Chicago: A Malaysian doctor has 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.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, 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’. The case focused on a 25-year-old patient whose immune system was not overactive but missing in action, leading to repeated infections and the hardening of the aorta, a condition known as ‘porcelain aorta’.

Dr Azmad Kareem stated that the concept of an absent immune response causing inflammation surprised many. His presentation on October 26 impressed both judges and the audience with its combination of clinical reasoning and narrative clarity, demonstrating how the lack of immunity can be as perilous as an overactive immune system.

The competition saw over 200 submissions worldwide, with only four finalists chosen for live presentation at the Thieves Market. Dr Azmad’s case won an overwhelming 75 percent of the audience votes. The ACR Convergence, attended by more than 13,000 delegates from over 100 countries, is recognized 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.

Dr. Azmad Kareem, who is currently undergoing rheumatology training at King’s College Hospital in London, remarked that the award signifies not only a personal achievement but also a proud moment for Malaysia on the global medical stage. He expressed gratitude, stating, ‘I never expected to stand on that stage, representing Malaysia. This win is not just mine, it belongs to my consultants, my team, and every patient who trusted us with their story.’