Name: Dr. Chan See Yun
Cohort: MSA118
Current Role: Anesthesiologist (Specialising in Obstetric Anesthesiology)
Location: Ipoh, Malaysia
From Anesthesiologist to Acupuncture Innovator
At the intersection of science and tradition stands Dr. Chan See Yun, an esteemed alumna of IMU’s MSc in Acupuncture programme. A skilled anesthesiologist based in Ipoh, Dr. Chan has carved a niche in maternal healthcare by seamlessly integrating the precision of Western medicine with the holistic philosophy of acupuncture. Her pioneering work focuses on supporting mothers during and after childbirth, redefining the standards of care in obstetric anesthesiology.
Journey at IMU
Dr. Chan’s decision to pursue the MSc in Acupuncture at IMU stemmed from a deep curiosity about how traditional healing methods could complement clinical practice. The programme not only deepened her understanding of acupuncture but also enhanced her appreciation of holistic patient care — one that considers both the body and mind. IMU’s evidence-based approach provided the ideal foundation for her to merge these two disciplines with confidence and integrity.
Achievements Post-IMU
- Integrating Two Worlds of Healing: Dr. Chan’s innovative approach combines the best of Western medical science and traditional acupuncture to provide comprehensive, compassionate care to mothers. Her goal is to reduce dependency on pharmaceutical drugs for post-delivery complications such as pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Through her integrative techniques, she helps mothers recover more comfortably and naturally after childbirth, emphasizing balance and restoration.
- Advocating for Holistic Maternal Health: Despite encountering scepticism from peers who remain cautious about blending conventional and traditional modalities, Dr. Chan remains steadfast in her mission. She views each challenge as an opportunity to educate and advocate for evidence-based acupuncture within mainstream medical practice. Her work serves as a testament to the transformative power of interdisciplinary collaboration in improving patient outcomes.
Inspiration and Defining Moments
For Dr. Chan, every patient interaction is a reminder of why she chose this path. Witnessing firsthand how acupuncture can complement anesthesiology — relieving discomfort and supporting emotional well-being — has reaffirmed her belief in integrative care. Her journey is one of innovation grounded in empathy, and her patients’ gratitude continues to inspire her pursuit of excellence.
Overcoming Challenges
Introducing an unconventional approach within a clinical setting is never without obstacles. From overcoming professional scepticism to fine-tuning protocols for patient safety and efficacy, Dr. Chan has faced each hurdle with determination. Her unwavering belief in scientific rigor, combined with compassionate care, has helped her build credibility and trust in this emerging field.
Advice to Young Graduates
“Be open to exploring new frontiers in healthcare. True progress lies not in choosing between old and new, but in finding meaningful ways to integrate both for the benefit of patients.”
Ongoing Drive for Excellence
Dr. Chan continues to refine her expertise through continuous learning and clinical research, seeking new ways to advance acupuncture’s role in maternal medicine. Her forward-thinking perspective embodies the IMU ethos — one that values lifelong learning, innovation, and empathy in equal measure.
Impact on Society
Dr. Chan’s pioneering work stands as a model of interdisciplinary excellence, showcasing how traditional and modern medicine can coexist to enhance patient care. Her dedication to advancing maternal health reflects the spirit of compassion, curiosity, and courage that IMU strives to instil in all its graduates.
Through her work, Dr. Chan See Yun is not only improving the childbirth experience for mothers — she is also redefining the future of holistic healthcare in Malaysia.