Fireside chat with… an Orthopaedic Surgery Resident

Why did you choose to pursue medicine, and specifically, a speciality in orthopaedics?

I didn't always know I would be pursuing a career in medicine until I met my 'influencer' – Dr Tan Ngian Chye, a surgical oncologist.

I have never been a top student nor did I attend any pre-medical school attachments. After my GCE A Level examination, I sent a cold email to Dr Tan who took me in for a month-long attachment. Upon completion, he wrote a recommendation letter, and I submitted it as part of my medical school applications. As chance would have it, I was accepted into medical school.

I was drawn to medicine for its daily and meaningful interactions with patients, its complex applicability of knowledge and its constant evolution. I chose orthopaedics because of the immediate impact that the surgical interventions have on the patients. The best part – I get to tinker with new gadgets as part of my everyday work!

You've completed your PGY1 training with SingHealth previously and are now into the second year of Residency. What are some of your favourite moments?

One of my favourite moments in Residency was during my orientation where we went on a treasure hunt around Marina Bay with fellow batchmates and the programme executives. We teamed up with residents from different specialities and dove straight into a friendly competition. Seeing everyone out of their scrubs and having fun outside of the hospital setting was a refreshing experience.

No blue scrubs this time… here's my team mates and I at the 2023 Residency Orientation held at the Marina Bay Sands

I had a chance to relive the fun at the recent orientation for new first-year residents, held in April this year. Attending as a second-year resident, it felt like a throwback to my own journey. I had a great time reconnecting with faculty members and Residency peers including the seniors whom I look up to.

What are you looking forward to most in your journey ahead?

Although my journey is still somewhat new, I already have plenty to be grateful for. My heartfelt shoutout goes to the SGH Orthopaedic Surgery Department – from colleagues to bosses – for the opportunities given in helping me grow professionally. I am not only a doctor, but I can be a researcher as well as a mentor to others. In fact, I take pride in my mentoring duties as I hold Dr Tan (my mentor)'s advice close to heart: "Always pay it forward as you progress in your career".

As a clinician, mastering my surgical competencies remains an utmost priority – I hope to be able to perform my procedures with confidence. Further, with AI being an 'in' thing, I am quite excited to see what new opportunities it can bring for orthopaedic surgery.

What can young/future residents look forward to in their journeys?

As an orthopaedic resident, one thing I find most endearing about the programme is its strong support system. My programme director, faculty members and programme executives are all committed to helping us grow and ensuring that we stay on track (this comes with plenty of reminders haha). The Graduate Medical Education Committee is also receptive to residents' feedback; open communication is key to driving positive changes every now and then. From what I see, this same support is likely something one can be assured of throughout their Residency journey.

SingHealth residents can also look forward to plenty of opportunities for growth through the various programmes and trainings available. There are fundings that we can tap on if we wish to partake in any of it – don't be shy to ask your programme executives about it!

Lastly, look forward to the clinical rotations. This is rather ironic; I personally found this challenging at first as the rotations had taken me out of my comfort zone. However, I learnt to appreciate the different postings – general surgery, emergency medicine and anaesthesia – as they were invaluable to my own growth.

Any advice for our young residents?

Firstly, choose a speciality or programme that you genuinely feel is right for you even if it means taking longer to explore your options. Don't settle for second best as I believe that if you love what you do, work will not feel like it at all.

Next, just as how I had found a mentor in Dr Tan, find a mentor that you can look up to. They could be anybody, from senior Residents to our HODs. Having one helps you envision your own path.

Lastly, never forget your junior peers as they often bring fresh perspectives that you can learn a thing or two about.