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Hear From Our Residents

Dr Ho Kok On
Paediatric Surgery Senior Resident, Year 2023
Singhealth General Surgery Residency Alumnus 2017

“Children are not just fragile lives that need protection; they are bursting with potential, waiting to be unleashed. By caring for them, we are safeguarding their chance to change the world.”

Paediatric surgery is not a subspecialty but rather the surgery of a period of life. It is distinguished not by specific organs involved, but rather by the distinct developmental stages of the patients from foetus to adolescence, earning its reputation as the “last true bastion of general surgery”. In each week on-call, a paediatric surgeon may perform a laparotomy for necrotizing enterocolitis on a premature neonate weighing less then 1kg, repair a congenital anomaly such as oesophageal atresia, manage conditions specific to infancy like intussusception or volvulus, and care for adolescents with appendicitis or traumatic injuries. 

The Singapore Integrated Programme (SGIP) for Paediatric Surgery offers the consolidated wealth of experience from faculty who are recognized experts in their field. The programme’s strength lies in its faculty, who serve as inspiring role models and mentors, dedicated to the well-being and education of their residents. The relatively small size of the specialty fosters an intimate and supportive community.

The faculty’s commitment to bringing out the best in every resident, combined with the programme’s regional reputation for excellence, make the SGIP Paediatric Surgery an ideal training environment for those pursuing a career in this rewarding and challenging field where the rare is the norm. 



Dr Meghan Lim
Paediatric Surgery Junior Resident, R3

"The Paediatric Surgery Programme has allowed me to develop both my surgical and clinical skills as well as given me opportunities to further explore my passion in research and education."

Part of the reason I joined the programme was the fact that I enjoy working with kids and am fascinated with the diversity of congenital conditions encountered in Paediatric Surgery. I have received tremendous support from all faculty members in the department, especially from my Programme Director, Head of Department and Division Chair of Surgery which allowed me to expand my horizons and learn from inspiring senior clinicians in Singapore and abroad. The Paediatric Surgery Clinician Scientist programme has also provided me with plenty of research support and mentorship which I have found invaluable in my residency journey.


Dr Jayne Chiang
Paediatric Surgery Senior Resident, Year 2023

"Having seniors who are actively invested in my learning and always readily willing to share from their rich breadth of experience has greatly contributed to my personal development."

In addition, having a rather supportive circle of fellow residents has truly been a blessing. Because of them (and our often adorable patients), I am able to look forward to work on any given day. Our training is also carefully structured to maximise our exposure to the various sub-specialties within the scope of paediatric surgery. I am grateful for the privilege to be part of this residency programme.


Dr Toh Qi
Paediatric Surgery Resident, Year 2022

"Besides learning from inspiring seniors while honing my clinical acumen and surgical skills, I also really enjoy seeing the smiles of recovered patients."

Paediatric Surgery programme has been a great experience so far. I have received a lot of support from the Faculty, Programme Executives and made friends with Residents from other programmes. They have become an important source of support along this journey. I have always wanted to work at KKH's Paediatric department and it is a decision that I do not regret. Besides learning from inspiring seniors while honing my clinical acumen and surgical skills, I also really enjoy seeing the smiles of recovered patients.


Dr Esther Chan
Paediatric Surgery Resident, Year 2022

"I have various opportunities to pursue areas in Research, Education and Quality Improvement."

I am blessed to have a very dedicated Programme Director who guides me in managing the various adult conditions in the paediatric population. This programme offers ample opportunities for self-development which helps me to develop my skills as a clinician and surgeon. I have various opportunities to pursue areas in Research, Education and Quality Improvement. I like the breadth of subspecialties as it gives me a broad-based knowledge to prepare for the different challenges that I will face in managing paediatric surgical patients.