me+sh issue 01 fy11
DESCRIPTION
It's the pioneering spirit this issue with Duke-NUS's graduating batch, winners of the SingHealth Excellence Awards and the new Academic Medicine segment!TRANSCRIPT
ISSUE 01/FY11
Duke-NUS Report Card
IN THIS ISSUE
SingHealth on Facebook Join our social network today!
A SingHealth Staff Publication
I AM Academic Medicine
SingHealth Excellence Awards
PIONEERS
MEDICINEOF
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30 Take5 : Dr Toh Han Chong
Lvme + Living
30
me+SingHealth or me+SH (pronounced /mesh/) represents who we are in SingHealth—as
intertwining threads conveying synergy and complementing one another to form a beautiful fabric.
me+SH links you to the action in all of SingHealth and around the healthcare industry.
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All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without the written permission of SingHealth and the
publisher. The views and opinions expressed or implied in the publication are those of the authors or contributors and
do not necessarily refl ect those of SingHealth and the publisher. Whilst due care has been exercised, both SingHealth
and the publisher do not accept responsibility for errors in advertisements or articles, unsolicited manuscripts,
photographs or illustrations.
MICA(P) 028/04/2011
SingHealth Editorial TeamTan-Huang Shuo Mei
Amelia Champion
Katheryn Maung
Arthur Wong
Stephanie Jade Arlindita
Rozlin bte Othman
Pepper GlobalAlvin Ee
Richard Soh
Michael Koek
75B Pagoda Street
Singapore 059234
Tel: +65 6221 1286
Photography for cover and
home feature:
A Pixels Photography Pte Ltd
Copywriters: Monica Lim
and Debbie Chia
I AM Academic Medicine
03 I AM Caring
04 I AM Teaching
05 I AM Innovating
15 Attracting talents
22 International faces at SingHealth
Special Report
Duke-NUS Pioneer Batch
06 Duke-NUS report card
10 Dukies on campus
CONTENTS
f
Slme + Spotlight
16
SingHealth Excellence Awards
16 Visionary Leader
17 Champion of Change
18 People Leader
19 Distinguished Educator
20 Distinguished Mentor
21 Distinguished Researcher
Clinician Scientist Awards
24 Dr Tina Wong
25 A/Prof Marcus Ong
26 Dental research in NDC
28 IT in SingHealth
36 Announcement & contests
Hrme + Horizon
36
01 Dr Mimi Yow — The First Steps
02 On the Cover : Pioneers of Medicine
Academic
Medicine
Grme + Group
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34 Work-life balance
Members of the SingHealth Group
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THE FIRST STEPS
DR MIMI YOW Senior Consultant, Department of Orthodontics
Co-director, Orthodontic Residency Program
Chairperson, SingHealth-Duke-NUS Oktoberfest
(2008-10)
Guest Editor
“The fi rst steps you take on any journey Won’t get you where you want to go.But without those fi rst steps And the many more that follow,You would always be standing right where you are,Looking towards the future and wondering What it would really be likeTo see the world the way you always dreamed it could be.” Nick Santana (author)
P ioneers are sighted with visions that sense a direction into the future.
The pioneering spirit defi es the order of things, to take that fi rst step to
dare to do things differently. But what is more important is the renewal
of the desire to constantly take those fi rst steps.
Traditions spawn campus cohesion. Camaraderie and a spirit of the campus
are fostered and slowly woven by the warp and weft into its social fabric; our
own SingHealth and Duke-NUS collaboration in Oktoberfest evokes this spirit.
Formal or informal gatherings are potent crucibles on campus, to spark off
and blaze new trails, to push the frontiers of medicine into the future and
beyond. When hospital staff, faculty, residents and students get a chance to
know one another, it engages a diversity of minds and expertise. By bouncing
wild ideas off each other, the curious and the creative will fi nd answers to
many medical mysteries.
Competence in healthcare demands more than theories, facts and skills.
It requires a translation of hard sciences to the heart of medicine. Medical
practice has much to do with having a heart in the right place and a passion
in purpose to restore health and the well-being of patients. There is healing
when hearts and minds connect in compassion, and communicate with
concern. There is no panacea to replace the human touch in healing.
To practise is a privilege and this privilege is the torch passed on to the
cohort of pioneers in medicine, the fi rst graduates of the Duke-NUS Graduate
Medical School. As with all pioneers, much expectation is heaped upon them:
to use their heads, hands and hearts to light a new dawn and to forge a new
era in medicine. We look forward to many pioneering footsteps that will inspire
the trampling of new paths ahead.
Location: Machu Picchu, Peru
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A/PROF LOO CHIAN MINAdjunct Associate Professor,
Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School
“A pioneer is someone who does something different and makes a difference to others. A pioneer has the courage to face the challenge and know that he will succeed.”
A/Prof Loo, along with other clinicians
from SingHealth institutions, are the
teaching faculty that guide students
in their clinical rounds and facilitate
classes in Duke-NUS.
Teaching the students bring about
“very diverse points of views because
the students come from different
backgrounds.”
A/Prof Loo recounts his encounter with
Liming and her classmates.
“We were in the Intensive Care Unit
discussing about medications, then
Liming went on to describe in great
details the dose, indication, and side
effects of the drugs. I was wowed!
“Someone then whispered that Liming
was a pharmacist before she took up
medicine!”
A/Prof Loo wishes that “this graduating
batch would excel in whatever fi eld
they choose to do and in the end
surpass us, their teachers.”
Read more about A/Prof Loo’s love for
teaching in page 4.
ONG LIMINGPioneer graduating batch student,
Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School
“Four years in Duke-NUS has allowed me to fi nd my desired career path. It also developed my reasoning and thinking skills, which are very useful in my career in medicine”
Liming described A/Prof Loo as a very
encouraging mentor that never fails to
highlight practicality and emphasise
patient care when he teaches.
Not limited to the science of medicine,
Liming has also learned much through
voluntary services she organised as
Community Service President during
her time in Duke-NUS.
Studying medicine brings together
what she enjoys most together —
people and science.
After graduating, Liming will be doing
her residency in Pediatrics in KK
Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
“I am really excited to be graduating
soon and having my own patients to
care for!”
Find out more about the Duke-NUS
students’ journey in pages 10-13.
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The partnership between Duke-NUS and SingHealth will bear its fi rst fruits this May, as the fi rst batch of students graduate and start their careers as doctors.
PIONEERS OF MEDICINE:DUKE-NUS’ FIRST BATCH OF GRADUATES
ON THE COVER
Ms Ong Liming, A/Prof Loo Chian Min
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Academic
Medicine
They say it takes one to know one, and in Dr Esther Chuwa’s case it can’t be more true.
Having to cope with her mother’s diagnosis of cancer at the young age of 17, Dr Chuwa is in the perfect position to help her patients.
She works at the Breast Unit of KKH as a breast surgeon, shouldering the responsibility of delivering the bad news and then treating women diagnosed with breast cancer.
“It’s easier for me being a female because I can hold their hand, talk to them and listen to their response. Then I reassure them that we are capable of treating them well despite it being breast cancer,” relates Dr Chuwa.
After delivering the unfortunate news, the next step for her is to educate the patient on their illness.
“Having experienced it fi rst hand, it helps me emphatise with my patients and their families. That’s why I spend a lot of time explaining what cancer care entails.
“I’m all for patient education, and I think they need to know what they’re in for. I want them to be provided with the right information and be empowered to make the right decisions for their treatment to prevent recurrence,” she affi rmed.
But a doctor has to treat more than the body. Dr Chuwa is also concerned with the minds and spirits of her patients. That is why she actively advocates improving the psychosocial aspects of breast cancer patients through a structured, evidence-based breast cancer support group.
Set up in 2008, Alpine Blossoms is a support group with various stages of care for patients from diagnosis, through treatment and even beyond recovery.
Realising that the most vulnerable time for breast cancer survivors is after they complete their treatment, Alpine Blossoms provides a series of programmes so that patients do not feel like they’ve been left alone.
Not just scraping the surface of psychological support, Alpine Blossoms also implements information support with educational programmes and workshops.
As to how important this support is to her patients, Dr Chuwa puts it simply, ‘how well you live as a cancer survivor is probably as important as how long you’re going to live’.
CaringDr Esther ChuwaConsultant, Breast Unit, KKH
The I AM series profi les SingHealth staff who are key drivers of Academic Medicine — those who through their outstanding contributions help defi ne tomorrow’s Medicine.
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Academic
Medicine
A /Prof Loo Chian Min is a very busy man. In two days he’s seen numerous patients, undergone
two photoshoots, one interview, several meetings, and a whole lot of emails on his Blackberry.
But from the hurried footsteps and packed schedules comes an equally energetic fervor for medical education.
As many doctors before him, A/Prof Loo places great importance on teaching.
It was 1990. A then Dr Loo, fresh out of medical school, was faced with a patient who had just collapsed. It was also his fi rst day on call.
The patient’s blood pressure was dropping, he was getting increasingly breathless; the ECG began to slow and then eventually stopped. The young doctor panicked.
“It was really terrifying, but fortunately the Medical Offi cer (MO) on call that day was very calm and collected. He took care of the situation and was the main person behind the resuscitation.
“He set a good example and I learnt the importance of being calm and collected in the face of an emergency,” he recalled.
Such is the environment that A/Prof Loo hopes to bring to medical education in SingHealth. From the textbooks to the wards, the passing of knowledge and wisdom from doctor to doctor ensures the continued progession of patient care.
Perhaps it was the impressive show of example by the MO that also inspired
A/Prof Loo to embark on teaching the pioneer batch of Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School students in 2006, who graduates this year (read about them in pages 6-14).
He is naught but proud of his pioneer batch.
“I am glad to say that the faculty has done well and we would want all the students to be our residents because we have a lot of confi dence and are very happy with them.
“This is also something that will spur the faculty on and hopefully produce future batches that will surpass the fi rst.”
A/Prof Loo sees this milestone as a team effort by the faculty at both SGH and Duke-NUS — who have studied, planned and modifi ed the curriculum of their students from day one.
