As the head of the SingHealth Healthcare Management Executive (HME) Programme, I'm extremely proud of the unique career development journeys and opportunities we've designed for our people. Our programme stands out in its commitment to nurturing well-rounded healthcare administrators for the SingHealth cluster for more than a decade!
The comprehensive curriculum comprises three developmental rotations, each lasting approximately 3 years. Designed to ensure a balanced experience, this structure gives HMEs the opportunity to take on various roles in corporate services, clinical operations, and support operations functions. This allows our HMEs to gain extensive, hands-on experience across various functions in our complex healthcare ecosystem. We've seen how this approach helps our participants develop both breadth and depth in their healthcare administration skills.
To complement this practical exposure, we've developed a robust set of core and elective modules, enabling our HMEs to tap into the knowledge of subject-matter experts across the cluster, as well as experience vital hospital processes on the ground. Some of our HMEs also support our campus re-development master plan through their involvement in infrastructure projects – from the Outram Community Hospital, Emergency Medicine Building to our upcoming Elective Care Centre.
In SingHealth, we strongly believe in a clinician-administrator leadership dyad and partnership. It's been rewarding to see our HMEs take on crucial roles in shaping service lines, driving strategic initiatives, and contributing to major infrastructure projects. Whether it's in emergency medicine, clinical operations, analytics, or process transformation, our HMEs are at the forefront of healthcare innovation.
In designing this programme, we've always kept in mind the kind of leaders we want to develop. We're looking for individuals who are resilient, adaptable, and capable of leading with empathy and compassion. If you're passionate about public healthcare and ready for a challenging yet rewarding career, I personally encourage you to consider our HME Programme.
"Remember, in healthcare management, it's not just about climbing the career ladder – it's also about making a meaningful impact on our patients' lives and the health system as a whole. I invite you to apply, level up your career, and join the healthcare hustle!"
"Be ready to keep learning! With humility, grit, open-mindedness, and an eagerness to learn, your journey with the HME programme will be fulfilling."
Over five years ago, I joined the SingHealth HME Programme for the opportunity to experience working across diverse functions within healthcare administration and operations.
The programme's structured rotations, occurring every 2 to 3 years, have allowed me to learn and contribute meaningfully to projects across various care settings. Each posting has challenged me to develop new skills and perspectives and to collaborate with different healthcare professionals. From coordinating SGH's COVID-19 response to supporting the migration of the portering system and developing the SingHealth Wellbeing Coordinators programme, these diverse experiences have not only enriched and expanded my knowledge of healthcare but also strengthened my adaptability and confidence to navigate the dynamic healthcare system.
Additionally, through the elective modules and attachments of the HME Development Programme, I had the opportunity to explore other departments beyond my current role, which provided me with a holistic view of hospital operations and deepened my understanding of operations.
"Don't be afraid to ask questions and think out of the box!"
The SingHealth HME Programme appealed to me with its strong focus on healthcare management and leadership development. Besides offering a panoramic view of Singapore's healthcare landscape, the programme has a well-structured pathway for aspiring executives to gain essential knowledge and skills alongside invaluable insights into future leadership roles.
In my initial posting at SGH Crisis Planning & Operations, I had the opportunity to participate in the resumption of SGH's civil emergency response after Covid-19 which exposed me to large-scale coordination and partnership with various stakeholders across the hospital. I joined SGH Emergency Medicine Department Operations for my next posting and this posting introduced me to resource coordination and implementation of on-the-ground improvements to enhance patient experience and care. Through these rotations, I garnered invaluable and diverse insights and a comprehensive view of healthcare management, which are critical for my development to be a well-rounded healthcare administrator.
The programme's networking sessions with fellow HME peers and senior management have also allowed me to build a strong professional network. These connections not only serve as an excellent source of peer support but also enable me to drive cross-departmental and cross-institutional collaborations when opportunities arise.
"Make sure your heart is truly in it. The healthcare industry is complex but if you're genuinely passionate about improving patient care, you'll find the journey incredibly rewarding."
With my psychology background, I knew I wanted to make a difference in people's lives, and the SingHealth HME Programme has exceeded my expectations in equipping me to do just that. The programme offers a unique opportunity to learn from Singapore's largest healthcare cluster and contribute meaningfully with its design focusing on developing healthcare leaders to bring broader impact on patient care.
Projects like telemedicine, AI-assisted patient navigation, and radiology operations have sharpened my skills in data analysis, manpower planning, and management. These experiences go beyond daily operations, honing my competencies to drive systemic improvements in healthcare delivery.
The programme has a good balance of hands-on approach, and continuous learning opportunities which provide comprehensive learning on various topics from financing, facility planning, to human resources. The insights gained and ongoing learning opportunities keep me excited about healthcare management.
"Embrace adaptability as a key trait for navigating the dynamic healthcare landscape. While there are expectations associated with the role, be kind to yourself and learn from the mistakes."
The healthcare industry's mission to promote health through medical care and services and the emphasis on the role of a healthcare administrator drew me to the SingHealth HME Programme. Its rotational structure with rotations through clinical operations, support operations, and corporate functions, coupled with fast-tracked career progression, offered a comprehensive programme and an exciting career for an aspiring healthcare administrator.
As a fresh graduate, the 4-month foundation with SGH's Organisation Planning & Performance division offered valuable macro-level insights into hospital operations. The buddy-mentor system had also helped me in managing expectations, navigating challenges, and transitioning into work as a fresh graduate.
