Dzulkefly Congratulates Dr Azmad Kareem - First Place Winner Of Thieves Market Competition

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad today congratulated Internal Medicine Specialist and Rheumatology Fellow at Putrajaya Hospital, Dr Azmad Kareem Anwardeen, for winning first place in the Thieves Market Competition, held in Chicago, United States.

In a Facebook post, Dr Dzulkefly said Dr Azmad Kareem’s presentation at the rheumatology conference stood out for its insightful examination of a rare clinical case, which demonstrated how a deficiency in immune function, rather than an overactive immune system, can trigger serious inflammatory processes, including aortic stenosis.

 "The clear clinical narrative, strong reasoning, and implications of the case for medical practice made his presentation stand out from hundreds of other entries," he said

Dr Dzulkefly added that Dr Azmad Kareem’s achievement should serve as an inspiration to young Malaysian doctors to continue striving for excellence and pioneering new approaches in the treatment of autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases.

"Well done and congratulations, Dr Azmad! May you continue to shine on the world stage," he said.

Yesterday, Bernama reported that a Malaysian doctor made history after winning first place at the Thieves Market Competition during the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence 2025 held in Chicago, United States.

Dr Azmad Kareem Anwardeen, an Internal Medicine Specialist and Rheumatology Fellow at Hospital Putrajaya under the Ministry of Health (MOH), received the top award for his case titled “The Tale of the Silent Guard and the Ceramic Core” 

His presentation on Oct 26 captivated the judges and audience with its blend of clinical reasoning and narrative clarity, highlighting how the absence of immunity can be as dangerous as an overactive immune system.

With more than 200 submissions from around the world, only four finalists were selected for a live presentation at the Thieves Market, and Dr Azmad’s case secured an overwhelming 75 per cent of the audience votes.

The ACR Convergence, attended by more than 13,000 delegates from over 100 countries, is recognised as the world’s largest and most prestigious rheumatology meeting, bringing together clinicians, researchers and educators to share advances in autoimmune and musculoskeletal disease care.

-- BERNAMA