He thinks it will also be a team effort that brings medical education into the future.
“We must see education as part and parcel of our work as clinicians — just like our ward rounds and clinics. I feel that education should be like second nature to us, and we have the responsibility to push ourselves a little more to train new doctors that will surpass the current generation.”
With a team of clinician educators supporting him at SingHealth, A/Prof Loo’s vision of medical education may be realised sooner than he thinks.
Teaching
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A/PROF LOO CHIAN MINHead and Senior Consultant, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, SGHAdjunct Associate Professor, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore
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Academic
Medicine
Innovating
It takes a certain kind of passion to delve into the realm of medical research. A researcher has to be
relentless in his pursuit as well as creative in his methods, working for the greater purpose of tomorrow’s Medicine.
Meet Dr William Hwang. He specialises in the study of blood.
Cord blood to be exact. And it’s got Dr Hwang all excited.
“Blood stem cell transplant has traditionally been restricted by the fact that you must need a full-matching donor, which not every one can fi nd.
“Cord blood transplantation has expanded the number of donors we have available and many more patients can fi nd the match that they need,” Dr Hwang explained.
One limitation of this method is the relatively small amounts of cord blood cells that can be transplanted.
At the helm of the research at the Singapore General Hospital, the Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School and Singapore Cord Blood Bank, Dr Hwang and his team plan to change that by trying to increase the number of cells available for infusion by expanding them in culture.
But research can sometimes be defeating – successes are sown from dozens of failed attempts. For example, in a recent cord blood transplantation
study in the laboratory, when two cord blood units were infused into mice, the cord blood unit that was expanded in culture “lost” to the unexpanded unit.
However, Dr Hwang believes that even in failure there are lessons to be learnt.
“Failure is part of research. The reason we do it is to fi nd out if something would work. When experiments don’t work or have the outcome that you expected it can be quite daunting.
“Sometimes amidst the failure, if you look at it carefully, there is actually a hidden meaning behind the results and it tells you something afresh,” he said.
When his team looked at the results, they were delighted to fi nd that even though the expanded cord blood “lost”, it somehow managed to help the unexpanded cord grow much better.
When they looked deeper, they found that this was likely because of properties of the expanded cells.
“It wasn’t what we expected, but on the other hand the experiment went very well — the expanded cord blood cells somehow helped the non-expanded cells to engraft. We also found later that human clinical trials showed similar results,” Dr Hwang said.
And that is his bottom line — that eventually patients will be the ones benefi ting from his research.
DR WILLIAM HWANGMedical Director, Singapore Cord Blood BankSenior Consultant, Department of Haematology, SGH
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By Monica Lim
Duke-NUS pioneer bat
ch students
(L-R) Kare
n Nadua,
Lim Kheng Choon
and Ong Lim
ing, pictured h
ere with
Dean Prof
Ranga Krishn
an.
”It seems like o
nly yesterday
that the scho
ol started. Time
has fl own by an
d now the students a
re ready to fl
y on the
next phase of
their journey to
become phys
icians! We are
very proud of w
hat the students h
ave achieved an
d for the
many faculty and
staff who hav
e helped make thi
s a reality.”
- Prof Ranga Kr
ishnan, Dean
28 May will be a special date for Duke-NUS Graduate Medical
School. It is when its fi rst crop of graduates, groomed from the
partnership betwen SingHealth and Duke-NUS, will bear fruit.
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For the longest time,
medical education has
been considered a sacred
cow. So when Duke-NUS
decided to take a radical
approach, it met with skepticism
from many quarters.
“We felt we had a great idea,” Dr
Sandy Cook, Senior Associate Dean,
Curriculum Development of Duke-
NUS said candidly. “But there was
no precedence for this strategy and
we were really going by faith that it
would work.”
Now, four years on, with the pioneer
intake of Duke-NUS students ready
to graduate in May 2011, they have
earned the right to say with every
certainty that their staunch belief in
the program has been well placed.
The results achieved by the
students have been nothing short
of outstanding, exceeding all
expectations.
In the International Foundations of
Medicine Examination, two Duke-
NUS students emerged among the
top ten of about 2,000 candidates
from around the world. Some 34%
of the class scored within the top
10% of the exam, and received a
certifi cate of excellence.
Similarly in the United States
Medical Licensing Examination,
Duke-NUS students scored above
the US national average, even
impressing their counterparts from
Duke, Durham. In fact, Duke has
already sent several faculty to study
the pedagogy of Duke-NUS, with
every intention of applying the same
methodology back home.
Preliminary data at KKH has also
shown that, to everyone’s surprise,
patients liked having the medical
students attend to them because
the students had more time to
listen to their stories and had better
continuity of care with them. This in
turn, means more holistic and better
care.
With SingHealth progressing
towards academic medicine and
Duke-NUS moving in tandem, it
looks like a perfect partnership has
been born.
So what sets Duke-NUS apart from
other medical schools?
Celebrate and Leverage on Student Diversity
Duke-NUS welcomes students
from varied backgrounds and
educational qualifi cations.
Duke-NUS students have
already earned Bachelors,
Masters and PhDs in a variety
of areas from the arts and
humanities to science and
engineering.
This, according to Prof Bob Kamei,
Vice-Dean of Education, Duke-NUS,
is one of the key strengths of the
program.
“If you’re going to be on the leading
edge of medical science, you have to
look at problems in new ways,” he
explains.
“I remember sitting in the fi rst year
class and a student, who was a
nurse, was able to see a problem
from a much more patient-centric
d
t
has
rom
age
Prof Bob Kamei, Vice-Dean of Education
point of view than the other students
who had little previous experience
with patients.
People mistakenly think medical
training as a graduate student is
an “education startover”. It’s not.
They’re bringing their wealth of
experience to the training and
adding medical training to it.
This is where the value lies. And with
learning done in teams, the students
bring these diverse backgrounds to
help educate their team mates.”
These students hail from different
countries and among them are
two world-class sailors, a Peabody
scholar who has competed at the
prestigious International Frederic
Chopin Piano Competition, a world
class fencer and a chess champion.
To Prof Kamei, these achievements
are examples of the students’
creativity and mettle.
“We don’t just want the straight A
student. Problem-solving is more
than following best practices by
memorising facts; it takes passion,
dedication and the ability to see
a problem from different angles.
That’s why we look for people who
are multi-dimensional.”
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“We don’t just want the straight A student. Problem-solving is more than following best practices by memorising facts, it takes passion, dedication and the ability to see a problem from different angles. That’s why we look for people who are multi-dimensional.” — Prof Bob Kamei, Vice-Dean of Education
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The Power of Team-based Learning
At Duke’s campus in the US, it was found that attendance at lectures had been dwindling, since students prefer to watch the video lectures at their own time outside of the classroom. Student feedback revealed that while they studied much of the “whats” and “hows” in their medical training, they did not always understand the “whys”. They didn’t understand how the science they were learning actually applied to clinical medicine.
Thus began a massive exercise and opportunity for Duke-NUS to re-design a different form of teaching, to provide students with a better educational experience. The result was TeamLEAD – a ground-breaking approach utilising the team-based learning concept.
Instead of attending a class to amass information, students at Duke-NUS are expected to do independent learning before they attend a class.
This allows students the fl exibility of studying at their own pace – an important factor especially since the students hold vastly different pockets of existing knowledge. For instance, a PhD holder in micro-biology will have pre-knowledge of certain modules compared to someone with an anthropology major.
In class, students sit for a Readiness Assurance Test, to assess their understanding of key concepts both as individuals and as a team.
Established clinicians partner with basic scientists as faculty to facilitate discussions where teams can pose additional questions and other teams are assigned to answer them. Students then move to a practical application of the material through problem-solving activities. They are allowed to use textbooks and the internet to
quickly answer questions they don’t know or facts they don’t remember that are necessary to solve these problems.
The active engagement of students means much higher-level discussions, moving away from basic concepts and delving into the “whys” of medicine.
Dr Cook admits that the debate is sometimes so challenging, even the faculty themselves are stumped!
“But this is excellent because as doctors and teachers, the worst scenario is to think that we have all the answers. The best doctors and teachers continue learning all the time.”
Studies have shown that students learn best by teaching and interacting with each other, instead of passively from a lecturer. TeamLEAD harnesses that power and translates it into results. As Prof Kamei succinctly puts it, “To teach is to learn twice.”
“The best doctors and teachers continue learning all the time.”
— Dr Sandy Cook
or
The Man Behind The TeamA paediatrician by training, Prof Bob Kamei had the largest general pediatric practice at the University of California, San Francisco, when he was asked to become the Director of the residency training program and take overall responsibility for the training of the pediatrics residents.
When he expressed concern over taking this role and giving up time to treat his patients, his mentor replied, “Bob, by training residents, you will be helping treat their patients.”
Having trained approximately 450 paediatricians over a period of 17 years, Prof Kamei is a fervent believer in the impact of teaching. “Physicians have a social commitment to pass on the knowledge,” he expounds. “I fi nd it inspiring to be around brilliant minds and my students spur me to improve.”
The next step for Prof Kamei is to implement Team-based Learning into clinical training.
fcoa
Satau
Dr Sandy Cook, Senior Associate Dean,
Curriculum Development
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Caring for Future DoctorsAt Duke-NUS, students are nurtured with the same warm and personalised
approach that they experience in their learning. Students here are not just
faceless entities. In fact, many of them are known by name even to those in
the School’s top management.
Senior doctors are appointed as College Masters to look after student needs
beyond academics. “Our faculty are engaged with our students in many
ways, including coaching, advising, assessing, and encouraging” said Dr
Craig Stenberg, Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Admissions. Financial
concerns are also taken care of, with a team ensuring that needy students
receive support.
“This is to ensure an environment where everyone is actively engaged in
learning, where questioning is encouraged, where learners are from diverse
backgrounds, where innovation and entrepreneurship is encouraged, where
everyone is supported and challenged.”
