Office of Duke-NUS Affairs and Joint Office of Academic Medicine: A Longstanding Partnership

Published on 16 June 2026

Based at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, USA, the Office of Duke-NUS Affairs (ODNA) provides administrative support for all collaborative initiatives involving Duke University, Duke-NUS Medical School, and SingHealth.

Working closely with the Joint Office of Academic Medicine (JOAM), which consists of the Offices of Academic Medicine in SingHealth and Duke-NUS to drive and shape a vibrant academic health ecosystem and culture within the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre (AMC), ODNA fosters collaboration through joint research, knowledge exchange, and initiatives that advance Academic Medicine in both our AMC and at Duke.

In this feature, our colleagues from ODNA share reflections on its partnership with JOAM, highlighting its growth and evolution as both offices continue to adapt to the changing landscape of Academic Medicine. We also get to know them a little better through their recommendations on must-see spots at Duke and the unexpected details about campus that often surprise visitors from Singapore!

Looking back, how has the partnership between ODNA and JOAM grown over the years?

ODNA team:

"Since the pandemic, collaboration between Duke and the AMC has increased significantly, creating more opportunities for engagement through study visits, joint faculty appointments, and other shared initiatives. Today, we enjoy a strong relationship as we continue working together to support and grow these programmes and collaborations."

What has been the ‘secret sauce’ behind the successful working relationship between the two offices?

ODNA team:

"The ‘secret sauce’ has really been consistent communication and a shared commitment to collaboration. We stay closely connected through regular Zoom meetings and ongoing conversations, which has helped strengthen our relationship and create a sense of trust and true partnership over time."

A lot of collaboration happens behind the scenes. How do you think such partnerships between ODNA and JOAM support the wider Academic Medicine community?

ODNA team:

"Strong collaboration between administrative support offices is so important to the success of the AMCs. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, partnerships like the one between the ODNA and JOAM teams help create the communication and coordination needed for our institutional collaborations to thrive. Our collegial relationship is a great example of how strong administrative partnerships can help support increased engagement across the wider Academic Medicine community."

Are there any projects or milestones that you feel showcase the collaboration between the two offices?

ODNA team:

"One important milestone was the JOAM team’s visit to Duke in February 2025. Since the visit coincided with the D-HIP programme’s week at Duke, it gave the JOAM team a valuable opportunity to learn more about the programme and experience Duke’s collaborative environment firsthand."

The JOAM team with the 2025 D-HIP cohort during their visit to Duke

The Duke-NUS Health Innovator Programme (D-HIP) is a first-of-its-kind programme in Singapore that assembles a multidisciplinary student team to work on a critical unmet clinical need, while being closely mentored by dedicated industry and clinical mentors.

In what ways have shared values or common goals helped strengthen collaboration between the two offices?

ODNA team:

"Both of our teams value open communication, collaboration, and relationship-building, which has helped create a strong foundation for working together towards common goals. Our shared values are really the base of the ‘secret sauce,’ while communication and commitment are the spices that bring it all together."

Is there a memorable moment or interaction with the JOAM team that stands out to you?

ODNA team:

"One memorable moment was climbing the Duke Chapel Tower together during the JOAM team’s visit in February 2025. It was a fun shared experience and a great opportunity for team-building outside our usual meetings and discussions." 

Over the years, ODNA has supported numerous successful initiatives, including funding and facilitating study trips for faculty, students, researchers, clinicians and administrators – both incoming and outgoing – to promote meaningful academic exchange and partnership. These include reciprocal study visits by SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Clinical Programmes (ACPs) and joint symposia between Duke-NUS Signature Research Programmes (SRPs) and their Duke counterparts.

What aspects of the partnership are you most proud of, particularly in terms of impact on faculty, students, research, or broader institutional collaboration?

ODNA team:

"One aspect that our team is especially proud of is the opportunity to host visitors from Duke-NUS and SingHealth at Duke. It’s incredibly rewarding to see faculty and students come together to exchange ideas and build relationships. Watching those interactions happen in real time is inspiring and serves as a great reminder of why we do this work and the impact these connections can have across education, research, and Academic Medicine."

Looking ahead, what opportunities do you see for ODNA and JOAM to continue shaping the future of Academic Medicine together?

ODNA team:

"While the foundation between the two offices is already very strong, there’s always room to grow and find new ways to work together. Looking ahead, we see opportunities to continue improving programme efficiencies, streamlining administrative processes, and strengthening institutional support behind these partnerships. Ultimately, we’re hoping to create an even better environment for collaboration and stronger outcomes across our institutions."

If you could describe the ODNA-JOAM partnership in a few words, what would they be?

ODNA team:

"Friendly, supportive, and trusting!"

For colleagues visiting Duke, what’s one spot on campus they absolutely cannot miss to get the full Duke experience?

ODNA team:

"It’s a tough choice between the Duke Gardens and Duke Chapel. If we had to choose just one, we’d probably recommend the Duke Chapel because of how unique and iconic it is. The architecture alone makes it a must-see, and if you have the chance to climb the tower, it’s an experience you won’t forget!"

What’s one thing that tends to surprise visitors from Singapore about the Duke campus?

ODNA team:

"One thing that often surprises visitors is that Duke’s campus isn’t actually as old as it looks — and that’s very intentional. The gothic architecture gives the campus a historic feel and sense of tradition that many people assume dates back much further than it actually does."