatric bone cancer patients. This technique preserves bone growth while minimizing limb length discrepancies.
He has also embraced joint-sparing surgeries with computer navigation, offering long-term mobility outcomes comparable to endoprosthesis reconstruction.
RECOGNITIONS AND PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Dr Choong’s resilience and leadership abilities were evident early on when he received the King Scout Award at 16.
He later earned two Excellence in Service awards during his tenure in government healthcare. His commitment to continuous improvement and efficiency has also positioned him as a key contributor to lean initiatives in healthcare.
RAISING AWARENESS OF BONE HEALTH
Dr Choong emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong bones through a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, along with regular weight-bearing exercises.
He also stresses the need for early detection of bone cancer, as symptoms like persistent bone pain, swelling, and unexplained fractures are often overlooked.
In Dr Choong’s opinion, public awareness about different types of bone cancer—primary bone cancers like osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, as well as metastatic bone cancer—is crucial. Understanding these conditions can lead to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes.
“Regular health check-ups can play a vital role in early detection of bone-related issues, including cancer,” Dr Choong adds. “Undergoing routine screenings, especially if they have risk factors or a family history of cancer. These check-ups can help identify potential problems before they become more serious.”
He also urges Malaysians to seek specialized care from orthopaedic oncologists for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
SUPPORTING PATIENTS WITH BONE CANCER
For families supporting loved ones through treatment, Dr Choong highlights the importance of presence, patience, and understanding.
Educating oneself about the patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan can help in providing meaningful support.
Recognizing the emotional ups and downs of cancer treatment is essential, and offering consistent encouragement can make a significant difference.
LOOKING AHEAD
Despite the challenges and complexities of his vocation, Dr Choong remains motivated by his patients’ success stories.
Witnessing individuals regain mobility and return to their daily lives fuels his passion for the field.
By balancing his demanding career with personal time, he ensures that his dedication to orthopaedic oncology remains unwavering.
Through his expertise, compassion, and commitment to innovation, Dr Choong Chee Leong continues to transform lives, one surgery at a time.
| This article is part of our series on inspiring real-life stories of healthcare industry professionals as well as everyday people. |
