This year marks the twenty-sixth anniversary of the founding of the Malaysian Endocrine and Metabolic Society (MEMS). MEMS was the brainchild of a few individuals. They were among others Dato’ Prof.Dr. Mustafa Embong, Dato’ Prof.Dr. Anuar Zaini, Dato’ Prof.Dr. Khalid Abdul Kadir, Puan Sri Prof. Dr. Nafisah Adeeb and Dr. Arlene Ngan. It was registered in 1983, two years following the founding of its sister organisation, the Malaysian Diabetes Association (PDM). Prof. Mustafa Embong was the first founding president.
Over the years MEMS has developed into a professional body, the objectives of which are to advance the interest and practice of endocrinology among the Malaysian medical fraternity and the general public. Among its earlier activities was its infamous ‘road show’ where a small group of dedicated endocrinologists would travel around the country, from one state capital to another, conducting endocrine courses for the local doctors
During these road shows many social activities were also organized such as fishing trips and picnics that helped to increase the bond of friendship and spirit of belonging among its members. Many would-be and budding endocrinologists were attracted by the commitment and dedication shown by this small group of teachers that they themselves would later go on to pursue this interesting field of medicine.
Currently MEMS conducts endocrine courses annually for post-graduate doctors as well as general practitioners in various parts of the country. These courses are preceded by practical workshops such as those on thyroid ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration techniques. In addition to its dedicated local faculty, MEMS also occasionally invites international experts to these courses.
In 2000 MEMS successfully conducted a joint meeting with Mayo Clinic, which was well attended by both local and overseas participants. The year 2004 also witnessed the historic collaboration between MEMS, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), the German Endocrine Society (GES) and the Iranian Endocrine Society in organising the 7th International Conference on Endocrine Disorders (ICED) which was successfully held in Tehran, Iran.
