Remembering Dato’ Aru

Surfing can bring joy when there is an inspirational story to perk up my days. It can also be upsetting to come across unexpected news of someone who had a hand in treating me a long time ago. I surfed into the homepage of the Neurosurgical Association of Malaysia from Malaysian Medical Resources. Going through some of the pages there, I came upon this page paying tribute to Dato’ (Dr) Nadason Arumugasamy. I was truly shocked to learn that Dato’ Aru had passed away in 2003.

After my accident, Dad went to consult Dr. Shanti, our family physician, regarding my condition. She recommended Dato’ Aru of the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital Neurosurgery Department. He was the first neurosurgeon who treated me and prescribed skull traction to stabilise my fractured vertebras. Till today, I have two small hairless patches on my scalp where the screws went in, the handiwork of Dato’ Aru.

I was under his care for only a few weeks. He went on leave after that and my case was passed on to Dr. Kazem Djavadkhani who was attached to the UKM at that time. I remember Dato’ Aru for his jovial demeanour. There was always a smile on his face and he only had soothing words to say when he made his rounds in the ward. As I read that glowing tribute to him, I was amazed by his accomplishments. This pioneer neurosurgeon has left a legacy that had elevated the field of neurosurgery in Malaysia to great heights. May his soul rest in peace.

Author: Peter Tan

Peter Gabriel Tan. Penangite residing in the Klang Valley. Blissfully married to Wuan. A LaSallian through and through. Slave to three cats. Wheelchair user since 1984. End-stage renal disease since 2017. Principal Facilitator at Peter Tan Training specialising in Disability Equality Training. Former columnist of Breaking Barriers with The Borneo Post. This blog chronicles my life, thoughts and opinions. Connect with me on Twitter and Facebook.

3 thoughts on “Remembering Dato’ Aru”

  1. Is really bringing down your heart when you heard bout Dr. Aru’s. But, i believe you also feel proud as you are one of his miracles that he has left behind. He had been making miracles all this while and the miracles will never fade as long you and others appreciated his deeds by taking care of yourself and also moving on to live. YOur relationship between Dr.Aru and you make a little impact to me…. i almost want to give up this sem for my course… not wanting to study so hard….cause lots of things happen this sem but reading the existence of Dr. Aru… reminds me my dream and my future…. i want to create miracles too… just like Dr. Aru….
    May God Bless Him….. and Xie XIe Ni….

  2. I know wat you mean.. Peter.. 🙂
    I read on one blog that i’ve been following for months.. that she had a convulsion.. and when i read that .. i was devastated.. so yes.. the internet.. and news from here.. do affect us.. even with ppl whom we haven’t met.. moreso .. if we knew the ppl in person.. so i understand how you must have felt.. about the Dato. God rest his soul.!

  3. Shiau Lee,
    May you find strength to carry on your studies to completion. You will discover that helping people get on their feet again can be a very fulfilling profession.

    MrsT,
    I guess it also makes us more human and be thankful for what we have.

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