The Right Doctor Isn't Always One Doctor

Why complex brain and spine conditions increasingly call for specialists to work across disciplines.
 

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- When faced with a brain, spine or neurological condition, one of the first questions a patient or family member may ask is: Which doctor should we see?

A neurologist? A neurosurgeon? A spine surgeon? An interventional radiologist? Sometimes, the answer is more than one.

The brain, spine and nervous system are deeply interconnected, and complex conditions do not always fall neatly within the boundaries of a single medical specialty. A patient may begin their journey with one doctor, only for their condition to require another specialist's perspective — or the combined expertise of several. It is why multidisciplinary care is becoming an increasingly important part of managing complex neurological and spinal conditions.

At Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL), this means bringing together specialists from different disciplines around one common priority: determining what is most appropriate for the individual patient.

Among them are Dr Azman Raffiq and Dr Kevin Sek Weng Yew, Consultant Neurosurgeons; Dr Tee Seow Kuan and Dr Rishikesan Kuppusamy, Consultant Neurologists; Dr Arvin Rajadurai, Consultant Interventional Radiologist; and Dr Ng Bing Wui, Consultant Spine Surgeon — six doctors with distinct areas of expertise whose paths can cross when managing complex patients.

When a diagnosis crosses specialties

Medicine has become increasingly specialised, and for good reason. Each specialist brings years of focused training and experience to a particular area of care. But patients do not necessarily arrive with a diagnosis that fits neatly into one specialty. They arrive with symptoms.

It might be persistent back pain accompanied by numbness or weakness. A sudden change in movement or sensation. Headaches that have become concerning. Difficulty walking. Or symptoms that initially appear to point in one direction but reveal something more complex upon further investigation.

The first specialist a patient sees may therefore not always be the only specialist they need. This is where collaboration becomes important. Rather than viewing a referral as simply passing a patient from one doctor to another, a multidisciplinary approach allows specialists to consult one another, discuss complex cases and bring in additional expertise when required.

Sometimes, the most important decision a doctor makes is recognising that another perspective is needed.

The question isn't always "Can we treat it?" 

When several treatment options are available, the more important question may be: Which approach is right for this particular patient? That distinction matters.

Two people may present with seemingly similar conditions but have very different needs depending on their symptoms, age, overall health, lifestyle, severity of their condition and other individual factors.

A neurologist may determine that a patient's condition requires a surgical opinion. A neurosurgeon may conclude that an operation is not yet necessary. An interventional radiologist may offer another perspective on how a condition could be managed. A spine surgeon may need to consider neurological symptoms alongside the structural problem affecting the spine.

The value of having different specialists involved is therefore not simply the number of opinions available. It is the ability to determine which expertise is needed, and when. For patients, that can mean a care pathway shaped around their condition rather than around the boundaries of a particular medical department.

Expertise also means knowing when to involve someone else

There is a human element to multidisciplinary medicine that patients rarely get to see. It requires trust between doctors. Specialists must be comfortable seeking another opinion, challenging assumptions and recognising when a colleague may be better placed to manage a particular aspect of a patient's condition.

There may also be cases where two or more specialists remain involved, each contributing their expertise to different parts of the patient's care. That changes the idea of what it means to find the "best doctor".

The best outcome may not necessarily come from finding one individual who can address everything. It may come from finding a specialist who is part of a wider team, and who knows when to bring that team into the conversation.

For PHKL's Neuro and Spine specialists, collaboration is intended to make those transitions more connected. The aim is not for every patient to see multiple doctors. Many cases can and should be managed by a single appropriate specialist. Rather, it is to ensure that when a case does require expertise beyond one discipline, that conversation can happen.

One patient, different perspectives

For patients, neurological and spinal symptoms do not come neatly labelled by specialty, nor should patients be expected to know which specialist they need.

What matters is having a care team that can bring in the right expertise when it is needed. That is what multidisciplinary care should ultimately be about: not simply having different specialists under one roof, but ensuring they communicate, consult and collaborate around the patient.

As medicine becomes increasingly specialised, that ability to work across disciplines becomes even more important. Ultimately, it is about having the right expertise, at the right time, for the right reason. And sometimes, the right doctor isn't one doctor at all.

-END-

About Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur

Established in 1974, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL), part of the IHH Healthcare multinational network, is one of Malaysia's most established centres for specialised and complex care. Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the hospital is licensed for more than 500 beds and supported by over 200 consultants across a range of medical and surgical specialties.

As a quaternary care provider, PHKL manages complex medical conditions and advanced procedures through multidisciplinary care, supported by modern medical technology and integrated clinical expertise. The hospital continues to advance clinical research, innovation and medical education to meet evolving healthcare needs in Malaysia and internationally.

PHKL's commitment to quality is reflected in internationally recognised accreditations, including Joint Commission International and the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health. It has also been designated a Baby-Friendly Hospital by the Ministry of Health Malaysia and the World Health Organization since 2001. The hospital is recognised among Newsweek's World's Best Hospitals and Asia's Top Private Hospitals, and has received the World Stroke Organization Angels Awards for delivering timely, evidence-based stroke care.

