me+SH issue 06 FY10 by me+SH

ISSUE 06/FY10 IN THIS ISSUE

Movers and Shakers of SingHealth Allied Health Professionals: Many Talents, One Passion Flying High with SingHealth Residency

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A SingHealth Staff Publication

SingHealth Inspirational Patient & Caregiver Award 2011

CONTENTS 01 Guest Editor – Ms Ang Hui Gek 02 Movers and Shakers of SingHealth

me + Living

Inspirational Patient and Caregiver Award

28 Take 5: Dr Celia Tan 32 Leading a quality life

17 Blooms to brighten the day 18 Laughing in the face of adversity 19 I’m all she’s got, and I’m not giving up 20 She calls her ‘Mother’

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SingHealth Allied Health: Many Talents, One Passion

me + Spotlight

me + Smiles

03 A talent for healing 04 A professional eye

16 SingHealth Academy signature courses

05 Passion from the heart

21 SingHealth Alice Lee IAN

06 A mind for innovation

22 The academia

07 Allied health community day

24 International research collaborations in SNEC

08 A profession of winners SingHealth Service Superstars 09 Beyond the call of duty 10 At the heart of service

26 Grooming clinician-scientists in Duke-NUS 31 Reducing human errors with EPIC

34 One voice for SingHealth transplant 35 Joined by the challenge NDC JCI

11 Together we care 12 Residency open house

Discovery

14 The stellar crew 15 Q&A with residents

Pepper Global Alvin Ee Richard Soh Michael Koek Candice Tang 75B Pagoda Street Singapore 059234 Tel: +65 6221 1286 Photography for cover, Allied Health and home feature: A Pixels Photography Pte Ltd Copywriters: Monica Lim and Debbie Chia

Diagnostics

SingHealth Residency

SingHealth Editorial Team Tan-Huang Shuo Mei Amelia Champion Katheryn Maung Arthur Wong Stephanie Jade Arlindita Rozlin bte Othman

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36 Announcement & contests

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 reflect 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) 094/04/2010

Guest Editor

Our Patients: Our Passion

n our journey at SingHealth, the passion to provide the best possible care drives innovation and the continuous pursuit of improvement. This journey of caring for patients is a meaningful one. When we genuinely care, we bring comfort and hope to others, and that itself is truly inspirational. I once helped take care of a patient, a 70-year-old man suffering from cancer. We became great friends with him, the nurses and I in the oncology unit. He gave me a nickname – ‘Cricket’.

One day, he became seriously ill and soon fell into unconsciousness. His daughter shared with tears in her eyes that her dad had not woken up nor responded to family and friends. But when I called out to him, “I am Cricket!” an amazing thing happened - his hands moved. I believed he wanted to say hi to us, his friends. The daughter was moved to tears.

Ms Ang Hui Gek Director, Allied Health Division Singapore General Hospital

SingHealth is the leader in many aspects of healthcare. We have our long experience in public healthcare, the medical knowledge and latest technologies, the trust of our public, and ultimately - our people, who have enabled us to come this far. There is no doubt that we can go above and beyond what we’ve achieved as we move forward to define tomorrow’s Medicine. But not a single profession can do it alone. In January this year at the Allied Health Community Day, I saw a gathering of many different professions from different institutions under one roof. The realisation struck me that it truly takes a village to bring a patient back to health. Allied Health Professionals play key roles in the new model of integrated care that goes beyond medical and nursing care, and cuts across different sectors. We can see from collaborative projects from the Allied Health Innovative Practice Award that no one group of professionals can work alone. We all need to be continually competent in our practice or expertise, and work in collaborative partnerships with other healthcare colleagues to be truly successful. The goal is clear: Best Outcome and Best Experience for our patients. We don’t need to be superheroes to do extraordinary things.

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Movers and Shakers of SingHealth At SingHealth, we cherish our abundance of talents and diverse healthcare professions. As we move forward in the landscape of Academic Medicine, our own Movers and Shakers ensure that we explore new frontiers together. They are those who excel at what they do, make changes for the better, those who are catalysts and influential individuals among us.

1. Dr Pek Wan Sze Resident, General Surgery “I strive to get as much excellent medical training as possible, but it is important for me that I balance it by spending time listening to patients and giving them the best care.”

SingHealth Residency is changing the face of medical education in Singapore. As a resident, Wan Sze will be part of a future breed of well-rounded clinicians in Singapore. Get better acquainted with the stellar crew and high fliers of SingHealth Residency on pages 12-15. 2. Mr Pua Yong Hao Principal Physiotherapist, SGH “Although as a full-time researcher I don’t provide care for patients per se, the fruits of my research help them recover better and faster” With a few software tweaks, a consolegame controller is turned into an assessment tool for patients. With its innovation, Yong Hao’s team emerged as one of the winners of this year’s Allied Health Innovative Practice Award. Read more about the inspiration behind the innovation on page 6. 3. Ms Elaine Goh Chief Medical Technologist (Vascular), NHCS “When I face a difficult case, I persist and tell myself that I am the one who can make a difference for the patient.” She is but one out of the 2,000 odd Allied Health Professionals in

SingHealth, but Elaine plays a crucial role in complementing doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in bringing a patient to recovery. Find out how Elaine’s investigation helped a patient walk again on page 5. 4. Ms Tan Chor Kien Nurse Clinician, Department of Haematology, SGH “I realise that just a simple smile, a little greeting, and a light touch can turn lives

around and bring light to my patients in their journey to recovery” Caring for cancer patients is never easy, but NC Tan always goes the extra mile to support her patients every step of the way. For her exceptional care, she was awarded the Singapore Health Quality Service Award in January this year. Discover more of NC Tan’s recipe for great service on page 10.

SingHealth Allied Health Professionals: Many Talents, One Passion

A Talent for Healing I n the relatively new field of Music Therapy, Patsy Tan is one of its chief advocates breaking new ground. Despite the general lack of awareness surrounding the profession, Patsy has found that Music Therapy fuels her passion in working with the underprivileged in society.

Patsy spearheaded SGH’s ‘Music to the Ears’ programme, which was officially launched in 2007 for hearing impaired patients within the hospital’s Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department. However, due to increasing demand for music therapy services, Patsy not only converted to a full-time music therapist, but the services were moved to the Allied Health division to serve a wider group of patients. Treating outpatients with hearing impairments, autism, cerebral palsy or down syndrome, Patsy uses her talent and training in music to elicit better

“Unlike other visitors, I was not here to touch her, take her temperature or conduct a blood test. For our first session, I told her it was okay to reject me and I could stand away from her if she wanted me to. This helped her to relax and begin her therapy.”

responses and behaviour in her patients. Despite the many challenges she faces while caring for her patients, the determined and bubbly music therapist has many stories to keep her going in making a difference to her patients.

Obstacles such as lack of public awareness, professional recognition and resources may be trying at times but they do not stop Patsy from setting her goal to establish a full-fledged Music Therapy programme at the hospital in the future.

She recalls a case with a difficult burn patient. Negative and aggressive, the female patient usually threw her caretakers out in a flurry of anger. Exercising patience and using music as her medium of communication, Patsy was able to help her patient stay calm and eventually interested in sing-alongs together. “Unlike other visitors, I was not here to touch her, take her temperature or conduct a blood test. For our first session, I told her it was okay to reject me and I could stand away from her if she wanted me to. This helped her to relax.” After several sessions, the patient became fully compliant with her treatment and was even discharged earlier than expected. In the case of a nine-year-old boy with hearing impairment and chromosome disorder, Patsy shared, “The boy refused to remove his shoes before entering any house and often stood waiting outside the door. Building a bond was difficult as he did not trust people easily.” To overcome the problem, Patsy conducted her music therapy sessions along the corridor of her office. Different instruments were used depending on the child’s mood. Her efforts paid off when one day the boy finally trounced his fears and took off his shoes! Patsy Tan Music Therapist, Singapore General Hospital

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SingHealth Allied Health Professionals: Many Talents, One Passion

A Professional Eye S iow Kalin came from a family of opticians, optometrists and ophthalmic surgical suppliers. Thus, it was natural for her to choose optometry as her profession.

When asked, Kalin describes her profession as somewhere “between a surgeon and an optician” which she believes poses the greatest challenge for her and her colleagues. Kalin explains, “We are not taken seriously in our diagnosis as we are not regarded as surgeons or specialists. On several occasions, patients often take on an eye doctor’s opinion on optics despite our advice.” To change public perception, Kalin actively participates in a National Programme for Optometrists which helps promotes her profession’s capabilities. She gets herself involved in

the Optometrist Board and curriculum planning for optometry school in the hope of creating greater awareness about her profession among the public.

Kalin also believes more can be done to create wider recognition and awareness for her profession. She hopes optometrists in Singapore may one day be able to use diagnostic drugs to examine patients like that practised by their counterparts in other developed countries. The use of such drugs will enable optometrists in Singapore to offer more in-depth advice to patients. Despite such limitations and challenges, Kalin works to make the best out of the current situation by being resilient and adaptable. “Adapting to the environment and the situation is the biggest hurdle. If one can be resilient and overcome the obstacle, nothing is difficult.”