Set out to Groom Clinician-Scientists
“A good doctor has clinical skills and knowledge. A great doctor uses that knowledge to improve the practice of medicine. Duke-NUS students all have signs of becoming great
doctors.”
One of the hallmarks of the Duke-
NUS curriculum is its emphasis on
research. Instead of the traditional
two years on basic science that
US medical schools undertake,
Duke spends just one year on basic
science (Year 1). The additional
time is allocated to research in
Year 3, something that is becoming
increasingly important in medical
science, especially in Asia.
“We used to think that we can rely on
the research of other countries and
just apply them here,” explained Prof
Kamei.
“But for example in Asia, we’re
fi nding that patients react very
differently to medicine than those in
US and UK. Another example, why is
there such a high level of diabetes in
Singapore?
What’s special about the disease
pattern here? If we don’t do research
in Singapore, we will not be able to
fi nd these answers and improve the
way we practise medicine here.”
“It is much easier just to care for
patients,” clarifi es Prof Kamei,
“At Duke-NUS, we want to groom
academic physicians who improve
the care of patients, which is a much
bigger goal.”
Dr Cook adds, “A good doctor has
clinical skills and knowledge. A
great doctor uses that knowledge
to improve the practice of medicine.
Duke-NUS students all have signs of
becoming great doctors.”
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Photos courtesy of Duke-NUS
Photo on page 6 by Tang Yew Chung, Duke-NUS
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How did you feel on your fi rst day as a medical student?Eunizar Omar (EO): I was nervous and
wondered if I would be able to cope but
also felt very blessed and privileged to
have been so warmly welcomed into
the Duke-NUS family.
Daniel Yong (DY): Excited that I was
embarking on a whole new journey!
How were TeamLEAD sessions like to you? EO: TeamLEAD sessions were often
intense and sometimes very heated,
but usually a healthy exchange
between faculty and students.
DY: Besides sharing knowledge, we
also have to maximise each other’s
“skills” and balance team dynamics.
It can be both fun and frustrating at
times. I was glad that I had a team to
help me with learning.
What fi rst year moment was particularly memorable to you?EO: The donor memorial ceremony. It
reminds me to be thankful to patients
and their families, who, despite
their sufferings have put aside their
needs and willingly helped us on our
journey to becoming good doctors.
The first year at Duke-NUS is a rigorous immersion in the basic sciences; the building blocks of medicine. History and physical examinations are integrated with the basic science content being studied. In this way, students are fully prepared to begin their clinical rotations in the second year.
me+SH follows the journey of fi ve students who were in the pioneering Duke-NUS class of 2007
DUKIES ON CAMPUS
EUNIZAR OMAR If I were a superhero… I would like to be able to manipulate time. I could slow time down if I needed more of it or fast forward through boring or painful moments. I could also rewind time to review and change past mistakes.
YEAR 1:Igniting the Spirit
DANIEL YONG If I were a superhero… I would want to be like Wolverine. Soft and furry on the outside, but made of titanium inside.
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Why did you decide to become a doctor? My undergraduate degree in
bioengineering gave me a glimpse
into the world of medicine through
courses in anatomy and physiology
and working on medical devices and
biomaterials. It was towards the end of
my course that I realised that I wanted
to be involved in patient care in a more
direct manner.
Can you describe your experience in your medical clerkship? My medical clerkship in the second
year was the fi rst time that I was
directly in charge of patients and
responsible for reporting their
progress to the team. My team
strongly believed in teaching
and would pause to explain the
complexities of diagnoses and
management plans despite their
busy schedules. This is something
that I will always be grateful for and
will endeavour to recreate a similar
learning environment whenever I have
the opportunity.
Tell us a bit about your work in second year with Prof Lim Shih Hui, your neurology clerkship leader!Prof Lim has been a very inspiring
and dedicated teacher who is also a
mentor and role model for many of us.
He devoted a tremendous amount of
time and energy to hone our clinical
skills despite his numerous other
commitments. Prof Lim will also be
involved in our Hooding Ceremony at
graduation, and it is our humble way
of saying ‘thank you’ to a great teacher
who has been there for us every step
of the way.
What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had in your second year? My most fun experience was during
my neurology clerkship. My fellow
classmates and I developed a great
working relationship and camaraderie
while we saw patients with a wide
variety of conditions.
How has your experience as a medical student helped you grow both personally and professionally over the past four years? EO: Being able to interact with patients
gave me a greater appreciation
for what I have and has helped
improve my communication skills.
Professionally, being immersed in
clinical research has really opened my
eyes to the unique challenges faced by
clinician scientists.
DY: Although I started medical school
as a “mature” student, I feel that I have
grown as a person. I’ve learnt to accept
that there are certain things that are
beyond me in terms of what a doctor
can do for a patient, but I should
always strive to do the best within my
capabilities.
How does it feel now that you’re only weeks away from offi cially becoming one? DY: Just as excited as my fi rst day as a
medical student. I will be starting the
journey for real! A little calmer and
wiser, but the enthusiasm remains the
same.
Prof Lim Shih Hui is a Senior Consultant at the National Neuroscience Institute. Having taught the pioneering batch since 2007, Prof Lim is proud to say that he knows almost everyone in class.
The Neurology clerkship coordinator is responsible for planning the students’ clerkship curriculum, ensuring that they receive adequate exposure to the fi eld in the short three to four weeks.
Under his guidance, aspiring medical professionals are imbued with the pioneering qualities to “always be prepared to take on new challenges, go into uncharted territories and fi nd new ways to do things better.”
We talk to one of them, Shera Chaterji.
Prof Lim Shih Hui won the Distinguised
Mentor Award at the inaugural
SingHealth Excellence Awards. Read
about his achievements in page 19.
YEAR 2:Involving Patient
Care
SHERA CHATERJIIf I were a superhero… I would want my superpower to be ‘super speed’. This will give me the ability to dash from one patient to another during busy night calls and attend to emergencies quickly.
In the second year, students focus on becoming effective clinicians by going on a series of core clerkship rotations. The clinical rounds have been designed to develop students’ clinical skills in history taking and physical examinations and the ability to appropriately use resources to diagnose patients.
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Duke-NUS’ unique third year provides students an unparalleled opportunity to do in-depth research in their area of particular interest for a full year. It allows individuals to gain scholarly experience in research, explore and clarify long-term career goals, and develop a creative, insightful approach to medicine.
Dr William Hwang, a Senior Consultant at the Department of Haematology at SGH recalls his experience guiding students Ann Mei and Liming on their third-year research projects.
Helping students deal with setbacks and fi nd their own innovative solutions to problems are his goals as a mentor. He believes that these qualities are what make the future pioneers in medicine.
One memorable moment he shares was seeing the delight in her eyes when Ann Mei was told her paper was accepted by Bone Marrow Transplantation.
“That was worth it!” he exclaims.
Why did you decide to become a doctor?
I became interested in studying clinical medicine in my fi nal year of undergraduate studies when I took up pathology. Once you understand the basis of how disorders arise, you can tailor treatments for the individual. The whole process poses intellectual challenges and the doctor-patient relationship is also extremely satisfying.
Can you describe your experience in your research year?
It was an excellent educational experience as I was able to learn how to publish a paper and present in an academic setting. My project was to determine the optimal dosage and route of administration of chemotherapy in stem cell transplant that will decrease the side effects in patients while providing the best effi cacy.
Dr Hwang is an extremely supportive mentor who led me in the correct direction and taught me critical skills in research.
Furthermore, I was allowed to attend his clinic so as to better understand the clinical aspect of stem cell transplants.
He taught me how to be a better doctor in terms of medical knowledge and doctor-patient relations.
What perspective has research given you in your future career as a clinician?
It taught me how to practise evidence-based medicine and better critic scientifi c journals. I was taught not to believe everything published at face value, but to dive down to the nitty-gritty details and decide for myself if the evidence presented is trustworthy.
What’s the most memorable experience with your Duke-NUS classmates?
Role-playing different types of patients with my classmates in preparation for our clinical skills exam.
Despite all the stress, we bonded and made each clinical encounter fun and fi lled with laughter. It made me realise the importance of teamwork and friendship.
YEAR 3:Focusing on
Clinical Research
WONG ANN MEI If I were a superhero… I would want to have the ability to heal and provide comfort — that’s the reason why I study medicine.
YEAR 4:From Student to
Clinician
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In their fourth and final year, students prepare to enter the world of clinical medicine and enhance their preparation for internships and residencies through clinical rotations. By the time of graduation, students’ clinical experiences would have created a context that bridges the gaps between course material and clinical practice.
Dr Tan Thiam Chye, a Consultant in KKH’s O&G Department is the Clerkship Coordinator that helped Tat Xin tailor his six-week sub-internship. Dr Tan believes in building confi dence in students as they mature into clinicians. “Humility and a positive learning attitude are most important in medicine,” he adds.
“As a pioneer class, all eyes are on these students, so it is necessary that they exhibit even more humility in their lives and work.”
Outside class, Dr Tan even had the chance to witness a surprise marriage proposal between Tat Xin and his fi ancée during a research presentation in Spain. It certainly was “a touching moment”.
EE TAT XINIf I were a superhero… I would like to be able to help people forget all their worries and be happy with a snap of my fi ngers.
Why did you decide to become a doctor?
The loss of my grandparents to cancer made me very curious about this deadly disease when I was a teenager. I went on to obtain a degree in science and spent a year doing research in cancer biology. These experiences further crystalised my interest and belief that being a doctor is the most effective way to help people battle illnesses.
How was your fourth year medical clerkship like?
The fourth year has been a whirlwind of early mornings, overnight calls, and a fi rst-hand taste of what Residency will be like. I am particularly grateful to all the Consultants who have taken the time and effort to impart precious knowledge and skills amidst the busy ward rounds and clinics. I am equally grateful to my seniors who helped me through the challenging sub-internships.
Why did you decide to become a doctor?
