10 September 2008
Looking behind the stethoscope - Reflections by Health Minister and doctors on values and ethos of medical profession; launch of book on life in medicine of doctors

Singapore, 10 September 2008 - “We cure sometimes. We relieve often. We comfort always.”

These wise words have been handed down from generation to generation of doctors. They serve as the bedrock on which doctors practise medicine: that their responsibility as healthcare professionals has always gone beyond having professional competence and providing mere medical treatment to patients, and extended to giving genuine care and support to help patients deal with the myriad of fears and emotional and mental upheavals that accompany their conditions.

However, recent controversial events including sex scandals and charges of profiteering have shaken the medical fraternity and cast a shadow on the profession, which is traditionally well regarded by people. This prompted healthcare leaders and professionals to set about restoring public confidence and instilling pride in the profession among the community, through a special event organised by SingHealth, the largest public healthcare group here.

Conversations on true meaning of medicine

Close to 300 doctors from public and private institutions as well as medical students and aspiring doctors alike, came together to share conversations to reaffirm the true meaning of medicine.

Leading the conversations was a panel of prominent and well respected doctors accomplished in their respective fields, namely Professor Foo Keong Tatt, Emeritus Consultant at Singapore General Hospital, Professor Tan Cheng Lim, Emeritus Consultant at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Professor Ranga Krishnan, Dean of Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, and Dr Lee Suan Yew, General Practitioner at SY Lee Clinic. They were joined by Guest-of-Honour, Minister for Health, Mr Khaw Boon Wan. Through reflecting on momentous life events that shaped their passion in the practice of medicine, they aimed to spark off a lively discussion among the audience on the moral values and ethos that doctors should possess, qualities that lend a humanness and humanity that distinguishes the medical profession.

The organisers hoped that this event would serve as a timely reminder for doctors to bring patients back into focus in their work.

“True medicine is provided by those who have a special ability to heal the body, comfort the mind, and soothe the soul. There is a limit to what medical science can do in solving health problems and complex diseases. As doctors, we need to also understand patients’ feelings relating to their illnesses and the impact of these conditions on their lives and their families, in order to provide genuine care and concern for the patients’ well-being. We hope that through this gathering of minds and hearts, existing and aspiring doctors will renew this original sense of purpose in them and reignite the passion they have for the profession,” said Professor Tan Ser Kiat, Group Chief Executive Officer, SingHealth.

Glimpses into the heart of medicine through new book by doctors

In keeping with the theme of the event, SingHealth also launched a new book entitled “Behind the Stethoscope – Reflections of a Life in Medicine”. Penned by 56 public and private sector doctors from different generations and diverse backgrounds, the book is a compilation of their personal journeys, reflections, and defining moments in the practice of medicine. While some described memorable patients or teachers, others reflected on a career in medicine and their victories and failures, thus opening a window into the heart of medicine that many often do not get to see.

“Scientific knowledge can be effectively taught through textbooks and electronic media. The art and values of medicine, on the other hand, are often imbibed from the mentors’ own experiences and lessons and passed down through generations. Our team in SingHealth started this project to capture these reflections, anecdotes and teachings that constitute the rich heritage of medicine, so that they are not lost over time. We are very encouraged by the positive response from the contributing doctors, and in the process, we ended up being inspired by the hopes and aspirations of our peers,“ said Dr Jeremy Lim, Director of Research & Education at SingHealth, and who is part of the editorial team for the book.

To mark the launch, Mr Khaw and the panel of doctors autographed three copies of the book, which was auctioned off at the event. Proceeds from the auction, as well as sales of the book, will be donated to support needy patients at SingHealth institutions.

(Please refer to the annex for details on the book.)

*********************
Annex

“Behind the Stethoscope – Reflections of a Life in Medicine”

The 56 stories in “Behind the Stethoscope” offer a rare glimpse into the lives of doctors – the voyages they took, the influential mentors and memorable patients they encountered, and the defining moments that shaped their personal and professional lives.

Conceptualised and put together by a team of healthcare workers in SingHealth in six months this year, the book is a labour of love that follows the medical profession’s rich oral tradition of educating and mentoring the young. It seeks to document the treasure trove of experiences, teachings and anecdotes for posterity, and to inspire doctors, present and future, to reconnect with the true meaning of medicine.

Content
The stories are divided into five sections in the book:

At the heart
- Personal accounts of patients and how they have touched the authors’ lives and inspired them to continue the work that they are doing.

Journeys
- Tales behind the voyages taken by the authors, and the diverse ways in which doctors can contribute to society, e.g. patient care, research, academia, policy-making, law.

Defining moments
- Important events or experiences, both positive and negative, that shaped the authors’ outlook and transformed them.

Light onto the path
- Accounts about special people (mentors, colleagues, parents or friends) who have taught, inspired and encouraged the authors in the science of medicine and the art of healing.

Reflections
- Opinions on the state of the healthcare system and the medical profession in Singapore.

Contributors
56 doctors in both public and private institutions, hailing from different generations, different practices, and different backgrounds.

Price
Retails at S$14.90 (includes GST). Net proceeds will be donated to support needy patients in SingHealth institutions.

Retail outlets
- All SingHealth retail pharmacies
- National University of Singapore Co-Operative bookshops
- Kinokuniya bookstores


For media enquiries and interviews, please contact:

Ms Yip Pei Shang
Corporate Communications
Singapore Health Services
DID: 6557 4950
E-mail: yip.pei.shang@singhealth.com.sg


About Singapore Health Services (SingHealth)

SingHealth is the largest healthcare group in Singapore, offering a complete range of multi-disciplinary and integrated medical care. The group consists of 3 Hospitals, 5 National Specialty Centres, and a network of 9 polyclinics. We have a faculty of internationally qualified medical specialists and are also well equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment medical technology. We are dedicated to providing quality healthcare that is affordable and accessible to our patients. Through clinical excellence, commitment, and collaboration, we aim to be the trusted leader in healthcare for our patients, partners, staff and the community.

Members of the SingHealth group:

Hospitals:
Changi General Hospital, KK Women's and Children's Hospital and Singapore General Hospital

National Specialty Centres:
National Cancer Centre Singapore, National Dental Centre of Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, National Neuroscience Institute, and Singapore National Eye Centre

SingHealth Polyclinics:
Bedok, Bukit Merah, Geylang, Marine Parade, Outram, Pasir Ris, Queenstown, Sengkang and Tampines