“Adapting to the environment and the situation is the biggest hurdle. If one can be resilient and overcome the obstacle, nothing is difficult.” Kalin continuously improves herself as part of her efforts to better her profession. She makes it a habit to take time to attending courses, conferences or seminars. For Kalin, her vision is clear – “Giving clear sight is a gift to the window of the soul” and we understand why there is no better profession in sight for her other than her current one.

Siow Kalin Principal Optometrist Singapore National Eye Centre

SingHealth Allied Health Professionals: Many Talents, One Passion

Passion From the Heart A

“destiny” is what Elaine Goh calls her profession as a Medical Technologist — her first job since graduating from the National University of Singapore, more than 13 years ago. Now Chief Medical Technologist at the NHCS, Elaine’s responsibilities include training new staff, medical professionals or students about Vascular Ultrasound from scratch or managing and treating patients. Despite being in the field for more than a decade, Elaine is still very much motivated whenever her laboratory results are able to help patients receive the right treatments. She recalls a case of a patient who experienced tightness in his thigh after walking even for just five minutes. He came for his ultrasound terrified as he was told there might be a risk of disability. At the end of the ultrasound investigation on his condition, Elaine and her team referred the patient to physiotherapy treatment to improve

the arterial circulation in his leg. Years later when he returned for a re-check and although his arterial narrowing was still present, his condition had improved tremendously and thus far from being disabled. For Elaine, facing daily obstacles and challenges is but the norm and she counts managing difficult requests from patients as one of her biggest challenges. Her solution - “quickly think of the best possible alternatives to solve or bypass hurdles, as obstacles will be present no matter how well one plans.” Taking the cue from her mentors in NHCS such as Dr. C. Sivathasan, A/Prof Chua Yeow Leng and Dr Kenny Sin who had given her unconditional support in shaping her into what she is today, Elaine keeps the learning journey alive for others as well. Together with her senior team, they help guide the junior staff. “Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses,

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Elaine Goh Chief Medical Technologist (Vascular) National Heart Centre Singapore

I try to take that into consideration to ensure that we deliver the best care and accurate results for our patients.” After work get-together sessions are organised to foster interaction and help strengthen communication, bonding and understanding between staff. Passion, dedication to serve and being proactive are all the important traits she believes aspiring students should have. But her simple advice is: “Do your best”. And Elaine has been a living example of this maxim with her work.

“Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, I try to take that into consideration to ensure that we deliver the best care and accurate results for our patients.”

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SingHealth Allied Health Professionals: Many Talents, One Passion

A Mind for Innovation A

n ever-inquiring mind and an addictive thirst for knowledge – these are but some of the traits research physiotherapist, Pua Yong Hao possesses. These very traits have also enabled Yong Hao to lead his team to becoming one of the three winners for the 2010 SingHealth Innovative Practice Award, held earlier this year.

“View an obstacle as a challenge and once convinced, you will not only be able to manage change but also embrace it.”

Yong Hao believes that nothing says caring for a patient more than being able to use the best evidence in patient management. And as a researcher he wants to do that by providing the data needed to enable his physiotherapist colleagues to practise in a more evidence-based manner.

complex underlying causes, which require a multi-disciplinary approach. An aging population and limited healthcare resources imply that we must continue the paradigm shift towards evidence-based medicine and healthcare.”

Yong Hao explains, “Currently, healthcare professionals manage conditions with

Having followed his research passion since day one, Yong Hao strives to be

Pua Yong Hao Research Physiotherapist Singapore General Hospital

an effective researcher. He handles multiple projects on a day to day basis, hence to deliver his best in research work, Yong Hao gears himself to staying focused at all times. Like in most professions, there are obstacles and challenges in the course of doing his work. The trick he says, is to “view an obstacle as a challenge and once convinced, you will not only be able to manage change but also embrace it.” Yong Hao shares his aspiration by quoting Helen Hislop: “It is my dream that clinical specialists, born in science, nurtured in reason, seasoned in practice, and blended with compassion will begin to deal in physical therapy with questions that have long challenged the human intellect and the human spirit.”

SingHealth Allied Health Professionals: Many Talents, One Passion

Learning about other Allied Health Professions

Read All About It 107 Inspiring Stories by Allied Health Professionals in Singapore 17 Different Professions 10 Public Hospitals & National Centres

today is increasingly complex and relies more and more on a team-based, multidisciplinary approach in improving patient care. To build a bigger and stronger Aptly themed Allied Health “Many Talents, talent pool, Group One Passion”, CEO Prof Tan Ser the SingHealthKiat announced at the organised event brought together Watching the opening performance event that SingHealth by Allied Health Directors of has allocated some some 400 Allied SingHealth Institutions $8 million for talent Health Professionals development schemes, including (AHPs) from over 40 professions scholarships. across various institutions in Singapore under one roof. Innovation and research also play an increasingly bigger role in Attended by Guest-of-Honour healthcare today. This year’s winners Minister for Health, Mr Khaw Boon of the SingHealth Allied Health Wan, the event commemorates the Innovative Practice Award, awarded dedication of AHPs in Singapore at the occasion, were praised by – Physiotherapists, Occupational Prof Tan, “Healthcare professionals therapists, Dietitians, Pharmacists, need to have the spirit of inquiry Medical Social Workers and other and innovation. The Award inspires professionals who play critical roles multidisciplinary teams to initiate along with clinicians and nurses in research and innovative projects.” the patient’s journey to recovery. 15 January 2011 was a special day, as it marked the first-ever Allied Health Community Day in Singapore.

With new diseases emerging and a rapidly ageing population, healthcare

Launch of AHP Book For many, the highlight of the day was the launch of the AHP book, titled ‘Many Talents, One Passion’. A shining testimonial of the passion and commitment of AHPs, this book is the first local comprehensive guide dedicated to telling stories of these professionals. First mooted by SGH Allied Health Division, it was then taken to a national scale by SingHealth Academy publication team. Ms Ang Hui Gek, Director of Allied Health Division, SGH, emphasised, “Intertwined in all the stories, there is one common thread – these professionals truly care for others.” For enquiries about the book, contact SingHealth Academy at 6337 8649.

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SingHealth Allied Health Professionals: Many Talents, One Passion

“The future of healthcare lies in evidence-based practice. Healthcare professionals need to have the spirit of inquiry and innovation. The Award inspires multidisciplinary teams to initiate research and innovative projects to achieve breakthroughs that have a direct and significant impact on improving patient care.” — GCEO Prof Tan Ser Kiat

Winning Innovations: SingHealth Allied Health Innovative Practice Awards 2010 Spring-loaded Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) by SGH Physiotherapists, ‘Dynamic Duo’, in collaboration with Ngee Ann Polytechnic A new and improved AFO that provides stability for neurological patients with foot drop to achieve a safe and more normal walking pattern without restricting ankle joint movements. Trial shows a diplegic patient enabled to walk without assistance, with more upright posture and with greater confidence.

28 contestants battled for the top five spots by showing off how well they sing, dance, and even perform magic tricks to gather votes on Facebook. With the most ‘likes’ in the bag, the top five went on to perform live at the SingHealth Allied Health Community Day on 15 January 2011, and three were voted as winners:

Urinalysis at Central Laboratory by Team ‘Pee Power’ from CGH Department of Laboratory Medicine Challenges the traditional practice from 1950’s of urine dipstick testing in the ward by transferring urinalysis from the patient ward to the central laboratory. This improves accuracy, makes results available real time electronically, and allows nurses to channel their time to core nursing duties.

Grand Winner: CGH Radiology band Liveband (top) 1st Runner-Up: CGH Laboratory dancers Starlas (right) 2nd Runner-Up: SGH Medical Social Services musical ensemble Keith and Friends

— Many Talents, One Passion Pages 3-8 written by Debbie Chia

Fall Risk Assessment Tool by Physiotherapy team “Prestige” from SGH, in collaboration with The University of Melbourne Makes novel application of the Nintendo Wii Balance Board to assess the risk of falls among older adults. Using SGH-written software programmes, the balance board becomes a low-cost and portable alternative to the expensive and cumbersome laboratory force plates.

Missed the action? Check out the ‘AHP Got Talent’ Facebook page to view videos submitted by contestants

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BEYOND THE

CALL

OF DUTY

MDM Porckodi d/o Lallayah Patient Service Assistant, Singapore General Hospital SuperStar Award winner (Ancillary Category)

dm Porckodi, or Kodi as she is affectionately called, may not be at the hospital frontline, but that does not stop her from touching the hearts of patients even if it is just through phone calls. Working at the hospital’s call centre, Kodi acts as the middle person between the patients and their clinicians. Being at the crossroads is a task more difficult than some might imagine. Kodi’s daily challenges include dealing with difficult callers, handling vague or impossible requests and locating busy doctors. However, Kodi never lets obstacles such as these deter her from delivering a quality service to patients. She shares, “I must sound professional over the phone even when I handle difficult callers or patients. I will not let my emotions

“Kodi was very helpful and attentive to my request to see a Senior Consultant. I had severe pain of my lymph nodes while I was in Vietnam. Kodi was very patient and attentive to book an appointment the very next Monday. I thank her very much, she has done a good job.” – Patient Cheong Kwan Choong

take over. I will first listen and let the caller express his or her concerns. I will handle the call tactfully to ensure that the caller’s issues are addressed accordingly.” Among the many patients who have experienced Kodi’s unique service and care was an elderly woman who had lost her husband, a partially deaf patient at SGH. Through numerous phone enquiries to various departments within the hospital, not only did Kodi successfully locate the woman’s husband but she also managed to schedule an appointment between a patient in Vietnam and a doctor even though the doctor was not running any clinic sessions that day.

