Picture state of your organ

NST: Dr Rahmat Omar tells ANNIE FREEDA CRUEZ how his interest in photography became an important tool in his profession as an ear, nose and throat/head and neck surgeon, leading to a collection of more than 10,000 images, including those of rare conditions
Dr Rahmat Omar capturing a growth in a patient’s ear using his modified digital camera. Endoscopic images give ENT specialists a clearer picture of the formation of these structures in the body.
HIS interest in photography was piqued when Dr Rahmat Omar was doing the final year of his Master’s in otolaryngology — the study of the anatomy, function, and diseases of the ear, nose, and throat — at Universiti Malaya.
"I got myself a digital camera and started toying with it to familiarise myself with its use," said Dr Rahmat.
During his free time, he took pictures of anything that came his way, and once he had mastered the electronic device, he began using it in his work.
Dr Rahmat said he began to think of endoscopic images, pictures of the inside of a body taken using a lens at the end of an optic tube, in 2001.
"I wanted to use it to detect what was inside the ear, nose and throat of my patients. But I knew it couldn’t be done without some modifications to my camera."
With the help of a laboratory technologist, he managed to find the tools needed — an adaptor ring for the camera and a suitable endoscope and the necessary optics.
"I paid for the equipment because I was serious about having images of what I saw inside my patients."
While most doctors walk around with a stethoscope, Dr Rahmat is always totting a digital camera.
"I always get my patients’ approval before taking pictures inside the ear, nose or throat. Sometimes I give them the photographs."
He has built up a library of about 10,000 images taken all over the region. Some of them are of rare conditions.
Five have already been published in the professional journal ENT, and another 10 are awaiting publication.
Dr Rahmat has also spent RM15,000 on equipment to improve processing of the pictures and document them for study and educational purposes.
Not only do endoscopic images give ENT specialists a clearer picture of the formation of these structures in the body, they also help surgeons to better plan their operations.
Dr Rahmat dreams of having his own website where he can display his images and video clips — a huge undertaking for someone with his busy schedule.
He said he was looking for a website developer to help him set up a homepage.
Dr Rahmat says that his wife, who works at the UM Molecular Microbiology Medicine Department, has been an invaluable support throughout his career.
Dr Rahmat hopes his interest and passion would be emulated by other ENT specialists.