Ann Mei: I became interested in studying clinical medicine in my fi nal year of undergraduate studies when I took up pathology. Once you understand the basis of how disorders arise, you can tailor treatments for the individual. The whole process poses intellectual challenges and the doctor-patient relationship is also extremely satisfying.
Can you describe your experience in your research year?
It was an excellent educational experience as I was able to learn how to publish a paper and present in an academic setting. My project was to determine the optimal dosage and route of administration of chemotherapy in stem cell transplant that will decrease the side effects in patients and while providing the best effi cacy.
Dr Hwang is an extremely supportive mentor who led me in the correct direction and taught
Tell us a bit about your experience with Dr Tan Thiam Chye!
Dr Tan tailored the programme to allow me to have maximum exposure to various departments in KKH and constantly encouraged me to stretch my limits. He is an exceptional mentor and was instrumental in a decision making for Residency application and my subsequent decision to pursue my career in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
How does it feel now that you’re only weeks away from offi cially becoming a doctor?
I’m both excited and apprehensive of what lies ahead. Nonetheless, I look forward to fi nally graduating and taking the fi rst baby steps in Medicine.
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Photos by Bryan Tan, Duke-NUS
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PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
In collaboration with Duke-NUS, SingHealth provides the clinical teaching environment for its students in our campuses. Its location within our SGH campus fosters collaborative efforts between the institutions. Our clinical staff contribute
their practical skills and knowledge in care and research as members of the School’s teaching faculty.
APRIL 2005 Duke University and National University of Singapore formalise the partnership to establish a graduate medical school
JULY 2005 SingHealth welcomes
Duke-NUS with the establishment of its
interim campus in SGH Campus at 2 Jalan
Bukit MerahAUGUST 2007 The fi rst 26 students begin classes. Their white coat ceremony offi cially recognises the passage from general membership in the community at large into the select family of practitioners of the art and science of medicine.
SEPTEMBER 2009 Offi cial opening of Duke-NUS
Graduate Medical School campus.
Named after Tan Sri Khoo Teck Phuat, the 11-storey building located
at 8 College Road in SGH Campus houses technologically advanced
research laboratories and modern teaching & education spaces
OCTOBER 2010 SingHealth – Duke-NUS
inaugural scientifi c congress, ‘Bridging Healthcare in the
21st Century’
MAY 2011 Graduation of the pioneer
batch of students from Duke-NUS
OCTOBER 2009 The fi rst faculty appreciation night / Oktoberfest celebration. In this annual celebration, SingHealth staff and Duke-NUS faculty and students bask in the fun, laughter and activities. Students also pay their tribute to teaching faculty.
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I t’s an important decision – one that shapes how their lives turn out – and one which they all have
to make at the tender age of 16!
Where do you go after the ‘O’ and ‘A’ Levels?
With concerned parents in tow, hundreds of school leavers fl ocked to the HealthCareers event held at *SCAPE to fi nd out more about a career in healthcare. What greeted them was a dazzling, if somewhat confusing, array of information – the event venue was packed with exhibitors from the public healthcare clusters in Singapore, offering career options in all aspects of healthcare!
Which one do I go to?! Who can help me?
Luckily, SingHealth professionals like Sharon Ong, a SingHealth Health Science Scholar, were on hand to answer the queries of parents and wards alike. Sharon shared her experiences and satisfaction as a Radiographer at KKH with enthusiastic and attentive school
leavers, along with her nursing and allied health colleagues who were also on the scene to provide a helping hand.
“They asked a myriad of questions – some wanted to know what a radiographer does while others were interested in career development prospects and scholarships,” revealed Sharon.
The school leavers were also treated to an interactive forum in which healthcare professionals like Sharon took to the stage with celebrity hosts, fi elding questions from the audience about an exciting career in healthcare.
Said Ms Lim Sook Luan, Assistant Director of Strategic Human Resource at SingHealth, “This event is important to SingHealth because it allows us to communicate directly with the youth on what healthcare is all about.
“By answering their questions and clarifying their concerns on a career in healthcare, we hope to make them feel that SingHealth is a caring employer and wants to help them develop a career with us.”
As the day wore on and the crowds thinned, it was not a sense of fatigue but one of satisfaction that Sharon felt.
“In the course of my job, I’ve met many who are surprised that radiography is a specialised allied health profession. But there were many at the event who showed that they had a very good idea about what a radiographer does!”
So for all the school leavers and parents who attended the event, making that life-changing decision just became that much easier, more enjoyable, and enriching, thanks to the helpful boost given by our SingHealth professionals.
Way to go team!
About HealthCareers
Jointly organised by SingHealth and other healthcare clusters in Singapore, HealthCareers aims to increase awareness and interest in a career in healthcare for school leavers. This year, the joint efforts see a myriad of avenues employed to achieve this objective, with magazine and newspaper articles, television and radio commercials, as well as the live event at *SCAPE.
Read the full interview with Sharon on the SingHealth Facebook page!
SingHealth nursing and allied health professionals were on hand to help tell spirited youths more about careers in the healthcare sector in this year’s HealthCareers event held at *SCAPE.
TALENT,TALENT, ALL THAT TALENT!
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With a vision for better eyecare, Prof Donald Tan has led SNEC and SERI to historic achievements and an impact on a global scale.
VISI N IN ACTIONPROF DONALD TANDirector, Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC)
DISTINGUISHED LEADER AWARD
VISIONARY LEADER
SingHealth Excellence Awards
T o most, Prof Donald Tan
clinching the Visionary Leader
Award comes as no surprise.
Surgeon, educator, researcher
and leader. In the fi eld of cornea
and refractive surgery, few names
inspire as much professional respect
in Asia as Prof Tan. For over two
decades, the Director of SNEC has
made his mark in clinical, surgical,
translational research and education
achievements, becoming a much
admired role model for others.
Under Prof Tan’s leadership,
Singapore Eye Research Institute
(SERI) has blossomed from a
fl edgling eye centre to become one
of the world’s leading eye institutes.
To date, SERI has published more
than 1,000 scientifi c papers, obtained
93 grants valued at $77.9 million,
won 100 national and international
awards, and registered 18 patents.
In 2008, International Ophthalmology
highlighted Singapore as the world’s
top contributor of eye publications
per population, of which 98% were
from SERI.
He has put SNEC and SERI on the
world map with his achievements.
Prof Tan introduced osteo-odonto
keratoprosthesis (also known as
Tooth-in-eye) surgery in South
Asia, resulting in the successful
restoration of sight to 38 patients
from 13 countries, some from as far
as the US and Australia.
Envisioning the rapid development of
research knowledge and education
in the Asian ophthalmology scene,
Prof Tan negotiated with ARVO
from USA, the largest eye research
meeting, to establish an Asian
version. This led to the landmark
Asia-ARVO, which has become
the main sharing and networking
platform for eye doctors and
researchers in the region.
Transforming vision into action
is Prof Tan’s forte. When he
became the Medical Director of the
Singapore Eye Bank fourteen years
ago, there was low awareness of
local cornea donation.
Dissatisfi ed with this, he spurred a turnaround which led an impressive increase of local cornea donations from 27% then to 93% currently.
These are a clear testament to the
forward thinking of the man at the
helm. A world with better sight,
thanks to such leaders with vision.
By Monica Lim and Debbie Chia
On 25 March this year, the inaugural SingHealth Excellence Awards were
presented. These awards, consisting of eight categories, honour leaders and talents
who epitomise excellence at the cluster level. These outstanding individuals not
only make signifi cant contributions through their performance, they are role models
who are committed to realising our vision and mission.
CELEBRATING THE BEST AT SINGHEALTH
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DISTINGUISHED LEADER AWARD
CHAMPION OF CHANGE
SingHealth Excellence Awards
She developed the clinical audit
function into a full department
in 1995, which has now
been recognised in the fi eld as an
excellent and cost effective model to
monitor outcomes and to measure
clinical quality.
The following year saw her setting
up the Quality Service Department
which focuses on quality service
training programmes and develop
strategies to improve patient
satisfaction.
In 2009 SNEC saw a mounting
increase in patient load and long
waiting time, with 70% of subsidised
patients waiting more than 60 days
for an appointment. Charity sprang
into action .
With the medical leadership, she
implemented quick measures like
ad hoc Saturday clinics, as well
as more sustained changes in the
management and discharge of
patients. Codenamed “three strikes
out”, the system ensured timely
discharge of patients or onward
referrals to appropriate subspecialty
clinics for further management,
freeing up appointment slots for new
patients.
Charity ensured good and open
communication with all staff to
explain the measures taken and
to achieve close teamwork in the
overall mobilisation and rostering
of additional duties. As a result,
appointment waiting time was
reduced signifi cantly from 70% to
14.7% at the end of 2010.
Several strategic opportunities
were engineered by Charity in the
international arena to fulfi l SNEC’s
vision of International Eminence in
Ophthalmology. Charity represented
SNEC and along with like-minded
eye centres in Europe and USA
founded the World Association of Eye
Hospitals in 2008.
In all these achievements, Charity
credited the symbiotic and catalytic
relationship she has developed with
the medical leadership as a key
ingredient for success. She likened
the relationship between the medical
staff and those in administration as
that between the pilot and the air-
traffi c controller.
The doctor is the pilot who has
overall command whereas the
administrator’s role is very much
like that of the air-traffi c controller
who provides vital fl ight information,
upcoming weather and traffi c
conditions to support the pilot in the
navigation of the plane. Both are
professionals who must know their
jobs well and must work together.
One cannot do without the other
but there is no doubt who is in the
driver’s seat.
Charity also commended her
administrative team for the strong
trust and support they have given
her all these years.
She said, “in the end, every change and improvement made in the organisation depends on people wanting to do something differently and better and to dare to do the mission impossible. “
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When SNEC saw a mounting increase in patient load, a lesser person would have caved under the pressure of escalating demands. But not Ms Charity Wai. Described by colleagues as the “architect in developing the administration and management structure for SNEC”, she took the matter in her stride and made decisive changes to the existing system.
