Your Doctor

Prof. Dato’ Dr. Basheer Ahamed bin Abdul Kareem is an esteemed consultant cardiothoracic surgeon with over two decades of distinguished experience in Malaysia and internationally. He currently serves as a Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Northern Heart Hospital, Penang, where his well-known expertise, leadership and dedication to patients’ cardiothoracic health continue to touch and heal the hearts and lungs of many Malaysian and international patients.
Dr. Basheer earned his MBBS from the University of Malaya in 1997 and entered further training and qualified in the field of cardiothoracic surgery by attaining the prestigious Fellowships of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) in Ireland, England, and Edinburgh, UK. His strong academic foundation and dedication to advancing cardiothoracic surgery nationwide were pivotal as he progressed through various roles in the field. He began his career as a medical officer in general surgery before specialising in cardiothoracic surgery. His training included serving as a registrar at esteemed institutions such as the Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur and the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, UK. In 2008, his expertise was officially recognised when he was gazetted as a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon by Malaysia’s Ministry of Health.
Renowned for his surgical precision and dedication to his patients, Dr. Basheer performs a wide spectrum of elective and emergency heart and lung procedures daily. He is actively involved in managing intensive care units and is widely respected for his leadership in clinical education and mentorship. Beyond his role at Northern Heart Hospital, Dr. Basheer also serves as the Head of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department at the Penang General Hospital and continues to provide consultancy services at prominent private hospitals in Penang, extending his invaluable expertise to the healthcare community.
He is also the current serving President of the Malaysian Association for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons (MATCVS), the only organisation representing all cardiothoracic surgeons in the country. His recent appointment as the President of the Association of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons of Asia (ATCSA) is a clear testament to the international surgeons community’s recognition of his exemplary work.
Dr. Basheer is a committed academician and educator. He has served as a guest lecturer at Penang Medical College and the School of Nursing, Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), where he imparts knowledge and inspires future generations of medical professionals. He is also a guest examiner for the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Edinburgh, UK, further solidifying his contributions to medical education on a global scale. His commitment to teaching and training is well established through his appointments as Adjunct Professor in the Faculties of Medicine at the Universiti Malaya and Universiti Tuanku Abdul Rahman (UTAR).
In addition to his clinical and academic roles, Dr. Basheer holds the esteemed position of Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery Services at the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH). In this capacity, he plays a key role in shaping national standards and policies for cardiothoracic care at the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), ensuring excellence and innovation in the field across the country.
With his vast experience, unwavering dedication, and commitment to advancing cardiothoracic surgery, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Basheer Ahamed continues to be a driving force in the Malaysian medical community and beyond. His goal and mission are to bring cardiothoracic surgery closer to the rakyat in a never-ending effort to save and improve the lives of those whose hearts need mending.