Service Superstars The inaugural Singapore Health Quality Service Award was organised by SingHealth to honour and celebrate the efforts of top service performers in the healthcare industry. More than 2,500 healthcare staff from SingHealth institutions and partner organisations such as Bright Vision Hospital and St Andrew’s Community Hospital received awards for their contributions in service excellence during the ceremony. The Singapore Health Quality Service Award comprises four individual and two team categories. Four outstanding performers from the Clinician, Nursing, Allied Health and Ancillary categories were also conferred the SuperStar awards, the highest recognition given out at the event.

Kodi’s selfless efforts and sincere care in giving the best to patients have made her popular among patients, who often specifically requested for her to attend to them.

Award Categories for Individual: Clinician, Nursing, Allied Health and Ancillary

Asked about the motivational factor that makes her enjoy what she does, Kodi attributes it to her superiors and colleagues, “I admire the way my superiors, Selina and Shenta, handle difficult calls or problems tactfully and professionally. My colleagues and I will alert each other whenever there is a cancellation for an appointment, so that a patient on waiting list could be given an earlier appointment.”

Award Categories for Team: Clinical Practice Improvement, Service Initiative Improvement

With such personal dedication and support from colleagues, Kodi has indeed shown that one can make a difference in a patient’s life even without face-to-face interaction.

Types of awards: SuperStar, Star, Gold and Silver

“The large numbers of healthcare staff who received the awards are something to be proud of. This shows that our healthcare staff take pride in what they do which then translate to the quality of services they rendered to patient care. These awards are but a small gesture of our appreciation to our unsung heroes and heroines.” — SingHealth Group CEO, Prof Tan Ser Kiat

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AT THE

OF SERVICE

instrument to guide the patient and be there for them during their treatment,” she says.

MS Tan Chor Kien Nurse Clinician, Department of Haematology, Singapore General Hospital SuperStar Award winner (Nursing Category)

t’s difficult to imagine that nursing was not Chor Kien’s calling initially, but instead the passion grew in her heart over time. Stories of her extraordinary care and service – from buying a pet dog for a patient to managing some of the ward’s most difficult patients, are not new among patients and colleagues alike at SGH for the past two decades. “I was never conscious of going the extra mile. I see myself as an

Over the years, she had been awarded some 10 times for her great service. Despite the numerous achievements under her belt, Chor Kien sees her patients as the real heroes, and salutes them for what they go through. She shares, “We get our encouragement from the patients, especially those that do not give up and remain positive till the very end.” As healthcare is largely about providing service to patients, Chor Kien agrees on the importance of raising service standards at SGH. Chor Kien explains, “Service is a priority at SGH. We aim to receive our patients as guests. We even modelled ourselves after Disneyland in terms of service standards — welcoming and aim to give patients a good impression of what they came for.” When asked about her recipe for providing high service standards to patients, Chor Kien has some advice: “At the end of the day, service is very

challenging. People are stressed and situations can get very tense. But what I’ve found to help is to simply stop and listen. Take the time to listen to patients and find out what they need; just five to ten minutes is all it takes to understand.”

“I always feel scared about the treatment but I can look for Sister Tan, who listens and comforts me.” — Patient Lai Hwee Mun Florence

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TOGETHER

WE CARE Bukit Merah Polyclinic Clinical Practice Improvement team winner

ukit Merah Polyclinic clinched the title as the winner for Clinical Practice Improvement for their project, which aims at improving their clinic’s uptake of the Panel Test — a screening test that patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) should go through annually. The team was determined to increase the number of CVD patients taking the Panel Test when their baseline data for February 2009 showed a worrying trend. Only 65% of CVD patients in Bukit Merah Polyclinic had their annual panel test done. An early diagnosis and treatment for these patients can prevent or delay progression of major chronic complications.

allowed to issue pre-signed Panel Test forms to patients who had fasted and overdue for their tests. “The results speak for themselves,” says team member Tang Siew Cheng, “While some clinical projects achieve short-term success, our efforts have been worthwhile as they translate into our patients receiving high quality care at Bukit Merah Polyclinic.” Like any new initiative, the team met with their fair share of obstacles and challenges. Their first hurdle came as early as when they were getting the project off the ground as changes had to be made to the workflow for both doctors and non-clinical staff.

Once the project got underway, there was an intrinsic motivation from team members as positive results flowed in from their efforts. Even now with an award under their belt, the team is not planning to rest on their laurels and are keen to use what they have learnt in this project to further increase uptake on not just the Panel Test but for other tests too. So far, the team has already applied the methodology learnt from their Panel Test project to other areas include the Diabetic Retinal Screening and Diabetic Foot Screening successfully.

“We had to convince ourselves that this was a project worth embarking on in spite of the very busy workload!” Siew Cheng shares candidly.

A year after the first intervention implemented by the team, the percentage of CVD patients who had undergone the Panel Test had significantly increased to 90%.

Thankfully, with the strong leadership of Clinic Director, Dr Hwang Siew Wai, who gave his motivation at every step, the team overcame the hurdle eventually.

Using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, the team produced information pamphlets to increase patient awareness of the test. Registration staff were also

The team also benefitted from constant and open communication among all the team members and staff involved.

— Singapore Health Quality Service Award Pages 9-11 written by Debbie Chia

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SingHealth Residency

What do you get when renowned medical professors, doctors and medical students get together? A gathering of High-Fliers.

n 22 January 2011, some 450 medical students attended the Residency Open House. They interacted with Program Directors, faculty and current residents. Having to elect their preferred medical specialty right from the start, it was imperative for them to gain as much insight as possible on their preferred Residency programs to embark on their journey in Medicine.

Dixon Grant, a Duke-NUS final year student, was there to learn more about the programs he had opted for. He remarked, “SingHealth’s appeal and strength is in its pursuit of Academic Medicine and strong programs offered, in terms of the many subspecialties and volume of patient case-mix.” SingHealth Residency is set to transform graduate medical education by nurturing outstanding wellrounded clinicians with its structured curriculum based on a training framework advised by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education International (ACGME-I).

The Stellar Crew of SingHealth Residency ready to welcome future residents. L-R: Prof Colin Song, Designated Institutional Official (DIO); Prof Chay Oh Moh, Associate DIO (KKH); A/Prof Lim Boon Leng, Associate DIO (SGH)

A/Prof Lim Boon Leng, Associate Designated Institutional Official (ADIO), SGH, looking sharp in his pilot suit enthused, “Our residents learn from the best in Medicine with many experienced teaching faculty. The diverse patient case-mix that we offer gives them the opportunity to see the most complex clinical cases. Residents can look forward to a vibrant campus with cutting-edge teaching and research facilities.”

Some 450 medical students checked in at the open house on 22 January 2011

SingHealth Residency

SingHealth Residency Programs Started in May 2010 with 8 Programs and a batch of 63 residents 2011 welcomes 200 new residents and 6 new Programs Anesthesiology Diagnostic Radiology Emergency Medicine Family Medicine General Surgery Internal Medicine Obstetrics & Gynecology Ophthalmology Orthopedics Otorhinolaryngology Pathology Pediatrics Transitional Year Surgery-In-General (Surgical Specialties) • Cardiothoracic • Hand Surgery • Neurosurgery • Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery • Urology Find out more about SingHealth Residency: http://www.singhealth. com.sg/SingHealthResidency

The boarding call to embark on the journey of Medicine with SingHealth Residency

Email: residency@singhealth.com.sg

Future residents gain insight on the Programs by interacting with the Program Directors and faculty

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SingHealth Residency

A dedicated team of faculty are set to transform graduate medical education by nurturing outstanding well-rounded clinicians in SingHealth Residency. We talk to two members of this crew, A/Prof Low Wong Kein and Prof Chay Oh Moh, about lessons to learn from their journey in Medicine and flight tips for residents and junior doctors. BY DEBBIE CHIA Prof Chay Oh Moh Associate Designated Institutional Official (ADIO), KKH Chairman & Sr Consultant Dept of Pediatrics, KKH

Associate Prof Low Wong Kein Program Director (PD), Otorhinolaryngology Sr Consultant, Otolaryngology, SGH Prof Low has just joined the ranks of SingHealth Residency as a new Program Director of the Otorhinolaryngology Residency Program in SingHealth – one of the eight new programs introduced this year. What are the three most essential traits that a future doctor should possess? I have an apt analogy from the ENT department. Our future doctors should possess the right listening ear to listen to their patients, the ability to communicate well (throat), and the nose to sniff out opportunities to learn and excel in Medicine. You are now a mentor to our future doctors. How have your own mentors inspired you? Over the years, I’ve been lucky to have many mentors, both locally

and overseas, who offered me great opportunities in learning and in research. I believe that a mentor is one who is able to inspire you. When you have a mentor who is interested, involved and enthusiastic, naturally you will tend to follow suit. What strengths do you wish the High Fliers under your direction to develop? They should be adept in three things: the science, the art and the technical aspects of their specialty. As a science, they should be competent surgeons at the end of the day. Our graduates should also understand the art of it, and be able to communicate well and be compassionate as doctors. Finally, they should be trained in the technical aspects of the practice, to be also competent in budgeting,research and development. Based on your personal reflection on a life in Medicine, what advice do you have for future doctors? While a medical school or a hospital provides the infrastructure, actual learning depends very much on a doctor’s own interest. They should be self-motivated to see a patient recover well, and to achieve the best outcomes that their treatment can provide. One can expect bumps and setbacks along the way, but if they persevere, they will succeed in the end.