DARE TO DO THE MISSION IMPOSSIBLE MS CHARITY WAIChief Operating Offi cer, Singapore National Eye Centre
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SingHealth Excellence Awards
Ms Lee Heng Pheng, is no
stranger to crises, having
led her nurses through the
trying periods of the SARS outbreak
in 2003 and a more recent one, the
H1N1 outbreak in 2009. In both
instances, there was an atmosphere
of fear among staff and quelling the
anxiety was one of Ms Lee’s biggest
hurdles.
Prof Ivy Ng, CEO of KKH, recalled
how one of their outpatients was
among the fi rst to be diagnosed
with SARS. KKH made the decision
to close the affected clinic and was
then faced with the daunting task
of having to contact all the over 500
patients who were at that clinic that
day, to inform them that they may
have been infected. “Heng Pheng
showed no hesitation to proceed
with this undertaking,” remembers
Prof Ng.
“She galvanised the whole senior nursing leadership and we stayed back together all night, making the necessary calls. She sets the pace and the people follow.”
It is this indomitable spirit that led
to her winning the People Leader
Award.
Ms Lee’s keen people skills can
also be seen in the way she rallies
and develops her staff. To deal with
high staff turnover and shortage
of paediatric nurses, she initiated
the transfer of more nurses into
the Children’s Tower and stepped
up sponsorship of nurses for the
Advanced Diploma in Nursing
(Paediatrics) course. She has also
groomed Nurse Clinicians and
Resource Nurses, and drives the
development of Advanced Practice
Nurses to raise standards of nursing
at KKH.
Like other successful leaders, Ms
Lee has her fair share of challenges
among others having to help nurses
overcome personal diffi culties
and motivate underperforming
teams. But whatever the situation
is she remains approachable and
is always ready to help. Those who
work with her describe her not only
as a supportive leader but also a
concerned friend.
Ms Lee describes this award as the
pinnacle of her achievement in her
40 years on the job. “It will motivate
me to improve my leadership skills
and give me more confi dence in
mentoring my team, especially in
developing future leaders.”
An effective communicator, Ms Lee Heng Pheng harmonises dissenting voices through collaboration, engagement and a decisive leadership style.
LEADING BY EXAMPLEMS LEE HENG PHENGAdviser, Nursing Management, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital
DISTINGUISHED LEADER AWARD
PEOPLE LEADER
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to devote more time and energy
to students who have diffi culty in
class.
This passion spurred Duke-NUS
students to invite him to mentor
them, and further led to a slew of
Appreciation Awards from the
school in 2009 and 2010.
It comes as no surprise that Prof Lim is now working with Duke-NUS to develop new teaching methods with the ambition of making clinical neurology “a fun subject to learn”.
Prof Lim’s teaching legacy goes
well beyond Singapore’s borders,
as he has trained neurologists
from around the region as well as
organised teaching courses under
the Asian Epilepsy Academy
(ASEPA) and the ASEAN
Neurological Association (ASNA).
In fact, the standard for
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
reporting and interpretation in
Asia can be attributed to Prof Lim.
He initiated the ASEPA-ASNA
EEG Certifi cation Examination in
2005, now codifi ed as the national
standard by China’s Ministry of
Health. This outcome is especially
fi tting for Prof Lim, who considers
one of his greatest achievements to
be the stellar results obtained on an
acupuncture diploma in Beijing.
That and an MBA acquired from
NUS in 2003.
Prof Lim is still considering
contributing to medical education
“in a more structured manner”,
particularly if junior doctors feel
that they will reap the rewards of
his instruction. It is clear to those
who have studied under him that
this is indeed the case.
A beacon of inspiration for generations of medical students, junior doctors and specialists, the popular Prof Lim Shih Hui was highly sought-after as one of the top educators in clinical neurology at SGH. However, he has always eschewed big group teaching in favour of small, intimate group tutorials. His reason: it simply allows him to spend quality time with his students.
DISTINGUISHED
EDUCATOR
AWARD
PROF LIM SHIH HUISenior Consultant, Department of Neurology,
National Neuroscience Institute — SGH Campus
SingHealth Excellence Awards
Such concern for the
excellence of his teaching
is a consistent theme
throughout the Distinguished
Educator Award winner’s 20-year
track record in clinical education.
Prof Lim has infl uenced and
inspired legions of medical students
in his various capacities — including
undergraduates at the NUS Yong
Loo Lin School of Medicine,
students at Duke-NUS Graduate
Medical School, and postgraduates
in SGH and NNI, as well as
neurologists from the Asia-Oceania
region.
His dedication to students is
formidable. As a time-strapped
clinical physician, Prof Lim still
found the time to conduct bedside
tutorials. He also took extra care
TEACHINGWITH
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P rof Yeo blazed the way
forward in the development
of clinical protocols
and guidelines as the Head of
Department of Maternal Fetal
Medicine at KK Women’s and
Children’s Hospital between
1993-2006. There, he established
an academically rigorous, evidence-
based approach to the medical
management of pregnancies. With
support from the National Medical
Research Council (NMRC) and
through translational research, Prof
Yeo’s efforts have given rise to the
incubation and development of young
doctors involved in medical research.
Capable young talents had gravitated
to the department over the years,
and many developed to hold the helm
in O&G, education and research.
With his establishment of
multidisciplinary clinics in KKH over
the years, research and collaboration
in diverse fi elds — ranging from
neonatology to molecular biology –
have fl ourished.
The institutional standing of the Obstetrics and Gynecology community has grown over the decades, with Prof Yeo as an indispensable pillar of support.
Besides being an exceptional role
model, Prof Yeo has also always
had a deep understanding of the
infrastructure required to sustain
a nurturing learning environment.
He helped to ensure O&G interns in
Singapore had free access to a large
database of knowledge through
subscriptions to online journals.
He also developed strong
relationships with a network of
medical experts across the globe,
gaining access to their accumulated
experience. All these efforts have
served to enhance the knowledge-
based culture that he has always
fostered.
Beyond his present capacity as
a teaching faculty at the Duke-
NUS Graduate School of Medicine
and NUS Yong Loo Lin School
of Medicine, Prof Yeo has also
committed himself to conducting
workshops and bringing world-
class conferences and seminars to
Singapore. These efforts represent
a broader, international spirit of
mentorship that has enabled him to
promote a spirit of learning beyond
our shores.
With an ethos of care and learning,
and a nurturing approach to growing
and developing talent, Prof Yeo’s
success as a mentor will continue to
spur the development more talented
young people with of new ideas and
groundbreaking research in the
years to come.
A pioneer and visionary with the power to mould minds. This description of Prof Yeo Seow Heong — winner of this year’s Distinguished Mentor Award — indicates the extent to which he is held in high esteem by the medical community.
DISTINGUISHED
MENTORAWARD
TALENTINCUBATORADJUNCT PROF YEO SEOW HEONGSenior Consultant, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital
SingHealth Excellence Awards
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A/Prof Tan is an well-known
clinical neurologist and
researcher at NNI.
An outstanding researcher, he has been instrumental in leading research in the fi eld of Parkinson’s disease and Movement Disorders, particularly in the discovery of genetic risk factors unique to Asians and clinical observations that helped in clinical care.
His many achievements and
contributions include the setting up
of the Movement Disorders Service
at SGH in 2000. The Service, which
benefi ted patients with gait problems
and uncontrolled involuntary
movements, then paved the way to a
full integrated programme at NNI.
In 2006, the centre became the
only site in Asia to be accredited by
the US-based National Parkinsons
Foundation as an “International
Center of Excellence” for their
contributions in research and
patient care.
To reach out to the community,
recently, A/Prof Tan and his
colleagues from Parkinsons Disease
and Movement Disorders team at
NNI-TTSH Campus, together with
the Parkinson’s Disease Society
of Singapore have secured MOH’s
approval for a more than S$1m to
set up a one-stop patient care centre
in the community for Parkinson’s
disease patients.
In addition to being recognised
as a researcher in the local and
international healthcare arena, A/
Prof Tan is also an opinion leader
and well-known clinician with
patient referrals extending all the
way from Europe, USA and Asia.
Among the string of editorial and
professionals positions that he has
under his belt, he has acted as
an external expert for prestigious
universities and centres in USA
and Asia, and the only Singaporean
to be elected into the American
Neurological Association.
Successful research and their outcomes have the power to radically transform lives for the better. This year’s Distinguished Researcher Award winner, has undoubtedly done so for more than 15 years.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR TAN ENG KINGSenior Consultant, Department of Neurology,
National Neuroscience Institute – SGH Campus
DISTINGUISHED RESEARCHER
AWARD
MIND OF MEDICINE
The SingHealth Excellence Awards
evening ceremony on 25 March
also saw the presentation of
the GCEO Excellence Award for
outstanding professionals at the
institution level.
To see the list of winners of both
awards, visit
http://mysinghealth/Singhealth/ExcellenceAwards/ from your
SingHealth Desktop Portal.
S ingHealth Excellence Awards
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I t is common to see international faces not only among patients but also staff in our institutions.
Making up almost 20% of SingHealth’s professional staff, our colleagues from overseas are working side-by-side with their Singaporean counterparts in numerous professions ranging
from clinicians, allied health professionals to nurses. They bring with them invaluable experience and offer new methodologies and ideas that help SingHealth become increasingly dynamic.
Meet six professionals who’ve made Singapore their new home.
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Who: Jarlath LyonsWhat: PhysiotherapistWhere: Rehabilitation Centre, SGH.How long: less than 1 yearFrom: Ireland
He had barely graduated from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland when he landed a job with SGH.
While some would think twice about heavy caseloads, for Jarlath the challenge was the factor which enticed him to Singapore.
“The patient load in Singapore is heavier than in Irish hospitals. This challenges us to multitask but still maintain high standards.”
Jarlath’s colleagues in SGH are supportive of him. The group always openly discusses different approaches to patient care and are on hand to advise one another on ways to confront work-related issues.
Interestingly, to blend in further with the local community, the soft spoken physiotherapist has been attending Malay language classes.
