Published14 Apr 2022

How would you introduce yourself?

I am a person who is just grateful. Grateful to be able to be in a job that I like; Grateful to have a loving family; Grateful to be free to practice my religion. In fact, “Grateful” could be my middle name.

What motivated you to practice medicine?

When I was younger, I wanted basically just to be able to help. I saw how being caring and having some knowledge can help to make lives better for others. The choice was made easier because I was stronger in my sciences rather than languages.

What's your specialty and why did you choose it?

I am a family physician. I chose it because it allows me to see patients with a myriad of problems from physical to mental issues. This gives me a certain challenge to be able to help them solve their daily problems.

What is your typical day like?

I start my work at around 8.30 am to 9 am. I see my patients till 2.30 pm when the clinic closes. I will stay in the clinic to order medications, write reports, and follow up on some patients before I leave for home at about 4.30 pm for a short rest and dinner. My evening clinic then starts again at 6.30 pm and I will see my patients till 9 pm. After that, I may still finish other stuff like paying my invoices, writing health reports, and following up on some cases. If I manage to finish by 10 pm, I will then go for a brisk walk around the neighbourhood before retiring to bed.

What’s the best part about your career?

The best part was when I started my clinic after being a locum for a few years. I started my clinic from scratch from buying a shop space, renovating it to my liking, employing my nurses, reading up about CPF, income tax etc. The challenges were very real and they stretched me to the limit many times. I was a very busy person and yet, I was happiest being able to run my own place. I am thankful for friends and family who helped along the way. If I were to go back in time, I will do it all over again.

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced and obstacles you've had to overcome?

The biggest challenges were the past 2 years with the Covid pandemic. Managing patients, staff expectations as well as my own anxiety were some of the obstacles I faced. There were further challenges when my parents contracted Covid. Learning to be calm and collected in the midst of all this was definitely a huge challenge.

What were your favourite and least favourite subjects in school?

My favourite subject would be Maths. It was probably the only subject that I was confident in scoring a distinction in. As a result, I had contemplated becoming an accountant and that was my second choice after Medicine. My least favourite would be Literature. I could not make any sense of studying poetry or Shakespeare. I felt they were not relevant to my future goals in life.

What's your advice for medical students?

Never lose sight of your initial desire for studying medicine. Most people started off having admirable goals for wanting to become a doctor but many would become jaded along the way as they get older. Some will start pursuing financial goals at the expense of good patient care.