“I am a 5th year medical student from Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS, and at the same time, an A*STAR scholar (MBBS-PhD) with the inclination to becoming a clinician scientist. It was only through constant innovations, ideas and changes that metamorphosed clinical medicine to where we are today; and I want to honor this proud tradition and be part of the team that leads at the forefront of medical research in the future.
In the search for mentors who can guide me in this journey, I was very fortunate to have met Dr. Sophia (SGH) and A/Prof. Ti (NUH) when I applied for the M4 anaesthesia research elective. We conducted a prospective, observational study on the prevalence of postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade (rNMB) in patients who received low-dose atracurium when they undergo general anaesthesia with laryngeal mask airway, with secondary aims of exploring the risk factors for rNMB, utility of clinical assessment in detecting rNMB and the post-operative outcome. It was a steep learning curve but each challenge was a unique and invaluable experience - such as standardize and improve protocols, report writing techniques and poster presentation skills. We are also very honored to have SMSTDA’s sponsorship for the project, which would allow us to further our investigations based on the current findings.
If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants. This is a statement that I strongly believe in. I am very grateful to have met the people who have mentored me in this journey and inspired me to become who I am today. This is also in the hope that years later when I have the opportunity to mentor others, I would do the same to inspire a new batch of aspiring clinician scientists.“