Prof Chay was one of the pioneers when the Residency Program started in 2010. As ADIO, she oversees the running of the various Residency Programs at KKH and steers the ACGME-I accreditation for SingHealth Residency. What are the three most essential traits that a future doctor should possess? Firstly, compassion. People behave differently when they are sick and a doctor must have the compassion to handle such situations, as they can get overwhelming. Secondly, good communication skills – to be able to interact with patients and their families. Good communication helps the treatment get off on the right footing. Lastly, they must be driven to constantly reflect, learn and improve on patient care. Who are your own mentors and how have they inspired you? Two of my teachers who have inspired me are my Primary 3 Mandarin teacher, Ms Chan and my mentor when I was a Junior House Officer, the late Prof Wong Poi Kong. Ms Chan inspired me with her innovative and interesting teaching methods, including lively lessons with stories, historical events and even Chinese calligraphy. Prof Wong inspired me with his openness. He was always ready to listen to what I had to say or feel about. He was also always equal in his treatment to all his patients.

What is the formula for success for the Pediatrics Program, which passed with flying colors in the recent ACGME-I accreditation? The most important factor was the strong collaborative team effort of KKH. Everyone, from the senior management to the residents, was enthusiastic and passionate to get this accreditation. We were also open to change and were quick to adapt in the way we do things to meet the ACGME-I accreditation standards. How do you see the SingHealth Residency Program growing? There is a definite change in emphasis from a clinical approach towards more teaching and research. We are focusing on a more academic path with a dedicated academic research department, and are placing greater value on scholarly activity, including recruiting staff with a track record in education and who share the same vision. Based on your personal reflection on a life in Medicine, what advice do you have for future doctors? Always aspire to improve the quality of life of your patients and their families, and commit to a journey of lifelong learning and deliberate practice.

SingHealth Residency

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Four SingHealth residents, our future high fliers en route in their journey in Academic Medicine share with us their passion for their specialties. We also ask the same four residents their plan for a worst-case scenario. Dr Pek Wan Sze General Surgery

Dr Tan Yihua Pediatrics

Dr Tan Poh Yong Internal Medicine

Dr Ng Wei Yan Transitional Year

Why did you choose to specialise in General Surgery? I enjoy working with my hands and solving medical problems in a very immediate and tangible way. Also, I love how surgery is both art and science with no two surgeries ever being the same.

Why did you choose to specialise in Pediatrics? It stands out for its need for the Pediatrician to be meticulous. Unlike adults, children often are unable to verbalise their symptoms. Nothing is more gratifying to me than to see a sickly child recover, or snatched from the brink of death. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you bring and why? 1. Music player with good speakers so I can listen to my favorite songs till I am saved 2. Solar powered generator the rational, or rather irrational, me will ensure that my music player keeps playing 3. Match-sticks to create a fire and get myself saved by someone who notices it

Why did you choose to specialise in Internal Medicine? I like the holistic approach to Medicine that it offers. It encompasses a wide variety of specialties, each with their unique range of cases, which require different approaches and interventions.

Why did you choose to become a Doctor? It is a challenging career and where the contribution to the society is very significant.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you bring and why? 1. My dog, Spiki he would make a great guard dog, companion, pillow and heater. Plus, he would remind me of home 2. My camera I am sure the island would provide many photo opportunities 3. A book: “The Story of Art” I would have all the time to enjoy my read!

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you bring and why? 1. My fiancé to fend off wild animals, find food, and make fire for me. He can also bring 3 other things! 2. Laptop with movies and e-books to keep me entertained 3. Radio transmitter to communicate with the outside world and get help!

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you bring and why? 1. A knife or parang (machete) to cut wood and other things 2. Fishing rod so that I can fish for food when required 3. A kettle to boil water for drinking

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SINGHEALTH

ACADEMY –

An Agent For

ChangE By Monica Lim

ans of Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” will be delighted to know that the popular workshop is available to SingHealth staff at highly subsidised rates. This is made possible by SingHealth Academy, which has also brought in other internationally-acclaimed training programmes such as the Influencer™ workshop and Crucial Conversations. “As a cluster, we can leverage on our high staff numbers, enabling us to negotiate for excellent courses at very attractive rates,” explains Mr Tay Sin Hwa, Director of SingHealth Academy. “Having the programmes in-house offers many advantages. Case studies can be customised to the healthcare setting, and institutions enjoy the same rates even if they send just one or two participants,” explains Mr Tay Sin Hwa, Director of SingHealth Academy.

The road towards Academic Medicine calls for healthcare professionals and staff in SingHealth to possess a good toolbox of soft skills, such as leadership, management and communication. This is where the Academy comes in - to provide holistic training for all beyond clinical capabilities. To achieve this goal, it will look to synergise curriculum from multiple

disciplines, even those beyond the healthcare industry. A prime example, is the SMU-SingHealth Graduate Diploma in Healthcare Management and Leadership. The next step for the Academy is blended learning, which Mr Tay feels is the way of the future. “Healthcare professionals are extremely busy people and blended learning is a way of optimising their time and results.” Set to be launched shortly is a Medical Legal programme with blended learning which will incorporate a book and online pre-tests, apart from the regular classroom sessions. Mr Tay expects the learning to be dynamic and meaningful with these additional support materials. In the near future, you can expect technology such as iPads, mobile phones and of course, the Internet, to play an even greater part in the Academy’s training programmes. “Education is ultimately about shifting mindsets,” expounds Mr Tay philosophically. “For change to work, we need an environment that encourages people to take risks and try new things. SingHealth Academy acts as the change agent through education. This is where I see our role in the cluster’s journey towards Academic Medicine.”

For more information on Programmes offered by SingHealth Academy, visit www.singhealthacademy.com.sg

“Education is ultimately about shifting mindsets. For change to work, we need an environment that encourages people to take risks and try new things. SingHealth Academy acts as the change agent through education” — Mr Tay Sin Hwa

SingHealth Inspirational Patient & Caregiver Award 2011

Patients. At the heart of all we do. It is our common purpose and it embodies the passion that we as healthcare workers have towards our patients. But often there are exceptional patients who give us the inspiration to go the extra mile. The SingHealth Inspirational Patients Awards was launched last year to celebrate these very people, who in our care, have given us more than a thankful smile or kind words. Their gift of inspiration to our staff is the reason we once again dedicate the following pages to the exceptional patients and caregivers who show our professionals how great it is to be in healthcare.

BLOOMS TO BRIGHTEN THE DAY her enthusiasm for origami spread. This led to the start of the origami programme. She would conduct classes in the day room for patients and staff and even created a step-bystep instruction booklet for patients to take away with them so that they could occupy their time folding flowers while waiting to see the doctors at the centre.

Mdm Ng Gek Eng (left) with A/Prof Lim Swee Hia, Group Director, Nursing, SingHealth

n April 2008, Mdm Ng Gek Eng was diagnosed with leukemia and underwent stem cell transplant less than six months later. During the months leading up to the transplant and after, Mdm Ng was often at the hospital for blood tests, checks and transfusions. Despite it all, she never gave up. When she had a really bad case of the shakes from too much streroids, she found solace in her origami. Her favourite was flowers. Word got round and

What started out as a need to fight the shakes, has become a movement. With each fold, Mdm Ng has made origami a form of therapy for patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; emotional and psychological well-being.

The flowers she made, she gave to the other patients to cheer them up or used them to decorate the wards, which according to SNM Chong Lai Ling of the Haemotology Centre, were very much appreciated because fresh flowers are not allowed in the wards for fear of infection. Armed with a smile and a handful of origami flowers, Mdm Ng can often be seen in the wards, visiting patients. Because she remembers how lost she felt when she was first diagnosed, she would make a special effort to seek out the newly diagnosed patients and offer to mentor them.

When fresh flowers werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allowed in wards, Mdm Ng relived her passion for origami to brighten the lives of her fellow patients in the SGH Haemotology Centre.

SingHealth Inspirational Patient & Caregiver Award 2011

LAUGHING

IN THE FACE OF

ADVERSITY

Proving that laughter is the best medicine, cancer patient Elizabeth Poey took to stand-up comedy to raise funds for others in need.

hen she was told she had stage 3 rectal cancer in 2008, Elizabeth Poey did not lament her bad luck or ill fate. Neither did she blame God nor ask ‘Why me?’” Life went on.

her list of things to do is to publish a book about her experiences growing up, do a stand-up comedy act and mount an adventure travel photo exhibition of all the places she had the privilege of exploring.

