Bridging Perspectives in Academic Medicine: Prof Amy Corneli's Reflections from Visits to SingHealth Duke-NUS AMC

What were your first impressions of the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medicine community?

Amy:

"I was impressed by the community’s forward-thinking vision, demonstrated by their commitment to patient-centered care and research and their investment in developing the next generation of clinician-scientists."

You met with several teams and faculty members across SingHealth and Duke-NUS when you were here in March and September – what stood out to you about the people and the way they work together?

Amy:

"People’s creativity, enthusiasm for partnerships, and appreciation of SingHealth–Duke-NUS collective expertise really stood out to me. Teams and faculty shared numerous innovative research concepts with me—while some faculty had strong collaborations to advance their ideas, others wanted support connecting with partners and coaching on implementing team-based science."

How would you describe the spirit of collaboration within the Academic Medicine ecosystem here?

Amy:

"I sensed a shared understanding that addressing complex health challenges requires diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary collaboration, grounded in respect for the unique expertise each discipline brings."

Were there any interactions or conversations that particularly inspired you or left a lasting impression?

Amy:

"I was excited by the growing interest in integrating qualitative research into clinical studies, as well as the emphasis on using community perspectives to guide patient-centered care and population health research."

How do you see cross-disciplinary collaboration shaping the future of academic medicine — both here and globally?

Amy:

"Academic medicine is embracing team-based science, where clinician-scientists and experts from diverse disciplines collaborate as equal partners, united by a shared vision to achieve better health outcomes."

Were there particular moment(s) of learning or exchange during your visit that have shaped / will shape your work back at Duke?

Amy:

"Listening to students and junior faculty share their insightful perspectives on approaching health challenges reminded me of the importance of fresh thinking and inspired new directions for my research at Duke."

As you look ahead, which area(s) stand out to you as opportunities for deeper collaboration between Duke and the SingHealth Duke-NUS AMC?

Amy:

"There are so many opportunities! Three examples are: (1) positioning qualitative research as an integral part of academic medicine, (2) engaging communities to spark and advance innovation, and (3) using implementation science to study and accelerate the adoption of effective interventions."