Making Singapore more of a home to him, he fi nds the MRT system in Singapore more reliable that the transportation system in Ireland!
Who: Dr Harsh SadanaWhat: Associate ConsultantWhere: Department of Oncologic Imaging, NCCSHow long: Over three yearsFrom: India
A practising consultant radiologist in India, Dr Sadana cited close proximity to his home country, excellent connectivity and a world-class medical and urban infrastructure as reasons why he moved to Singapore.
He fi nds the work environment at NCCS conducive, with “well-organised working environment and prompt availability of professional support from colleagues and seniors.”
Compared to the profession in India, Dr Sadana feels that the higher volume of quality work available at NCCS offers him greater professional challenges.
The shy radiologist does not feel homesick. He quips, “With the conducive work atmosphere, good interpersonal relations and mentorship, I have never felt that my home is away from home!”
Who: Sun XiaWhat: Senior Staff NurseWhere: Cardiothoracic Surgery, Intensive Care Unit, NHCSHow long: 11 years From: China
Sun Xia left her homeland to take up a three-year Nursing Diploma Course in Nanyang Polytechnic under a scholarship by MOH. She then went on to join NHCS in 2000.
Refl ecting on her 11-year stay in Singapore, Sun Xia added that her colleagues have played an important role in making her feel at home, “During festivals, they invite me to their homes for gatherings. There are many activities organised in almost every month. “
Singapore’s cultural diversity and the ability for the different races and cultural practices to exist together in harmony still amazes her.
“I’ve learnt to accept differences for the good of common interest. My colleagues and I exchange ideas for better mutual understanding and it enhances our working relationship and team spirit.”
SingHealth as melting pot of the world’s best talents BY DEBBIE CHIA
INTERNATIONAL FACES
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Who: Dr Pujan RaiWhat: RegistrarWhere: Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, NDCHow long: Three yearsFrom: Nepal
Dr Rai was a dental offi cer in Nepal prior to pursuing her Masters in Dental Surgery at NUS and then joining NDC.
“Having studied and worked here, I realise there are good opportunities in Singapore and also a great learning experience.”
Dr Rai sees the vast difference between working in Singapore and Nepal in terms of patients’ accessibility to healthcare services and availability of the latest medical equipment and infrastructure.
The cross-cultural work experience has helped Dr Rai to ease into work, “I have learned a great deal about better ways of doing things, different ways of treating and caring for patients. “
But it is not all work with her colleagues, “They invite me to their homes and I have invited them to mine. Discussing food is always entertaining.”
Who: Nicola DuffyWhat: Speech and Language TherapistWhere: Rehabilitation Department, KKHHow long: 2 yearsFrom: Ireland
Although Ireland’s recession at that time was a push factor, Nicola was equally attracted to the promising healthcare industry and the standard of living in Singapore.
Sharing on differences between Ireland and Singapore, “Healthcare services are not paid by Irish citizens, hence a longer waiting list. But it also means they are more willing to attend the sessions than Singaporeans.”
The various nationalities that make up Nicola’s team often compare different methodologies and explore the possibilities of putting them into practice in the local context.
However, some aspects of the local language and culture still confuse Nicola, “Here when someone says ‘can you help me with it,’ it means you do it on their behalf. I used to follow my colleagues around waiting to ‘help’ without realising I have to carry out the task myself!”
Who: Lusiana HasanWhat: Assistant ManagerWhere: International Patient Service, SNECHow long: 12 yearsFrom: Indonesia
Lusiana was attracted to work in Singapore due to its safe environment.
She was a practising optometrist and a lecturer at two optometry schools in Jakarta prior to working for SNEC.
Although initially she used to visit her brother’s family gathering in neighbouring Batam, her homesickness has since abated.
“My colleagues and I often meet during lunch time to discuss about interesting cases we handle during the day. We suggest solutions to one another.”
The camaraderie with her colleagues extends beyond the work place, “Most weekends I walk with them at Botanic Gardens, Hort Park or the MacRitchie Reservoir Park.”
“After living and working in Singapore for more than a decade, I really feel at home.”
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G laucoma is the most
common cause of irreversible
blindness worldwide and
while surgery can be performed,
its long-term success can be as
low as 50% over ten years, due
largely to the high levels of post-
operative scarring. As Consultant
Ophthalmologist in SNEC, Dr Tina
Wong has seen her fair share of such
failures. This frustration has spurred
her to focus her research on wound
healing in the eye.
Her efforts have not been in vain.
Her research group has uncovered
interesting fi ndings, namely
that there is a particular protein
responsible for controlling the
amount of collagen produced. Too
much collagen production can lead
to scarring. By isolating the gene
that produces the protein, scientists
can neutralise it or manipulate it to
produce less collagen, and hence
less scarring in the eye.
This is good news indeed for
glaucoma sufferers but Dr Wong
is not content to stop there. As
part of the research, she has also
successfully completed studies on a
new way of delivering anti-glaucoma
drugs, which can also be used to
deliver the proposed anti-scarring
therapy after surgery. Slow-release
and sustained delivery of drugs
using nano technology is currently
already available for cancer, diabetes
and liver disease. Dr Wong wants
to apply the same technology to the
delivery of eye medication.
“One of the main problems
of treatment using
eyedrops is that it depends on
patient compliance,” she explains.
“If a patient forgets to administer
the drops, the treatment is
compromised. If we can deliver the
drug via an injection with sustained
release, we remove this obstacle and
also reduce side effects. I’m excited
about the potential improvement in
our patient management outcomes.”
This novel delivery system will
also be applicable to other eye
treatments, such as for the cornea
and retina. If all goes well, the
delivery system will be tested for
the fi rst time in a select number of
glaucoma patients at the end of
the year.
“This project is a prime example
of how research can work to solve
patient’s problems,” the dynamic
doctor asserts.
“We identify the problem in the clinic, go to the lab, fi nd the solution, test it and then bring it back to the patient. That’s true translational research.”
And how does she feel about winning
the award? “Relieved!”
This year, two out of the fi ve prestigious Clinician Scientist Award given out were won by SingHealth clinicians. Conferred by the National Medical Research Council (NMRC), the award is based on scientifi c merits of research proposals and the awardees’ track records.
Monica Lim fi nds out more about their winning research projects.
Cl inic ian Scient ist Award
CLARITYIN VISIONDR TINA WONGConsultant, Singapore National Eye Centre
Head, Ocular Drug Delivery Research Group,
Singapore Eye Research Institute
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It’s a well-known scenario —
a man is walking along the street,
suddenly he clutches his chest and
falls to the ground. Chances are he
has suffered a cardiac arrest.
What is needed is
immediate action to
restart the heart, usually via
Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation
(CPR) and defi brillation (delivery of
a life saving electric shock). If left
untreated, the chances of survival
decrease by 10% with every passing
minute. The fi gures are grim – in
Singapore, survival rate of Out-of-
Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) is a
dismal 2%, compared to the US or
Europe where it can be up to 20%.
Approximately 1,500 people die in
Singapore each year due to OHCA.
A/Prof Marcus Ong, Senior Consultant
in the Department of Emergency
Medicine at SGH, has witnessed
enough deaths by cardiac arrest to be
determined to make an improvement
to these statistics.
“We need to fi nd out what factors can best address the current shortcomings of the public health system in this area,” he affi rms, “ultimately so that we can save more lives.”
His project, which won him the
Clinician Scientist Award 2011, does
just that. It looks at the entire public
health system involved, namely the
public, the ambulance system, and
the hospital. Five strategies have been
pre-identifi ed as interventions that
can potentially improve survival from
OHCA: increasing rates of CPR and
defi brillation by the public, reducing
ambulance response times,
enhancing life support training of
ambulance crew, and improving post
cardiac arrest intensive care.
The project has attracted much
interest from the region. Ten countries
in the Asia-Pacifi c have come
together to share data on OHCA under
the Pan-Asian Resuscitation
Outcomes Study (PAROS), using an
online secure platform.
To date, over 9,000 entries of OHCA
cases have been collated, making this
the fi rst large OHCA study in Asia. The
target is to hit 30,000 entries.
Through this study, Dr Ong hopes that
the most cost-effective strategy with
maximum survival benefi ts can be
identifi ed and implemented. “The
potential impact of this research is
tremendous because it targets not
just the individual patient but the
healthcare system as a whole,” he
clarifi es. The dedicated doctor has
already published numerous papers
on this topic and consults one day a
week with the Ministry of Health
on pre-hospital emergency care
health policies.
Winning the award is a great
encouragement for Dr Ong and he
hopes this will send the signal to
other clinical researchers that what
they do is important and recognised. It
is also his personal wish that more
will embark on research in healthcare
services. “Research is one of the best
ways to advocate better outcomes for
patients,” he emphasises. “Seeing
your research make an impact is
highly rewarding.”
Cl inic ian Scient ist Award
BEATING THE ODDS FOR CARDIAC ARREST
A/PROF MARCUS ONGConsultant and Director of Research,
Department of Emergency Medicine,
Singapore General Hospital
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In the arena of medical and
healthcare research, the case for
dentistry is often overlooked.
Caring for one’s teeth is hardly
the fi rst thing that comes to most
minds when thinking about cutting-
edge medicine. This is one of the
misconceptions that the researchers
at the National Dental Centre of
Singapore (NDC) are challenging
with their work.
Contrary to popular belief,
scientifi c research behind dental
care is not just cosmetic. Instead,
dental research concerns itself
with understanding the science
underlying dental treatment and
fi nding better ways to care for
patients.
Medical professionals all agree
that quality research establishes
medicine as a profession rather than
a trade. As Dr. Alvin Yeo, one of the
key active researchers at NDC and
Deputy Chair of the NDC Research
Committee points out, without
ongoing research and evaluation,
“patient care will stagnate and not
progress”.