With over 50 years of service, PHKL remains committed to delivering world-class care while strengthening its position as a trusted healthcare institution in Malaysia and across the region.

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

The Right Doctor Isn't Always One Doctor

The Repulse Bay Motoring Classics brings the spirit of The Peninsula's acclaimed international motoring gatherings to Hong Kong, featuring rare classic icons and regional premieres in a signature garden party setting.

HONG KONG, Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time, The Repulse Bay will bring the spirit of The Peninsula's acclaimed international motoring gatherings to Hong Kong with The Repulse Bay Motoring Classics, on 7 November, a sophisticated garden party celebrating exceptional automobiles and refined hospitality. Tickets are now available: https://www.therepulsebay.com/en/the-repulse-bay-motoring-classics.

Showcase of Timeless Classics and Regional Premieres

A distinguished collection of 26 classic cars will be showcased at The Repulse Bay Arcade, spanning Pre-War Oldtimers (1920s – 1940s), Golden Vintage (1950s – 1960s) and Modern Classics (1970s – 1990s). What's more, exclusive regional premieres from the world's most prestigious automotive marques are also highly anticipated, including the Pagani Huayra Codalunga Speedster and the Lamborghini Revuelto SV, while the Rolls-Royce Spectre Series II will make its Hong Kong debut. Aston Martin, Bentley and Porsche will also present rare and exceptional automobiles.

A Lavish Garden Party Experience

Guests can indulge in a lavish garden party featuring sumptuous gourmet canapés from The Repulse Bay Arcade restaurants including The Verandah and Spices, alongside signature dishes from Bakeshop Parabolica, Kuma and gróa. Delivered with The Repulse Bay's signature hospitality, the gastronomic experience will pair with free-flow Moët & Chandon Champagne, The Peninsula Sparkling Tea and other premium beverages such as Mortlach single malt Scotch whisky and Tanqueray gin, complemented by live entertainment by OnPoint and DJ JANE KI, a panel discussion and exclusive programming.

Exclusive Horology and Grand Prize Experiences

On top of the automotive lineup, renowned luxury houses A. Lange & Söhne and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo will display highly sought-after timepieces, highlighting the shared artistry and precision of fine horology and motoring.

Adding to the excitement, ticket holders will have the opportunity to win an exclusive global motorsports experience. The grand prize is a trip for two to The Quail by The Peninsula, A Motorsports Gathering 2027 in Carmel, California, including two credentials and round-trip flights for two (valued at HK$93,000). The second prize is a trip for two to the BOSOSAI 2026 by The Magarigawa Club in Chiba, Japan, including two VIP tickets with access to the Clubhouse and a two-night stay at The Peninsula Tokyo (valued at HK$25,100). Terms and conditions apply.

"The Repulse Bay Motoring Classics builds on our group's long-standing motoring heritage and brings it to Hong Kong in a fresh and distinctive way," said Joseph W.Y. Chong, Managing Director of The Repulse Bay. "With exceptional automobiles, refined hospitality and a garden party setting, the event reflects what The Repulse Bay does best – bringing people together through memorable experiences."

The Repulse Bay Motoring Classics

Date                 : Saturday, 7 November 2026
Time                 : 2 – 6:30pm
Location           : The Repulse Bay Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Hong Kong
Price                : HK$850/adult; HK$425/child of 5 – 11 years old (Limited Availability)
Tickets             : https://www.therepulsebay.com/en/the-repulse-bay-motoring-classics

Featured Automotive Brands (in alphabetical order):

Aston Martin	Founded in 1913 and located in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin is one of the world's most desirable ultra-luxury British automotive brands. The Valhalla, its first mid-engine plug-in hybrid supercar, is limited to 999 units globally. Inspired by the Valkyrie and Formula 1® technology, it is powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine and three electric motors, generating 1,079 PS, with 0-100 km/h in 2.5 seconds.
Bentley	Founded in 1919 by W.O. Bentley, Bentley Motors remains the definitive British luxury car company, crafting the world's most desirable high performance grand tourers. The luxury marque is creating a future driven by new technologies, materials, fuels and dedicated craftsmanship, in the pursuit of a progressive, new world: one in which the highest levels of sustainable luxury mobility are achieved. Begin your extraordinary journey and discover the new Bentley.
Lamborghini	With the Revuelto SV, Lamborghini opens a new chapter in its legendary Super Veloce lineage. Produced in a limited series of 1,963 units, a tribute to the year Automobili Lamborghini was founded, the Revuelto SV is reserved for the brand's most loyal customers and collectors. It represents an unprecedented evolution in performance, combining the power of a V12 hybrid with uncompromising racing DNA to deliver a super sportscar experience on an entirely new level. The SV variant further optimizes every detail—from aerodynamics to power delivery—reaching a maximum output of 1,065 CV and a class-leading 1,425 Nm of system torque, while accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.4 seconds. The Revuelto SV is the most powerful and fastest production Lamborghini.
Pagani	Inspired by the racing cars of the 1950s and '60s, the Huayra Codalunga Speedster is Horacio Pagani's tribute to essential beauty: pure, light, and fluid. Sculpted to elongate its silhouette, it combines refined materials, exceptional craftsmanship, an 864 HP Pagani V12 engine and a 7-speed manual gearbox. Created by the Grandi Complicazioni division, each car takes shape through a direct dialogue with its owner.
Porsche	For over six decades, the Porsche 911 has captivated generations with its timeless design, unmistakable silhouette and continuous evolution. Celebrating this enduring icon, discover a showcase of classic 911s alongside the debut of the Team Jebsen 911 GT3 Cup Car, bringing together heritage, performance and passion.
Rolls-Royce	Making its Hong Kong debut, Rolls-Royce Spectre Series II is a landmark super coupé, elevated with enhanced performance and precision engineering. A triumph of timeless design, it delivers a profoundly responsive drive and controlled athleticism. Crafted with Rolls-Royce's enduring legacy, Spectre Series II is destined to become a future classic.