In March 2010, Elizabeth was told that the cancer had returned and spread to her abdominal walls. The gutsy 58-year-old knew that returning cancers were stage 4 with little chance of cure. “I immediately felt a sense of urgency to live some of my dreams and my earlier ‘to do list’ now became ‘my bucket list’,” shares Elizabeth.

“In our clinic, we see many patients,” says Dr Koo Wen Hsin from the Department of Medical Oncology at NCCS, “but Liz was quite different.” She went through very tough operations but was always humorous and cheerful about the complications and side effects.” In fact, her cancer provided the fodder for her comedy show.

Elizabeth, who started out as a PE teacher and ended her 36-year teaching career as a principal, is an outdoorsy person and loves to make people laugh. That is why foremost on

These may have been things Elizabeth needed to do for herself, but she also did them to raise funds. Her photo exhibition raised $4,000 for a school in Nepal, her comedy show raised $17,000 for

Elizabeth Poey (2nd from left)

NCCS and she hopes to raise at least $50,000 for two charities – Goducate and Temasek Project – with the sale of her book. Now, that is truly inspiring.

“I immediately felt a sense of urgency to live some of my dreams and my earlier ‘to do list’ now became ‘my bucket list’,”

SingHealth Inspirational Patient & Caregiver Award 2011

I’M ALL SHE’S GOT, AND I’M

NOT GIVING UP

When a deadly disease threatened the life of her sister, Sharon took it onto herself to be all that she can be for the 14-year-old. Even if it means putting her own life on hold.

be up to her to ensure t 28, most that her sister had a young decent quality of women life. are at the prime of Her parents have their lives, since divorced perhaps and her brothers planning have left the a family of responsibility of their own. looking after Jin Sharon Sia, on Zhu all to Sharon, the other hand, who remains undaunted. has devoted her life Sharon (right) with Mei Lan “I’ve cared for Jin Zhu for to taking care of her 14 years and will continue to do so 14-year-old sister who suffers from for the rest of her life,” she says Congenital Muscular Sclerosis. stoically. Sharon hails from “The doctors say that patients a traditional family like Jin Zhu rarely live past their who favours boys. When her twenties,” Sharon explains. “People younger sister Jin Zhu was born ask why I bother so much with her handicapped, Sharon knew it would

studies or take her to places like Sentosa. My sister has the IQ and EQ of a normal teenager, she’s just handicapped by her physical disability and wants to do things and see places.” She constantly tells her sister, “although your life may be short, I want you to live it as best you can so that when it is time for you to go, you will go with no regrets.” Sleep Technologist Lim Mei Lan from KKH’s Respiratory Lab, who has known Sharon and Jin Zhu for the past one and a half years, has great admiration for Sharon. “Sharon takes great care of Jin Zhu. She has put her own life on hold to give her sister the best quality of life she can possibly have.”

SingHealth Inspirational Patient & Caregiver Award 2011

SHE CALLS HER

her commitment to Mdm Chew. elinda has been working Sometimes she foregoes her off-days for the Laus as a domestic just so she can be with Mdm Chew. helper for the past three years. She takes care Would you take care of Mdm Chew who, “Sometimes because of a stroke after just of her of a stranger and Parkinson’s, like she was your own one, two hours, I is not only nonmother? Probably not, start to think about communicative but Mother and I want unless you are Belinda to go home,” says also completely Layson Malate. bedridden. Belinda, who on her own accord attended Belinda is always by an eldercare course organised by her Mdm Chew’s side, church and who is always reading talking to her, massaging her and massage books and observing the keeping her clean all day so that therapists at work to learn new she is comfortable. “Sometimes in massage techniques. She has even the afternoons, I will turn on the learned how to cut and perm hair karaoke and sing to Mother,” and do facials so that she can says Belinda, who treats Mdm reat Mdm Chew to a hair Chew and her husband, cut and facial once Mr Lau, like her own in a while. parents. “Belinda Although she accompanies and has four kids of ensures that Mdm her own back in Chew attends all her doctors’ the Philippines appointments. She whom she misses also takes care of all very much, Belinda her daily needs as well willingly extended her as keeps track of her contract for another Belinda (right) with Mdm Chew medication and all her two years because of

“Sometimes in the afternoons, I will turn on the karaoke and sing to Mother,” says Belinda, who treats Mdm Chew and her husband, Mr Lau, like her own parents. supplies,” says Tan Kog Kng, Medical Social Worker from CGH. “The commitment and dedication she shows towards Mdm Chew despite having no kinship to her is what really touched me.”

The SingHealth Inspirational Patient Award was introduced in 2010 to honor inspiring patients for their outstanding commitment and positive attitude in dealing with difficult health conditions and situations. This year, SingHealth introduced a new award category recognising inspirational caregivers for the dedication in improving the condition of their loved ones. A total of 20 patients and 17 caregivers were given the award this year. — SingHealth Inspirational Patient & Caregiver Award Pages 17-20 written by Constance Nonis

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Not Your

e g a r e v A

Training

Institute What’s next for the SingHealth Alice Lee Institute of Advanced Nursing (Alice Lee IAN) after being appointed a Continuing Education and Training (CET) centre? We ask A/Prof Lim Swee Hia, SingHealth Group Director of Nursing.

ith the certification from the Workforce Development Agency (WDA), Alice Lee IAN now plays a pivotal role in training the next generation of healthcare support workers. Workers can be trained to provide direct care to patients and take on responsibilities in technical and administrative areas, assisting nursing and medical professionals in the provision of quality healthcare. How important is a well-trained support worker to the patient? Support workers trained by the Alice Lee IAN not only take care of their patients in the activities of daily care, but also offer care in other emotional aspects and give valuable feedback to the nurses on the patient’s welfare. In the patient’s perspective, a well-trained support worker is well informed and well skilled, capable of delivering safe, competent and dedicated care. The patient feels safe and confident in their care. How does Alice Lee IAN ensure the consistently high quality of training for the support worker?

There are a few effective ways to ensure high quality of training at Alice Lee IAN: (i)

Ensure a smooth and realistic transition from learning to the real work environment. Training at Alice Lee IAN provides conceptual tools that enable learners to grasp the knowledge and simulated training in the nursing skills lab before on-job training in the clinical areas.

courses. As a forward-looking institution, Alice Lee IAN is always seeking innovative and creative simulated training programmes.

Find out more about the SingHealth Alice Lee Institute of Advanced Nursing at http://www.sgh.com.sg/ Education/Alice-Lee-Institute-ofAdvanced-Nursing/

(ii) Learners have to pass a skills competency assessment. Nurses on the clinical grounds also provide guidance and supervision in their clinical performance. (iii) As a CET centre for healthcare support, Alice Lee IAN is rolling out specialised tracks for the Healthcare Support WSQ framework (i.e. Operating Theatre, Sterilisation Services and Administrative Support) What other areas in nursing do you hope to see more ground breaking changes? Alice Lee IAN is in partnership with universities on post-graduate courses and eLearning platforms for nursing

SingHealth Alice Lee IAN was appointed Continuing Education and Training (CET) centre on 18 Jan 2011

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(TWO) TOWERS above the rest The sun shines bright on tomorrow’s Medicine with the naming of the twin towers located on College Road.

GH Campus boasts an impressive résumé it is home to Singapore’s flagship tertiary hospital and five national specialty centres. It is a hothouse for generations of medical professionals who are driven by a desire to improve care, teams of mentors passing on their medical knowledge to their mentees, and dedicated teams of researchers. Our partner in Academic Medicine, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, adds to the educational and research diversity.

Adding to that exhaustive list is The Academia. Greeting visitors to SGH Campus from the CTE exit is the construction site for the magnificent towers. Expected to be completed in 2013, the Academia is a 13-storey twin tower building housing SGH pathology services as well as SingHealth research laboratories and education and training facilities. Now entering the second phase of construction, the twin towers – “Diagnostics” and “Discovery” – and the building – “The Academia” were given their names at a contract signing ceremony by SingHealth Group CEO Prof Tan Ser Kiat and Vice-Managing Director of Kajima Overseas Asia Pte Ltd Mr Shinoda Masanobu, witnessed by Health Minister Mr Khaw Boon Wan and Managing Director of Kajima Overseas Asia Pte Ltd Mr Koizumi Hiroyoshi.

Did you know? The design of The Academia is actually modeled after the theme “Amalgamation”, which means the combination of two of more entities. By mixing the relationships between the external environments with that of the space within The Academia, a more exciting and dynamic interior is born, lending to the creative energy and vibrancy of the staff working within.

“The convergence of pathology, research and education in The Academia will encourage doctors, clinician scientists, researchers and medical students to interact and collaborate. This meeting of minds will spawn new ideas and create a robust and vibrant campus.” — Prof Tan Ser Kiat, SingHealth Group CEO

What will the 75,000sqm building bring to the plethora of academic and Medical excellence at SingHealth? “In a way, we have always been working seamlessly across the various aspects of healthcare — clinical service, education and research. Having a dedicated building and a definitive vision and mission in Academic Medicine certainly helps us focus our plans and strategies at SingHealth and its institutes. For PGAHI, the new building will have a huge impact to help optimise our time in looking for classrooms and moving teaching equipment.”