Progress is the keyword here as
dental research impacts our lives
in ways that we often take for
granted. An exciting example is the
Branemark implant. A research
discovery, by accident, that titanium
could bond fi rmly to bone paved the
way for the fi rst permanent dental
implants. Such innovations have also
been known to spur developments
in other medical fi elds. It was found
that the Branemark implant could
also be used to provide secure
anchorage for replacement facial
features or even prosthetic limbs.
Another piece of recent research
suggests that the health of our
gums can have a signifi cant effect on
diseases like diabetes, heart disease
and pregnancy complications. In
short, a beautiful smile is a sure sign
of a healthier body.
Such research has the potential to
translate to improved healthcare
provision. For instance, with
collaborations between dentists
and clinicians to manage dentally
compromised patients.
Example 2
How dental research can apply to Medicine
Example 1
Branemark titanium implant
dental implant
anchor for prosthetic
leg
Gum diseases may have
impact on other conditions
heart disease
diabetes
pregancy complications
stroke
BEHIND THE TOOTHThe National Dental Centre of Singapore gives dental research something to smile about By Debbie Chia
“Without ongoing
research and evaluation,
patient care will stagnate
and not progress.”
– DR ALVIN YEO
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As part of a push to consolidate its expertise and establish thematic projects, NDC has to date nurtured and grown four clinician-researchers who have obtained their PhDs while pursuing their research interests – with three more soon on the way.
regenerative approach that not
only reduces patient morbidity and
‘downtime’ but is also affordable,
predictable and effective”.
One thing is clear: although research
in NDC may still be in its infancy, its
practical, purposeful and patient-
oriented approach to research holds
great promise for the future. Not
just for the future of dental research
in Singapore – but also for those
patients whose improved quality of
treatment and care will enable them
to lead healthier, happier lives.
As a clinical centre fi rst and
foremost, NDC has also focused on
managing research activities and
resources, and the development of
infrastructure needed to support
research – including the NDC
Research Committee (RC) and
Research Resource Unit (RRU).
To achieve this, it conducts robust
training programmes for young
researchers while emphasising the
practical relevance of their research.
The direction of research is led by
the RC, chaired by NDC research
director Dr Andrew Tay, as it
develops research policy, builds
collaboration networks and human
capital, and monitors the overall
progress of research.
The RRU, on the other hand,
functions as a coordinator and
facilitator of research. In recognition
of the importance of building human
capital, the Academic Centre for
Oral Health Research (ACORN) was
inaugurated in 2008 to provide a
formal structure for research and
education programmes through its
dual research administration and
education arms.
Together, the RC and the ACORN
Secretariat function as twin keystone
pillars supporting the entire
research agenda of the NDC.
As part of a push to consolidate its
expertise and establish thematic
projects, NDC has to date nurtured
and grown four clinician-researchers
who have obtained their PhDs while
pursuing their research interests –
with three more soon on the way.
Besides pioneer PhD recipients Dr
Chew Ming Tat and Dr Alvin Yeo,
whose research interests include
jaw reconstruction and regeneration,
the other two PhD researchers are
Dr Goh Bee Tin and Dr Shermin
Lee. Their interest in mandibular
reconstruction, according to Dr Lee,
“gave rise to various collaborations
among different parts of the world.”
Collaborating with overseas
researchers is one strategy that is
paying off for NDC. Dr Goh remarks
that it offers a “continuous learning
process” for himself and other
researchers here.
Besides that, it has enabled NDC to
surge ahead in the last fi ve years,
despite its relatively limited core
group of manpower and expertise.
And internally, Dr Yeo points out that
NDC’s slow and steady approach to
research allows them to focus on
their core strengths at this
early stage.
Meanwhile, Dr Yeo’s own work
continues to press on with its
goal of developing “a viable bone
Example 3
Change in practice
Head & neckcancer patient
Radiotherapy
Normal Healing
Dental extractions and
treatment
Head & neckcancer patient
Dental extractions and
treatment
Poor Healing
Radiotherapy
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He’s been in healthcare IT for 20 years, but Benedict Tan has never been so excited. me+SH fi nds out why. By Arthur Wong
IN THE FACE OF CHANGE IT in SingHealth
When you put things in perspective, SingHealth is very much similiar to
Apple’s iPhone.
“The beauty is in its simplicity,” professes Benedict Tan, Chief Information Offi cer at SingHealth.
Given our experience, the last thing we would associate healthcare IT with is simplicity, so Benedict goes on to clarify,
“All of us at SingHealth work for one common purpose — to improve the lives of our patients and to care for, treat and heal them.
“For that one simple purpose we use various applications that we develop with the help of our healthcare professionals to change the way things are done. It’s pretty much like Steve Jobs’ model of having developers make apps for his iPhone.”
And like the popular smartphone, Benedict sees healthcare IT in SingHealth becoming more specialised and easier to use — information at a glance with a touch of a button or a swipe of your fi nger.
While IT used to be mainly for administrative purposes, its role is evolving fast. From clinical care and treatment to research and education, IT innovations by Benedict and his team will make it even easier for us to care for patients and improve care.
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IT INNOVATIONS
Rheumatoid Arthritis Smartphone Application (MobileCare)Singapore’s fi rst smartphone app for
rheumatoid arthritis empowers the
patient with a daily health diary that
can be accessed easily by caregivers
and medical staff. Using graphs,
quick summaries and detailed
histories, patients can now monitor
disease progression for rheumatoid
arthritis.
SGH Bed Management SystemAllows real-time tracking of
patients through RFID technology,
automating the patient fl ow process
from admission to discharge.
KKH Inpatient Pharmacy Automation System (IPAS)The fully automated unit uses
robotics and barcoding to improve
the pharmacy dispensing process by
picking and packing drugs.
“IT is fi nally entering the area where it supports direct patient care, with more and more innovations coming in the near future. We see a direct inpact to patients’ lives and something good will come out of all this change.” Benedict Tan, CIO, SingHealth
No wonder he’s excited.
This change will mean four things – paper-less, fi lm-less, script-less and chart-less.
Imagine a future, not so far away, where a patient can receive the best care from a seamless, integrated healthcare system built with ease in mind. Everything happens at the touch of a button and healthcare professionals are able to analyse and translate the data received from treatment into research for better methods and cures as well as to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals.
It’s simple, really – faster, easier and more accurate. The patient of tomorrow’s healthcare has a lot to look forward to.
And it may not even take a long time to happen either.
“The speed of healthcare IT has picked up over the last fi ve years, and I can see with enough emphasis and resources it will continue on the accelerating path,” said Benedict.
Add this to the teamwork between SingHealth and Integrated Health Information Systems (IHiS), and you’ve got a winning formula.
Formed to provide integrated IT services to the healthcare clusters in Singapore on a full cost-recovery model, Benedict thinks IHiS is ready to start performing at an even higher level having overcome the many challenges of starting afresh.
Some key projects that are coming our way for 2011 are the upgrade into the Clinical Sunrise Manager level 5.5, automated visitor management systems, new messaging functions to your email platform
and infrastructure and network bandwidth increases.
Looks like healthcare IT has got endless possibilities.
So where does it all end? Benedict thinks healthcare IT Nirvana can be achieved through knowledge management and health analytics.
“The difference between an experienced doctor and a new one is the wisdom gained from all the years of practice. We need to harness that wisdom and use it in the training of future clinicians to ensure that it does not end with one person. Our clinicians will also need a data analysis system to allow them to treat patients with more accuracy and ease.”
What about patients turning to the internet for their diagnosis? Won’t that turn doctors into professionals who recommend medication as prescribed by some health website?
Benedict relates a previous conversation with a senior clinician: “He told me that if you use google to check your symptoms, the chance of a correct diagnosis is as high as 80%. This is information technology at work.
But having said that, whether you can arrive at the right treatment is a whole different matter! Clinicians will always play that all important role of being by the side of the patient on their road to recovery.”
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Dr Toh Han ChongTake5 With...
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“Healthcare providers have to take care of themselves
or risk burnout. We have to enjoy lighter moments in life
like kopi and makan with friends and family, and taking
time out, to sit back and refl ect.”
Location: Pandan Reservoir, Singapore Amateur Rowing Association
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People who work with
cancer patients often get
a perspective on life not
many see.
“Being in this fi eld can sometimes be
a tough and humbling battle. When
you’ve used up all your weapons to
hold back the march of the disease,
the focus is to walk with the patient
to the end, while still providing care,
relief and hope, ” said Dr Toh Han
Chong, Head and Senior Consultant
of the Department of Medical
Oncology at the National Cancer
Centre Singapore (NCCS).
“We are privileged to be in a
position to help people at their
time of greatest need”.
Having spent time abroad in the US
receiving fellowship training at
Massachusetts General Hospital,
Harvard Medical School and Baylor
College of Medicine, Dr Toh has
gained his global perspective.
Comparing stints at these world-
renowned institutions, he sees
Singapore’s huge potential to be at
the cutting-edge.
He elaborates, “Striving to provide
good clinical service in our hospitals
is the main priority and we must
continue delivering it. The next step
forward is to be innovative in care and
research. Being an ‘innovation nation’
will allow us to stay competitive
globally, elevate healthcare and to
lead rather than just to follow the rest
of the world.”
Having been involved in medical
research as a clinician-scientist,
Dr Toh has fi rst-hand experience in
steering both bench and clinical
research, and his efforts in
establishing cell therapy for cancer
has been encouraging. He pays
tribute to his NCCS colleagues from
whom he draws inspiration for their
dedication, passion and intellectual
fi repower.
“We’ve come a long way in the last 20
years. The climate in Singapore has
been more conducive for research
and there are now multiple funding
opportunities to compete for. A key
challenge is to balance the busy
patient-centric clinical work within a
high-performance health system
while also optimally driving a vibrant
research culture.”
A particularly exciting development in
translational research, Dr Toh
shares, is a study he is leading. Using
the patient’s own defence system to
fi ght cancer, white blood cells are
extracted and over a few months
grown to more than a billion elite
white cells. These cells can now
fi ght cancer and are infused back
into the patient’s body, letting his
re-engineered immune defence
system do the work.