Aston Martin

Founded in 1913 and located in Gaydon, England, Aston
Martin is one of the world's most desirable ultra-luxury
British automotive brands. The Valhalla, its first mid-engine
plug-in hybrid supercar, is limited to 999 units globally.
Inspired by the Valkyrie and Formula 1^® technology, it is
powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine and three electric
motors, generating 1,079 PS, with 0-100 km/h in 2.5
seconds.

Bentley

Founded in 1919 by W.O. Bentley, Bentley Motors remains
the definitive British luxury car company, crafting the
world's most desirable high performance grand tourers. The
luxury marque is creating a future driven by new
technologies, materials, fuels and dedicated craftsmanship,
in the pursuit of a progressive, new world: one in which the
highest levels of sustainable luxury mobility are achieved.
Begin your extraordinary journey and discover the new
Bentley.

Lamborghini

With the Revuelto SV, Lamborghini opens a new chapter in
its legendary Super Veloce lineage. Produced in a limited
series of 1,963 units, a tribute to the year Automobili
Lamborghini was founded, the Revuelto SV is reserved for
the brand's most loyal customers and collectors. It represents
an unprecedented evolution in performance, combining the
power of a V12 hybrid with uncompromising racing DNA
to deliver a super sportscar experience on an entirely new
level. The SV variant further optimizes every detail—from
aerodynamics to power delivery—reaching a maximum
output of 1,065 CV and a class-leading 1,425 Nm of system
torque, while accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.4
seconds. The Revuelto SV is the most powerful and fastest
production Lamborghini.

Pagani

Inspired by the racing cars of the 1950s and '60s, the Huayra
Codalunga Speedster is Horacio Pagani's tribute to essential
beauty: pure, light, and fluid. Sculpted to elongate its
silhouette, it combines refined materials, exceptional
craftsmanship, an 864 HP Pagani V12 engine and a 7-speed
manual gearbox. Created by the Grandi Complicazioni
division, each car takes shape through a direct dialogue with
its owner.

Porsche

For over six decades, the Porsche 911 has captivated
generations with its timeless design, unmistakable silhouette
and continuous evolution. Celebrating this enduring icon,
discover a showcase of classic 911s alongside the debut of
the Team Jebsen 911 GT3 Cup Car, bringing together
heritage, performance and passion.

Rolls-Royce

Making its Hong Kong debut, Rolls-Royce Spectre Series II
is a landmark super coupé, elevated with enhanced
performance and precision engineering. A triumph of
timeless design, it delivers a profoundly responsive drive
and controlled athleticism. Crafted with Rolls-Royce's
enduring legacy, Spectre Series II is destined to become a
future classic.

Download high resolution images here.

The Repulse Bay

Telephone: +852 2292 2888
Email: info@therepulsebay.com | Website: www.therepulsebay.com 
Facebook: therepulsebay | Instagram: therepulsebayhongkong 

About The Repulse Bay

The Repulse Bay combines the charm and elegance of a bygone era with a vibrant, contemporary resort lifestyle. The historic, beachfront landmark surrounded by lush gardens occupies the site of the former Repulse Bay Hotel, just 15 minutes from the city. A commercial and residential destination, The Repulse Bay is home to The Repulse Bay Arcade, featuring a curated selection of destination shops and restaurants, including The Verandah, Spices, gróa, Curry Up, UNDERCOVER and Hong Kong's only official HUMAN MADE store. The property also includes The Repulse Bay Apartments, comprising 402 luxury apartments with extensive recreational offerings. At the heart of the community is The Club, a 61,000-square-foot clubhouse with comprehensive facilities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, fitness and Pilates studios, children's playrooms, and versatile multi-purpose spaces. Distinctive event venues offering panoramic sea views provide an exceptional setting for corporate functions, weddings and social celebrations. Owned and operated by The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, The Repulse Bay is a gathering place for the Southside community, a beloved destination for Hong Kong residents and a "must see" attraction for visitors to the territory.  For more information, please visit www.therepulsebay.com.

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

[PUBLIC SALE STARTS TODAY] THE REPULSE BAY TO HOST PREMIER AUTOMOTIVE GARDEN PARTY IN HONG KONG ON 7 NOVEMBER