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“This is another testament to the commitment from SingHealth in promoting and advancing biomedical science. By having the best environment for doing translational research with patient information and materials allowing cutting-edge molecular-clinical correlation studies, the fruit of The Academia will ultimately benefit patients with the newest discoveries and inventions.”

— Dr Celia Tan, Deputy Director of SGH Allied Health, director of SGH-Postgraduate Allied Health Institute and physiotherapist

– Prof Teh Bin Tean, Group Director, Translational Research

A LOOK AT THE ACADEMIA Discovery – SingHealth Research and Education Facilities

Diagnostics – SGH Pathology • • • •

SGH’s 106-year-old Department of Pathology, widely recognised as a distinguished centre of pathology services in Asia, will be housed in the new building 75% larger than current Pathology Department premises, which was built in 1958 50% larger in capacity for pathology services The building will have built-in sample delivery systems that speed up transportation of specimens to the lab, translating to faster test results for patients

• • • •

The expanded training facilities are expected to provide 26,000 training places for staff and up to 9,500 training places for external organisations The Academia will also house SingHealth research laboratories and state-of-the-art core facilities as well as education and training facilities The building will have conferencing capacity for up to 900 pax, including a 490-seat auditorium It will house clinical skills and simulation facilities including wet surgical skills laboratories

FIND YOUR PATH TO LANGKAWI! Here's a look at what you've voted for:

Tower 1

Tower 2

Discovery Institute of Medical Research Tower 1 29 votes About 500 staff responded to our building naming contest launched on 6 Dec 2010. Thank you for your participation, and congratulations to Michelle Phua, International Medical Services, KKH, our lucky winner of the trip for 2 to Langkawi!

166 votes

Building Name

Diagnostics SGH Pathology Tower Tower 2

The Academia 18 College Road Centre for Academic Medicine

33 votes

202 votes

129 votes 219 votes

170 votes

245 votes

41 votes

The future of Medicine is here — New SingHealth Medicine Scholarship Launched Tomorrow’s Medicine is not an abstract ideal - it is the common vision that binds professionals working in SingHealth. It is with this vision that SingHealth introduced a new scholarship for talented medical officers. Totaling $576,000 per year, the grant will be given to four outstanding first-year medical students who share our vision in defining tomorrow’s Medicine to better the lives of our patients.

Starting with the current academic year 2010/2011, the SingHealth Medicine Scholarship will grant up to four scholarships annually to firstyear students of Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School and NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. With the grant, we hope to groom committed talent to be the next generation of medical leaders for the public sector in Singapore.

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BREAKING NEW GROUND THROUGH INTERNATI NAL COLLAB RATIONS By MONICA LIM

Hospital Management Programme delegates visiting SNEC to view its facilities and understand its care process

Knowledge is power… and shared knowledge even more so.

ARVO,

the fourth Asia-ARVO meeting held on 20-23 January this year with more than 1,000 delegates from over 40 countries attending.

which stands for the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, is the world’s largest organisation of vision and ophthalmology researchers.

Held concurrently with the AsiaARVO meeting was the SNEC 21th Anniversary International Meeting, which included courses with Asian perspectives and Hospital Management Programmes.

In a push towards more knowledge sharing among the international community, Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) – the research arm of SNEC – brought ARVO meeting to Asia in 2003. They again play host to

The meetings sought to showcase and highlight new vision and ophthalmic research, particularly focusing on Asian diseases. They provided an ideal platform for clinicians, researchers

Asia Cornea Society Infectious Keratitis Study (ACSIKS) – What is it and why? Corneal infections in Asia are a major cause of corneal blindness in Asia, and may be caused by bacterial, fungal, viral or parasitic infections. However, the amount of literature available in the field of corneal ulcers in Asia is very limited. The study will help build up a more comprehensive knowledge on the disease. The aims: Identify risk factors, range of organisms that cause it, antimicrobial resistance profiles, as well as treatment and outcomes. The ultimate goal: Develop improved strategies for prevention and treatment, to reduce blindness related to infectious keratitis in Asia.

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Even as the world advances on medical discoveries, in Asia, we are strengthening research on ailments that are more prevalent in this part of the world. and scientists to exchange scientific knowledge pertaining to the diagnoses, prevention and treatment of eye diseases. One of the research projects presented at the 21st Anniversary International Meeting was the Asia Cornea Society Infectious Keratitis Study (ACSIKS) chaired by Prof Donald Tan, Medical Director of SNEC and Chairman of SERI. This is the world’s first multinational study on infectious keratitis, a major cause of corneal blindness in Asia. It involves 11 clinical sites from major ophthalmic institutions in eight Asian countries: China, India, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Singapore. Even as the world advances on medical discoveries, in Asia, we are strengthening research on ailments that are more prevalent in this part of the world. By doing so, we create new segments of scientific knowledge and contribute towards better treatments for the region. “Research with multicentre and multinational collaborations will have more application and relevance for the region. Our knowledge is enhanced by them as we learn about other patient populations,” said A/Prof Aung Tin, Deputy Director of SERI and Head of Research in SNEC who is the Co-Chair of this year’s Asia-ARVO meeting.

SERI understands the exponential effects of collaborations in eye and vision research. Over the years, it has forged partnerships with both institutional and commercial industry leaders in the region and around the world, resulting in breakthrough treatments for some of the world’s most common eye ailments. For instance, a Phase III clinical trial jointly initiated by SERI, Bayer HealthCare and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in January 2011 tests the efficacy of VEGF Trap-Eye in the treatment of Myopic Choroidal Neovascularisation (CNV). The trial has started in Japan and will be conducted in other Asian countries, including China, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. With myopia being highly prevalent in Asian countries, this clinical trial could potentially make a positive impact on many lives.

Overwhelming attendance of more than 1,000 vision science researchers and doctors from 35 countries

With close affiliations with biomedical institutions and eye centres around the world, SERI proves itself a leader in research programmes and strengthens our place in the global map of Academic Medicine.

“This is one of the first large clinical trials in Asia coordinated jointly between a Singapore research institution and a major industry leader, and emphasizes the reputation and progress in biomedical research that SERI has made. It would not be possible to think we could have the capacity to do this five years ago”, says Prof Wong Tien Yin, Director of SERI. Another potentially life-changing procedure resulting from collaborative efforts is the Refractive Lenticule Extraction (ReLEx). Using the VisuMax Femtosecond Laser from Carl Zeiss Meditec, SNEC can now offer an alternative type of laser refractive surgery – one that uses just one laser, possibly allowing for more precision and less immediate post-operative discomfort. Over a thousand ReLEx procedures have been performed in Europe and Asia to date.

“Research with multicentre and multinational collaborations will have more application and relevance for the region. Our knowledge is enhanced by them as we learn about other patient populations,” – A/Prof Aung Tin

me + Spotlight

BY DEBBIE CHIA

The road of independent research and scholarship is often portrayed as challenging but rewarding. Thankfully, students at Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School have the support and friendship of mentors during their third year research program in their journey in becoming well-rounded clinicians who are well versed in evidence-based medicine.

nique to Duke-NUS is a third year curriculum dedicated specifically to pursuit in research. Designed to prepare students for leadership roles in medical care and research, the third year allows individuals to gain scholarly experience in research, explore and clarify long-term career goals and develop a creative, insightful approach to medicine. For Duke-NUS student Kashfi Qadri, she had the opportunity to embark on her 11-month project under the dual mentorship of Dr Duane Gubler, Professor and Director of the Emerging Infectious Disease Program as well as Dr Ooi Eng Eong, Associate Professor and Principal Investigator of the same program. Of this arrangement, Kashfi says that “the opportunity to do a research project that combined fieldwork, clinical

exposure as well as lab-based diagnostics under the mentorship of Dr Gubler and Dr Ooi was a choice I made without reservation.” Her thesis, which studies the incidence of the different types of febrile illness (fevers) in the migrant worker population in Singapore, is deemed an important one in the field. Given the tremendous movement of migrant workers, who make up one-third of Singapore’s working population, understanding this disease segment is of growing in greater importance as our nation progresses. Fortunately, with research veterans Dr Gubler and Dr Ooi guiding the project’s development, Kashfi is able to describe her project as smooth sailing – “nothing that a quick chat with my mentors and some deliberation can’t fix!”, she quips candidly.