“It is currently the largest study in
the world of its kind and the cell
production from bench to bedside is
extremely intensive. While still early
in the follow up, this treatment
strategy has achieved the best
results to date against advanced
nasopharyngeal cancer. We feel
very gratifi ed as tremendous hard
work has been put in.”
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With his role as College Master at the Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Dr Toh is also pushing the Academic Medicine envelope in other ways. He ensures that the spirit of inquiry in Medicine stays strong and believes the vibrant environment of the school cultivates it.
“Coming from diverse backgrounds, these students remind me of my own time overseas at United World College (UWC) in Canada. The ferment of boundless creativity, talent, and energy have created a breathtaking and enriching medical school ecosystem.”
“But I look after the touchy feely stuff,” he disclaims with a chuckle. “If they have problems such as coping with the course work, it is our job to be proactive. We also engage in dialogues ranging from healthcare economics, ethics, research, career choices and confl ict resolution. It feels more like being a nurturing big brother!”
As someone so immersed in the many facets of Medicine, it is hard to imagine Dr Toh being anything else. Surprisingly, Dr Toh had hoped to be either a fi lm director, architect or writer as a child.
“Now I edit the Singapore Medical Association (SMA) newsletter instead,” he jokes. ”I chill out by reading submitted articles, and occasionally writing editorials”.
His other pastimes include recreational rowing at Pandan Reservoir, road biking – a midlife crisis decision, he offers – relaxing with family and watching DVDs.
Of the last, Dr Toh jumps to share his enthusiasm and recommends fi lms such as The Godfather Part II, The Shawshank Redemption, Terms of Endearment, Okuribito (Departures), and Chungking Express as some of his favourites.
“I like all kinds of fi lms, including the hilarious comedy The Hangover, Korean war movie 71: Into the Fire and the American football fi lm Friday Night Lights.”
Of the importance of downtime, Dr Toh refl ects, “Healthcare
providers have to take care of themselves or risk burnout. We have to enjoy lighter moments in life like kopi and makan with friends and family, and taking time out, to sit back and refl ect.”
It is this balanced approach that has kept Dr Toh at the forefront of his profession. That, and a real belief in making a difference.
1. If you could have dinner with a famous historical fi gure, who would it be?I would prefer a casual dinner party!
I would invite the great human
freedom fi ghters Martin Luther
King, Nelson Mandela and Sun Yat
Sen. Actress Audrey Hepburn, fi lm
directors Zhang Yimou and Wong
Kar Wai, architects Le Corbusier,
Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas,
writer James Joyce, economists
Adam Smith and Amartya Sen,
thinkers Malcolm Gladwell, Albert
Camus and Simone Weil, scientist
Sir Peter Medawar, physician Sir
William Osler, the very funny Tina
Fey and Tiger Mom Amy Chua, so I
can fi gure out why she would want
to hothouse her kids and burn their
soft toys as punishment. I will have
a long wooden table outdoors with
Italian food and sweet offerings, but
will also ask Mr Ramly to cook up
sizzlingly delicious Ramly Burgers.
2. What’s your favourite thing to do when you need a break from work?What break? ;-)
3. Can you describe the condition of your desk?Too much paperwork! I have a tonne
of papers to sign here and might end
up with “signusitis”. I also have a tin
of love letters biscuit homemade by a
very charming nonya cancer survivor
patient.
4. If someone could write a book about you, what would the title be?‘OOPS’! This is because I never
really planned my life the way it
turned out. I never really thought of
Oncology as a specialty while I was
a junior doctor. I like to be pleasantly
surprised and have been many times.
I usually hold on to faith and hope
that things will turn the corner and
turn out fi ne in the journey of life.
5. What’s your guilty pleasure?Chocolate, durian and ice-cream.
You can get solid durian ice-cream at
Udders next to United Square and at
the Daily Scoop at Sunset Way.
Take5
Dr Toh Han Chong leads the research for cure for nasopharyngeal cancer using the patient’s own defence system.
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Our doctors, nurses and allied health professionals are those who play important roles of defi ning tomorrow’s Medicine. Managing work with life’s demands can be a challenge both on and off duty for them. me+SH fi nds out how three of our professionals manage to maintain
their work-life balance.
What is your normal workday like?
I have four to fi ve busy clinic sessions
a week. I am also in charge of
inpatient consultation. The ward
rounds usually starts at 8am and
ends at 11am. Other duties include
planning, teaching medical students
and seeing patients referred from
other departments. Outpatient work
can spill over to time outside clinic
and administrative tasks such as
emails can seem endless.
How do you fi nd time to squeeze
in personal time amidst your busy
schedule?
Most of us have other roles to play
– we are also parents, spouses and
children. Hence, work-life balance
is important to keep our health in
check, so we don’t get burnt-out at
work and are still able to spend time
with our family.
I have a young family, so I try to
spend my spare time with them,
such as playing badminton during
the weekend.
I’ve also started joining a Chinese
painting class and found it rather
therapeutic. I can be so immersed
in painting that I can temporarily
forget the day’s stress. By joining the
class, I get to have at least one day
in a week to end work on time as the
class starts at 6pm!
Any tips for staying healthy and
keeping sane?
You can make use of your institution’s
learning portal and attend self-help
or improvement courses. Get enough
rest and exercise. Don’t try to do too
many things, say “NO” sometimes.
Lastly, know that no one is in charge
of your happiness except yourself.
DR. CHONG YONG YEOW
Consultant, Dept of Rheumatology & Immunology, SGH
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AIZAWA HIDEMASA MARCOStaff Nurse, Ward 56, NHCS
What is your normal work day like? As I work shifts, there is no fi xed schedule for me. It is important for me to have suffi cient rest to keep up for a day’s work.
When I am on night shift, coffee is my best friend. Supper is also helpful in keeping me awake!
How do you manage work-life balance amidst your irregular working hours?There must be something for me to do to take my mind off work and to keep my body healthy. I develop my own routine. After my morning shift, I usually go for a bike ride or run or spend the evening with my friends or family.
Before an afternoon shift, I would go for a morning run. I’ve learnt to
adapt my activities around my work. I also prefer to do such activities at night, where the traffi c is less hectic and the weather is cooler.
Any tips for staying healthy and keeping sane?It is all about working hard and playing hard at the same time! If you have the time, go to the gym or have a walk in the park to relax your mind after a long day’s work.
MARIA GOHSenior Optometrist, Optometry Services, SNEC
What is your normal work day like?Typically, I start work at 8am and take a quick 30-minute break around noon. I do not have a fi xed clinic time as I move around different clinics in SNEC. Occasionally, I’m stationed outside of SNEC, too. A typical day ends around 6pm.
How do you fi nd time to squeeze in work-life balance amidst your work schedule?Work-life balance is important as it helps me reduce accumulated stress, and improve my performance and
immunity. Good time management is crucial.
I will arrange to complete the necessary admin work at the beginning of the week, for example, staying back late on Monday or Tuesday to meet my deadlines by Wednesday so I can spare the rest of the week for sports and leisure activities.
I also try to participate in activities that are near my work place so that I can save on travelling time.
Any out-of-the-ordinary habits you do to squeeze in more time for exercise?As I stay near SNEC, I walk to and from work everyday, rain or shine. I also make it a habit to walk if the distance to my destination is only a few bus stops or MRT stations away.
Any tips for staying healthy and keeping sane?Stay calm when encountering any diffi culties and don’t sweat the small stuff!
All activities are for the respective institution’s staff only unless stated otherwise.
Staff activitiesLooking for a little work-life balance? Here are some activities at various
SingHealth Institutions!InstitutionSingHealth
Activity
Pilates Workout$6.50 x 12 sessions
Walk-a-Jog
Stair Climbing
Start DateTuesdays (till June 2011)
Wednesdays
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Contact PersonSandy Lim Lai [email protected] 8589
NHCSTaichi Class
Walking Group
Sundown Marathon 2011
Thursdays
Fridays
28 May
Noor Hudayah Mohamed [email protected] 7662
NDCTalk on Exercising
Pilates
Taiji Quan
May
May
On-going
Woo Kwai [email protected] 8886
or
Sandra [email protected] 8881
Note: activities are open to staff from all SingHealth institutions
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A NEW, EFFICIENT PEDAGOGY METHOD:
BLENDED LEARNINGBusy work schedules, high patient loads, short attention spans, decreasing retention rates. Many factors can affect learning and teaching in healthcare — an industry where continuing education and professional development are vital for the provision of quality patient care.
In enhancing healthcare education, Blended Learning is a pedagogical practice that increases learning effi ciencies and improves training. Blended Learning is a concept of the integration of traditional classroom-based teaching methods with modern learning technologies.
A classic example would be the combination of didactic face-to-face lectures with e-learning technologies. A blend of
such educational activities creates a conducive environment for healthcare professionals to learn even outside of class time, and through dynamic online content that will help reinforce the curriculum.
SingHealth Academy has launched a Call for Interest for faculty and staff to submit their interests in the development of Blended Learning content. Participants will receive full assistance by the Academy in the development of their Blended Learning content.
For more information, please visit http://www.singhealthacademy.com.sg/Programmes/Blended-Learning
Donors play a signifi cant role in ensuring that Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School students receive the precious gift of education. Support our aspiring physician-scientists in the following ways:
1) COMMUNITY OUTREACH Education should be holistic, thus all
students are encouraged to participate
in at least one local and one regional
community outreach project. “Your gift
will support such projects, which in turn
help develop servant leadership skills
in our students”.
2) MEDICAL EDUCATION In line with our curriculum, our students
must understand and conduct research
to practice medicine. Your gift will provide
them with fi nancial assistance to attend
and present at medical symposiums,
crucial to their learning and development.
3) STUDENT AID No deserving student should be denied an education
because of fi nancial diffi culties. Your gift will help alleviate
the fi nancial burden of needy students through bursaries.
Please contact Duke-NUS’ Development Offi ce at
[email protected] for more details.
You can also donate on our website www.duke-nus.edu.sg
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