About Us

About the Programme

Blood is fundamental to the human existence. An expert in Haematology has an in-depth understanding of blood diseases and disorders on both the cellular and non-cellular levels. As a physician specialising in Haematology, you are committed to your patients, many of whom require your long-term care.

As a haematologist, you will learn to take a broad perspective of clinical medicine, because medicine is never practised in silo. You also amalgamate your clinical findings with laboratory assessments to compose a complete and comprehensive diagnosis.

A haematologist is therefore:

A clinician who has broad perspectives of clinical medicine and does not practice silo medicine
A diagnostician who amalgamates his clinical findings with laboratory assessments and comprehensively compose a complete diagnosis
A practitioner with capacity for dealing with both malignant and benign conditions
A scientist who is capable of venturing into a wide variety of research fields including cardiovascular medicine, oncology and immunology

If you enjoy both clinical and laboratory work and wish to have the capacity to venture into a wide variety of research fields including cardiovascular medicine, oncology and immunology, besides haematological disorders, then Singapore Integrated Programme (SGIP) for Haematology may be for you.

As of July 2020, new Senior Residents (SR1s) would be enrolled under the SGIP for Haematology, with National University Health System (NUHS) as the administrative centre.

Message from the Programme Director

The SIP for Haematology provides comprehensive clinical training in the diagnosis and management of neoplastic and benign haematologic conditions with avenues for research experience for interested Residents. The goal of the Residency programme is to prepare the next generation of academic haematologists with well-rounded laboratory based and patient-centred clinical training. The programme allows Residents to experience and learn the translation of the latest scientific knowledge to the bedside to ensure that all patients receive the most scientifically appropriate and up-to-date care. The programme puts holistic patient-care at the heart, promoting responsible use of medical resources, by choosing diagnostic and treatment decisions wisely. We aim to develop specialists, who would go on to provide impeccable scientifically driven medical care with unwavering dedication, who would stand-by their commitment to promoting equitable health care and who as passionate teachers would inculcate these same ethos to the future generation of doctors.

Many Residents like you may have the impression that Haematology is a complex and difficult subject. In fact, haematological disorders are among the best understood medical conditions, with therapeutic choices at the forefront of medical progress. Most Residents are also surprised to discover the expanse of the subject and its elegant simplicity once they have spent time with us. As you embark on your Senior Residency, do listen to your heart and consider making Haematology your choice of specialty.

Clin Asst Prof Chandramouli Nagarajan

Programme Director, Haematology

Senior Consultant, Department of Haematology, Singapore General Hospital

Why Choose SGIP for Haematology?

Get the Best of Both Worlds

Haematology is the only programme which offers a clinical and service laboratory component. You will be trained to become a clinician, diagnostician and therapist in the most complete sense. From determining the diagnosis, to interpreting the laboratory investigations and deciding on the treatment for haematological disorders; you will be trained to care for the patient at every single point of his or her illness. A trained haematologists is therefore a master clinician and pathologists. You will receive extensive training in haematology's laboratory which will hone your skills in laboratory techniques as well as trained to be proficient in the laboratory diagnosis of haematological disorders to complement your clinical training.

Build Long-term Relations with Patients

Caring for Haematology patients promises some of the most rewarding and close encounters with patients. Most haematological conditions are chronic and people diagnosed with such conditions can sometimes require intensive treatment and long-term care. They would also require your dedicated care, understanding and concern. Thus, the patient-doctor relations in Haematology is one of the most unique and humbling experience for a doctor.

Ample Opportunities to Develop Subspecialties

As a haematologist, you can choose to focus on various subspecialties, such as haematopoeitic stem cell transplant, thrombosis and haemostasis, myeloproliferative disorders, the leukemia, transfusion and laboratory haematology. The programme therefore provides ample opportunities for you to discover your true strengths and choose a focus area that you wish to further develop and expand.

Guidance by Expert Mentors

Senior Residents in the programme will be guided by experienced clinician champions who can guide and train you on a wide range of subspecialties. You will learn from renowned mentors who are recognised local and regional experts in their specialty areas. They are passionate educators who are ever ready to provide you with the learning opportunities you need to master your choice of subspecialty.

Your Career Prospects & Development

Upon qualifying as Haematologists, Senior Residents are eligible for appointments as Associate Consultants in the various healthcare institutions in Singapore. Following a three-and-a-half year training programme, you may choose to pursue further subspecialisation in fields such as haematopoeitic stem cell transplant, thrombosis and haemostasis, lymphoproliferative disorders, acute leukemias, myeloproliferative neoplasms, transfusion medicine and laboratory Haematology.

Senior Residents with good aptitude for laboratory research can look forward to becoming a Clinician Scientist, as Haematology is one of the best springboards for molecular medicine and various other related fields. You can therefore expect ample job opportunities in both institutional and private practice.

Singapore Integrated Programme (SGIP) for Haematology

Prof Ivy Ng

SingHealth GCEO