“They encourage me to find answers for myself, while letting me know that they are always available to nudge me in the right direction.”– Kashfi Qadri

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She adds, “The best part about the relationship I have with my mentors is the kindness with which they treat my inexperience. They encourage me to find answers for myself, while letting me know that they are always available to nudge me in the right direction.” A student-mentor relationship such as this is indeed one of the formidable forces helping to direct and shape the future of clinician-scientists. “It is a win-win situation. When the student and mentors have agreed on the project objectives and goals, it is interesting for all parties and becomes a mutually beneficial project,” says Dr Gubler. To this point, Dr Ooi also regards the relationship as more of a collaboration: “Neither of us mentors tells Kashfi what to do. She comes in with ideas and we discuss and refine it to come up with a proposal or protocol together. It is quite equal and more collegial rather than a matter of us dictating what to do.” As one of the program’s dream team, the trio has been known for their winning chemistry. While Dr Gubler is able to provide a wealth of over 40 years of experience, Dr Ooi is able to bring local understanding and expertise to the table. With Kashfi owning the project with her self-drive and strong initiative, the project has taken flight

“A good mentor will have to be a coach; to provide guidance, encouragement and help to solve problems.” – Dr Duane Gubler

3rd year Duke-NUS student Kashfi Qadri (centre) and her mentors Dr Duane Gubler (Left), and Dr Ooi Eng Eong (Photos by: Tang Yew Chung, Duke-NUS)

and has even received potential interest for practical application. Of the mentor’s part, Dr Gubler shares that “a good mentor will have to be a coach; to provide guidance, encouragement and help to solve problems.” For Kashfi and mentors, it is the pairing that has made all the difference. Speaking fondly, Kashfi shares that “the mentorship that I’ve received has allowed me to personalise this research and take ownership of it. So much so, that I wish I had a few years to dedicate to it and to do it justice.” It is no wonder that Kashfi is now positive about eventually moving into medical research: “In today’s world, doctors are more and more frequently not just clinicians, but to put it in casenote lingo, ‘clinicians++’ who have to manage medical care with

“If we can get them to be interested in medical research because of their 3rd year experience, then we have done our part.” – Dr Ooi Eng Eong

entrepreneurship, consultancy to other industries, healthcare administration or research.” This outcome would no doubt sit very well with her mentors. As Dr Ooi shares, “It is an actual privilege to be able to work with these students, and shape their training and even their future career. If we can get them to be interested in medical research because of their 3rd year experience, then we have done our part.”

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Take

With...

Dr Celia Tan

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Deputy Director of SGH Allied Health. Director of SGH-Postgraduate Allied Health Institute. Physiotherapist. Not to mention mother, wife, volunteer and mentor. BY DEBBIE CHIA

r Celia Tan may appear as a woman wearing many hats, or as she says, one with many “hobby horses”, but they are all driven by one passion – her patients. These are but some of the roles Dr Celia Tan juggles on a day-to-day basis, yet she performs all with equal care and dedication. She was also the leader of the committee that organised the first Allied Health Community Day this year. “I am quite a driver. If I see that something can be accomplished if given the right support, I will drive it.” A multiple winner of the Allied Health Innovative Practice Award in 2008 and 2010, Dr Tan has a natural drive in her to constantly devise new and better ways to improve patient care. Take for example her recent award-winning project, the Spring-loaded Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) is an improvement to currently available versions that help neurological patients walk. A recent trial proved the device a success, as a diplegic patient was able to walk without any assistance and with more confidence. Ideas for such innovations are mainly inspired by her patients. A physiotherapist by profession, her clinical work is her chance to get out on the field and identify what is needed beyond the books. “I find out what patients need or wish they had while treating them, such as some treatment devices that can be used at home or in the office. I hope to empower patients to take care of their own health and give them mobility outside the clinic.”

Ideas for innovations are mainly inspired by her patients. A physiotherapist by profession, her clinical work is her chance to get out on the field and identify what is needed beyond the books. Her aptitude for practical application began earlier during her days in paediatrics, where she was known to invent toys or device aids for her young patients. Rope or wooden ladders were modified to help them improve their gait. “I think the birth of my ideas began with working with premature babies,“ she reflects. “It was a challenge getting young patients to do the things you want them to do without the use of speech. It forces you to be creative.” Many years later, Dr Tan still works with youths, albeit much older ones. For the past five years, Dr Tan has been collaborating on research projects with Mechanical Engineering students at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, where she is also a Biochemistry lecturer and adjunct research consultant. During these interactions, Dr Tan finds herself challenging students and in return, challenging herself to come up with new ideas for research. “A research project is like giving birth, “ she shares amicably, “It takes at least nine months to

deliver a project from concept to completion”. But delivering a project is probably considerably less painful than birth with Dr Tan. All it takes is understanding its relevance and giving students the right motivation. “I tell students that one day they might need such a device,” is her cheeky answer to motivation. Jokes aside, Dr Tan believes that people need to see the relevance of their work to be inspired. It is therefore only natural that this physiotherapist is also an avid sportsperson, and has been since an early age. “I grew up loving sports. I run, swim and cycle. Believe it or not, I ran four full marathons, before I got married and had a kid.” She also recalls a stint at the Singapore Sports Council as a Sports Therapist Consultant fondly,

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Take

1. What is the best part of your job? Flexibility and support to pursue my passion. I have been given many opportunities to expand and grow throughout the years, and I cannot imagine being anywhere else. 2. What do you do when you need a break at work? I am known to have a mat in my office, which I use to lie down on when I need a quiet moment to reflect or solve a problem, or take a power nap. 3. Your dream car? Small, fast with lots of space. I’ve been known to live out of my car boot. Being a physiotherapist, it must also be ergonomic and have a good sound system for me to listen to enjoy Jay Chou songs with my son. 4. What would a possible title of your biography be? “Looking Through My Eyes”. One thing I’ve learnt in life is to see things through other people’s eyes.

which combined two of her favourite things – treating patients and sports. “It was really fun. I treated patients, and then we would enjoy a game of squash together.” Still very much active, she enjoys taking cycling trips abroad where she spends quality time with her husband and son. One such trip was taken off the beaten track in Laos. Amidst the waterfalls, it took them over four days and 200 kilometres to complete. Another break she allows herself is mission work to Cambodia

and Vietnam where as team leader, she helps to train the local physiotherapists with other Singaporean physiotherapists. “In the beginning, most of their patients were treated simply by massage. Now with proper training, they are able to assess patient needs and do much more for the patient. Patients can see immediate results after just one session.” We take our hats off to this driver with her clear driving force – improving her patients’ lives.

5. If you could have dinner with a famous historical figure, who would it be? To be honest, I would choose my husband because he is my work-life balance. He makes me laugh and is fun to be around, and would be my ideal dinner partner.

me + Spotlight

Reducing HUMAN Errors With Epic By MONICA LIM

hen Dr Lim Tiek Whai first embarked on a project to eliminate dispensing errors from CGH’s outpatient pharmacy, he thought it would be a “simple” project. It didn’t take long for him to realise this was a misconception.

to be true. For this project, the errors were largely human, exacerbated by fatigue and time pressures, especially during peak periods.

Traditional solutions were to reprimand staff who did not meet KPIs and exhort them to be more Dr Lim Tiek Whai put his knowledge careful. However, gained from the EPIC Professional course Dr Lim realised that “There were so to improve CGH's outpatient pharmacy these methods did many variables and not address underlying problems, complexities in the work process, it affected staff morale and worse, did was impossible to tackle one area not prevent errors from without it affecting other areas,” the re-occurring. Director of Surgical Intensive Care Unit at CGH explained. He decided to take a more targeted approach based Having attended an EPIC Professional on human factor science, such as programme in August 2010, Dr Lim increasing font size on labels and was eager to put his new-found simplifying tasks. To reduce keying knowledge to use. Using a systematic errors arising from fatigue, he model for improvement based proposed a rotation roster for “keyers” on Deming’s System of Profound whereby each keyer was scheduled to Knowledge (DSPK), he was able to a maximum of two hours at a time for develop a deeper understanding of the keying duty. Another possible solution nature and extent of the problem. is to integrate the prescribing and dispensing system via IT. According to DSPK, the human factor often encompasses 80% Dr Lim also realised that removing of the process and is often the most the financial component from the challenging aspect. Dr Lim found this

“We shouldn’t be afraid to test out our theories. If we keep focusing on real results, we will eventually find ways to improve.” counters would reduce the task complexity for those doing the transcription of the prescription. However, this means that the function had to be performed elsewhere, either at the clinics, cashier or at a separate counter. All these alterations to the workflow would impact on existing IT arrangements. Such is the intricacy of modern healthcare. Nevertheless, Dr Lim remains undaunted. He has been monitoring the progress of the project and is optimistic about seeing improvements in results by mid-2011. “The EPIC programme has motivated me to keep trying,” he affirms.

Find out more about EPIC programmes on the CGQM (Clinical Governance and Quality Management) Facebook page!

me + Living

Leading a Quality Life Healthy living is a matter of the mind, body and soul. In this issue, me+SH takes a peek into the diaries of three health experts to share with our readers useful tips in leading a wholesome quality life.