My first posting of 3 years with Operations Shared Services (Security) has been fruitful. I have developed subject matter expertise, strategic planning, and decision-making capabilities through initiatives such as the implementation of a security command centre, coordinating shared security operations and managing SingHealth cluster's carpark operations.
"If you want to embark on an exciting career and a journey with heart, come join us at the SingHealth HME programme!"
As a proud alumni of the SingHealth HME Programme, I can confidently say that this journey has been a fruitful chapter in my career. Since joining the programme in 2009, I have been drawn to the unique opportunity it offered to rotate through various departments every 2 to 3 years. This structure has not only deepened my learning of hospital functions and grew my network, but also allowed me to gain diverse experiences that have shaped my management style.
Throughout the programme, I have had the privilege of working in different roles, from the Division of Radiological Sciences to my current position as the administrative lead in the Office of Well-Being in Singapore General Hospital. Each posting has been filled with valuable lessons and memorable interactions with colleagues at all levels. I have learnt to adopt best practices from my supervisors while developing my own approach to staff management. Furthermore, as administrators, we should discover our niche or specialisation, such as Quality Improvement or Education, in order for us to develop our expertise and contribute academically as well.
The programme has not only enhanced my professional skills but has also instilled in me a passion for staff well-being. I am now dedicated to implementing evidence-based initiatives that foster a positive and supportive culture within our organisation through initiatives like Get Rid Of Silly Stuff (GROSS) Peer Support initiative and Penta-Therapy (Animal-Assisted, Virtual Reality, Music, Art and Craft) programmes are just a few examples of how we are making a profound impact to our colleagues' lives and improving Joy at Work.
As an alumna of the SingHealth HME Programme, I've experienced firsthand its transformative impact on my career. The programme's unique rotational structure across various departments offers a comprehensive view of healthcare management, fostering both personal and professional growth.
My journey began with SGH Projects, planning the Elective Care Centre & New NDCS. This first posting challenged me to facilitate high-level meetings and tackle complex infrastructure planning fresh out of university. Subsequent rotations in Process Transformation & Improvement and Strategy Management & Analytics further broadened my perspective, with the programme's true value becoming apparent towards the end of my second rotation and throughout my third. The extended exposure allowed me to connect disparate elements and view hospital initiatives from an organisational perspective, offering insights into the intricate workings of the institution as a whole. This broad understanding proved invaluable as I began to ascend to senior roles within the organisation.
Now, as Manager of Strategy Management & Analytics, I lead a team responsible for monitoring organisational performance, facilitating strategy planning, and supporting senior management decision-making. The diverse experiences gained through the HME programme have been crucial in preparing me for this dynamic role.
For graduates considering this programme, know that it demands adaptability, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills. You'll need to be comfortable with ambiguity and ready to learn continuously. But if you're passionate about healthcare and eager to make a lasting impact, the HME programme offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of healthcare management.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________Should you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us here!
As the purpose of the programme is to develop a pipeline of healthcare administrators for future leadership roles in SingHealth, HMEs who are assessed to be suitable for the HME programme would remain on this scheme and be considered for rotational postings every three years as part of their long-term development.
The HME programme offers diverse mentorship and networking opportunities. These include regular networking sessions with senior management and peers, a structured mentorship programme pairing amongst HMEs, and natural networking through departmental rotations.
Additionally, HMEs benefit from professional development through core and elective modules as well as access to an alumni network. These combined elements create a rich environment for building professional relationships and fostering career growth.
Upon completion of the HME programme, graduates will have a wide array of career pathways available to them. The three varied postings will provide graduates with a comprehensive understanding of different healthcare functions, helping HMEs to identify their strengths and preferences. The different jobs and departments within SingHealth form a network which provides ample job opportunities for the HME to take on different careers within SingHealth.
The HME unit will engage with each graduate to discuss their emplacement, taking into account their experiences, preferences, and the organisation's needs.
The HME Programme provides comprehensive support throughout its duration. This includes regular networking sessions with senior management and peers, personalised guidance through check-ins with the HME Lead, and professional development opportunities via the Healthcare Management Executive Development Programme (HMEDP) modules.
HMEs benefit from attachments and courses, mentorship, access to learning resources, and peer support within their cohort. This multi-faceted support system, combined with the programme's rotational structure, ensures HMEs have the resources and guidance needed to succeed and grow in their healthcare management journey.
A typical MAP: A 18-24 months programme whereby the Management Associate (MA) will go through a 6-month attachment in key areas of the organisation. After graduating from the programme, the MA will likely be emplaced into a functional role.
SingHealth HME Programme: A structured programme to build a pipeline of administrator talents in healthcare through:
The postings of HMEs will be reviewed by the HME Unit based on the needs of the cluster / institutions and will be carefully considered in alignment with the development exposure needs of the HMEs.
To develop healthcare administrators with a broad knowledge base and deep expertise in the healthcare setting, SingHealth HMEs undergo rotational postings to selected departments under Clinical Operations, Support Operations and Corporate Functions.
Yes, there is a structured orientation planned for the HME as part of the onboarding process. During orientation, HMEs will be welcomed by SingHealth Senior Management and attend a series of sharing sessions where they will be able to understand more about SingHealth.
Following orientation, HMEs will undergo a 4-month foundation programme consisting of lectures, self-learning, assignments, presentations and short-term projects. After completing the foundation programme, they will commence work with their assigned departments at the respective institutions.
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