CardioBird

Veterinarian Spotlight #11:

Dr. Khor Kuan Hua, Our Featured Veterinarian

We are excited to introduce Dr. Khor Kuan Hua, as our featured veterinarian for this issue. Dr. Khor is a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). She obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from UPM in 2002 and completed her PhD in Small Animal Internal Medicine, specialising in Veterinary Cardiology, at The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, in 2012. She is also a Diplomate of the Asian College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (AiCVIM) in Cardiology, reflecting her special keen interest in this field, despite still strongly practising her internal medicine. In addition to her academic and clinical roles, Dr. Khor serves as an editorial board member of the Jurnal of Veterinary Malaysia (JVM), where she contributes to the advancement of veterinary research and peer-reviewed publications. As a clinician and educator, she is actively involved in teaching, clinical consultation, and supervising veterinary students, with a particular focus on cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in companion animals. Her research interests include canine and feline cardiomyopathies, renal disease, heartworm disease, and zoonotic diseases such as leptospirosis, as well as the pharmacokinetics of cardiovascular drugs. She has published extensively and continues to contribute to veterinary research, education, and professional development through both local and international collaborations.

Bio: 

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), UPM, 2002
• PhD in Small Animal Internal Medicine (Veterinary Cardiology), The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, 2012
• Diplomate in Cardiology, Asian College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (AiCVIM)
• Editorial board member of the Jurnal of Veterinary Malaysia (JVM)
• Head of the Department of Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery
• Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

 

 

Q1 :  How would you introduce yourself in 3 words?

A : Compassionate, collaborative, committed (3C) …. my kind of 3C’s at work.

Q2 : At what age, did you decide to become a vet?

A : Have NEVER considered being a vet actually. As a student enrolled for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine course – I thought I should just give this a try. I was in my first semester of my study – One day I had to join along with the team at a zoo to nurse a Tiger for almost three weeks diligently. Though the Tiger did not make it – as beautiful as he is – I found the calling to continue my veterinary studies – helping the “”voiceless””. “” Hey, why not be a wildlife vet!”

I guess never say NEVER.

 

Q3 : What do you like the most for being a vet?

A : What I enjoy the most about being a vet is the process of solving clinical puzzles—piecing together clues from history, diagnostics, and patient behavior. There’s something incredibly rewarding about reaching a diagnosis and seeing the patient respond to treatment. It’s even more fulfilling when you see the relief and gratitude in the eyes of the pet owner. Those moments make all the challenges worthwhile.

Q4 : One sentence that describes your value as a vet.

A : Driven by compassion and guided by science, I am dedicated to improving animal healthcare.

 

Q5 : Can you share one memorable moment in your career as a vet?

A : I’ve had many meaningful moments in my career, but what resonates with me most is the daily privilege of supporting fur-patients with progressive diseases. It’s deeply rewarding to witness even the smallest signs of improvement—those extra “doggy days” or “kittycat days” that matter so much. What touches me most is seeing owners shift their focus, pouring love and presence into each day with their pets. After a diagnosis, time feels short, but these second chances through tailor-made therapy suited to both fur-patients and owners often bring comfort for them, connection, and even closure, and being part of that journey is truly humbling. It may drain my empathy surely, but at the end of the day – I know I help some”ONE”.

 

 

Q6 : What is your expertise (pursuing focus)?

A : Cardiology is definitely one of my key areas of focus, alongside various topics in internal medicine. Being in academia, my strength lies in teaching and raising awareness—sharing knowledge and inspiring others is truly where I am placed.

 

 

Q7 : What do you like the most about CardioBird?

A : What I appreciate about CardioBird is how it simplifies and streamlines cardiac diagnostics, making electrocardiography more accessible and less intimidating, especially in general practice settings. It empowers vets to make faster, more confident decisions for their patients without always having to wait for specialist input. Feedback reports may encourage continuous learning and bridge the gap between generalists and specialists in a very practical way. Nevertheless – self-learning and communication remains the key to help more patients.
I’m truly grateful to Aniware and Vetnetic for their willingness to engage in MOU activities with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia. Having this technology integrated as a daily diagnostic tool—and as part of our teaching and learning experience—is an incredible advantage for our students.

Q8: Surely you have a dream. What do you hope to accomplish through your career or in life?

A : Honestly, I don’t have a personal dream to chase in my profession. But as a teacher, what brings me true fulfilment is the opportunity to mentor others and nurture talents who can make an impact in our local industry here in Malaysia or even motivate one to push themselves on an international platform. If I can help shape even a few individuals to contribute meaningfully to the field, that’s enough for me—because they are the future.