Mind

The Diary of Evelyn Boon, Senior Principal Psychologist, SGH

Dear Diary, This afternoon someone brought up a topic during lunch and it got me thinking about what exactly defines a quality life. I guess it’s about being happy and at peace with my choices, and being present and enjoying the beautiful moments. Such things never fail to put my mind at ease despite the occasional negative experiences I might have faced in life. Let’s see what I have done to help others and myself to have that peace of mind. My Family: Naturally, family comes first for me. So far every Tuesday, I make it a point to get together with my family for our ritual dinners. It has become something all of us look forward to. Early this week, we tried a new restaurant in the neighbourhood and we can’t wait to head back again! I will plan some activities to promote further interaction among my family. Maybe organising a picnic or some games? I should make it a point to

try to get to know about their likes and dislikes during the session. My Friends: I have met up with several of my closest friends once in a while for a number of times lately. And I enjoyed myself tremendously every time especially catching up with old news and updates about our lives! Will make it a point not to contact them only when I need a sympathetic ear. Myself: Yes! I do need time for myself too, don’t I? I will start to set aside a Me time at least once a month and get to know the things that make me happy. I should do nothing sometimes too. Leading a quality life does not necessarily mean packing every moment with activities, right? A quiet moment of reading or meditation can do wonders as well!

i! Momento Mor Evelyn

TO DO: plan some activities to promote further interaction among my family

me + Living

Body

same time! Guess I will remind them to get the correct exercise gear ready during dinner later.

The Diary of Darek Lam, Senior Physiotherapist, CGH

My Friends: This weekend I will go down to Tanah Merah for a game of golf with some old friends. It’s about time I catch up a bit with the guys.

Dear Diary,

Today brought this question of how people, myself included can lead a quality life amidst our busy schedule and various commitments. Let me see how I have fared so far in some of the departments… My Family: I ran alone after work today but I think I should start to bring my missus and parents to join me for some of my sporting activities. This way I can kill two birds with one stone - exercising to keep fit and also enjoying family bonding at the

Should I invite the guys over to my home to help tend my collection of orchids and ferns the following weekend? They seem to be in need of some muscle exercise anyway and gardening will see to that. Better think of some words to make the invitation interesting otherwise they might turn me down! Myself: I should remember to get my butt off the chair more often as staying frozen at the work station will cause a lot of ache and pain in the long run. Why do I keep forgetting to do this?

TO DO: invite the guys over to my home to help tend my collection of orchids and ferns

Well, that’s it from me today. Here’s too a great sporting life!

Darek

Dear Diary, TO DO: play my favourite songs to mentally relieve my stress.

I asked myself today what does “leading a quality life” mean? Well, it must have been something involving music! Music has healing power so let me see how music has brought that healing power to other people and even to myself so far this week … My Family: For three days in a row, my young one turns on our favourite songs full blast on the iPod and we dance together till we are exhausted! I also appreciate that music helps both of us to express ourselves creatively and improves the bonding between us.

Soul

The Diary of Charissa Tan, Music Therapist, SGH

My Friends: Just the other day I lent one of my new musical albums to a colleague. She seems pleased and I think she told me would be buying a copy for herself today! That is one brownie point for me in terms of fostering better ties with my colleagues, yeah!!

Myself: Yesterday, my day was quite hectic and to unwind myself I just played my favourite songs over and over again. And it did bring that calming effect and helped me to mentally relieve my stress. Ah! I have touched several people through music this week after all. What will I do without music? Life would be so silent and boring without a song to sing!

Love, Charissa

me + Smiles

ONE VOICE F R SINGHEALTH TR NSPLANT CORNEA

STEM CELLS

LUNG

Singapore Cord Blood Bank

SKIN Singapore Reconstructive, & Aesthetic Surgery

HEART

LIVER Singapore Gastroenterology, SGH General Surgery

KIDNEY SGH Renal, SGH Urology

iving can come in many forms, but what would be better than giving the gift of life? Organ and tissue transplantations can treat and cure disabling and fatal diseases. In SingHealth, we currently have eight well-establised transplant programmes. Following the path of world leaders in transplant services, these programmes will be aligned under one umbrella – SingHealth Transplant. Prof London Lucien Ooi, Chairman of the SingHealth Transplant

“Transplantation changes the practice and philosophy of medicine. It is the cornerstone of medicine going forward” — Thomas Starzl, 2010 (father of modern transplantation)

BONE MARROW

Singhealth Transplant

- integrated care - integrated training - integrated research

Singapore Haematology

Eight existing Transplant Programmes in SingHealth Institutions will come together under the SingHealth Transplant umbrella for comprehensive service

Steering Committee, shared the call to come together for the future of transplants in SingHealth at the first Transplant Townhall session on 10 February 2011. The session was graced by GCEO Prof Tan Ser Kiat, and DCEO (Clinical Services), Prof Ang Chong Lye. Transplantations are done by multidisciplinary teams of doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, often from multiple institutions. With a comprehensive transplant centre, a transplant patient can get all the medical attention he needs in one place. Says Prof Ooi, “There is benefit in coming together. SingHealth Transplant aims to improve the patient experience and outcome by leveraging on the strengths of the different programmes and creating synergy. It is better when 1 + 1 = 3”. To support this, a dedicated

transplant infrastructure, including ward space and multidisciplinary clinic, will be established on SGH campus. As we strive to raise the bar on clinical outcomes and research into disease cures, the establishment of SingHealth Transplant will allow integrated training and specialty advancement for transplant specialists, along with a comprehensive educational resource centre. The practice can then grow with focused effort and funding for advancement of transplantation medicine and identifying future priorities together.

For more information on SingHealth Transplant, visit http://www. singhealth.com.sg/PatientCare/ SingHealth-Transplant

MOVERS & SHAKERS

me + Smiles

JOINED BY THE

CHALLENGE

United we stand, and in the case of National Dental Centre (NDC), it meant a Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation after months of hard work by its committee and staff.

he successful attempt at JCI accreditation was affirmation that the centre is operating at a high level of safety for its patients. NDC is also the first dental specialty centre in Asia to achieve the mark in January 2010. Preparing for the survey took close to two years and every process relating to patient care was scrutinised. It was clear that all staff took personal ownership in the quality of their work, a vital factor during the demanding preparations that included extensive staff communications and training. The result – an excellent 98.9% of the measurable elements met! On the sterling results, Dr Ken Tan, Chairman of the Accreditation Steering Committee remarked, “Setting the goal, strategy and assembling a good team was key to the whole exercise.” He added, “Senior management and clinical board were extremely supportive and this greatly facilitated the process. Credit for our success really belongs to every one of our staff for their efforts.” It’s not a common sight – to see someone who is usually cool and composed moved to tears. But there were tears of pride in the eyes of the

The NDC JCI Steering Committee with the surveyors from Joint Commission International. Dr Ken Tan is pictured in front row, 4th from left.

centre director, Dr Kwa Chong Teck, when the survey team delivered the good news on the final day — tears of pride in the centre’s staff. Accolades aside, the accreditation exercise has left real, positive changes to care delivery at NDCS. The motto “Patients. At the Heart of All We Do” has gained new relevance and emphasis in daily work. Interaction opportunities from the many communications and training platforms inadvertently strengthened bonds and promoted understanding amongst staff. The

“Credit for our success really belongs to every one of our staff for their efforts." — Dr Ken Tan

post-JCI NDCS is more resilient and confident when facing challenges, an x-factor that will be critical in its next big project to move onto Electronic Dental Records. Congratulations to NDC!

me + Horizon

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TALK TO US!

For subscriptions, letters to editor and story submissions, email us at me.sh@singhealth.com.sg

A Voucher Booklet: $5, Hope to Heal: Priceless By purchasing the Save Money Save Lives booklet at $5 each, you get fabulous discount vouchers and a chance to win a Subaru Impreza 1.5MT. The $5 you spend goes towards helping needy patients in your own respective SingHealth Institutions so they can continue to receive the care they need. Send in your lucky draw coupon from the booklet by 20 April 2011. For more information call SingHealth Foundation at 6377 7613 or visit their website www.singhealthfoundation.org.sg

Forum Topics Be Good to Your Heart

– Why a woman’s heart is special Dept of Cardiology, National Heart Centre Singapore

Gynaecological Cancers

– How to protect yourself Dept of Gynaecological Oncology, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital

Kidney Health

– What every woman should know Dept of Renal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital

Age-Related Macular Degeneration – Don’t let it blur your vision Dept of Vitreo-Retinal Service, Singapore National Eye Centre

Special Interactive Sessions (10:00am - 11:30am) Top up another $8 per person to attend one of these pre-event workshops (includes coﬀee break and a door gift)! Limited space only!

Weight Management

Not happy with your weight? Need tips on how to manage your weight better? Find out more at this workshop from our qualiied dietician.

Bone-Building Workshop

Don’t let brittle bones slow you down. Build them up at this workshop! Our trainer will show you how – through aerobics, strengthening and ball exercises as well as Tai Chi.

Skin Rejuvenation & Aesthetics

Get that glow again! Learn more about the latest skin rejuvenation methods, what works and what doesn’t.

Saturday 16 April 2011 1.30pm to 5.30pm Hilton Singapore Grand Ballroom (Near to Orchard MRT station)

Optimise Your Healthcare Financing

Our expert from MoneySENSE will talk about how to plan for your healthcare needs, what are the diﬀerent health insurance policies and what to look out for in health coverage.

Registration Fee: S$20 per person

* First 200 people to sign up get a bonus gift! ** Sign up as a pair and pay just $15 per person (forum).

Closing date for registration: 11 April 2011

To register, log on to www.singhealth.com.sg/FabulousFrom40/ For more information, call 6377 8511 or email marcom@singhealth.com.sg

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