Orientation for House Officers 2007 was held on 23 April 2007 at HPB auditorium. New SingHealth house officers were given a warm welcome by Chairman Mr Bernard Chen, GCEO Prof Tan Ser Kiat and Medical Manpower Director Dr Ooi Choon Jin.

In his opening address, Mr Bernard Chen talked about challenges facing the healthcare industry today. As doctors fronting the medical frontier, they should not be overawed by these challenges. Rather they should embrace these challenges and shape the healthcare industry of tomorrow.

Prof Tan Ser Kiat gave a welcome address to the HOs. Being a HO is a daunting experience for many. Horror stories from seniors are well circulated among all. While life as a HO may be hectic, to escalate to being a daunting experience depends largely on individuals. Prof Tan emphasized the importance of communicating as a team. That is not to hesitate to consult your senior doctors, nurses and allied health professionals when in doubt. Good working relationship with your fellow doctors, nurses and allied health professionals will smoothen the transition from being a medical student to a HO.

SingHealth offers a wide range of career options in clinical, research and administration for doctors. A training platform is provided for doctors, to assist them to develop in the area that he/she chooses to specialize in. SingHealth aims not just to develop our talents, but to harness, recognize and engage them. Only then can SingHealth grow strength to strength. Dr Ooi ended his briefing with a thought for HOs to ponder: 'The organization may put you in leadership position, but only you can decide to be a Leader.'

HOs went through a 5 day orientation program that includes Advanced Cardiac Life Support Course, Communicating with 5Cs training, guided departmental orientations and job shadowing. The orientation program aims to smoothen the transition from being medical students to house officers.