Bridging Perspectives in Academic Medicine: Reflections from Prof Walter Lee's Engagements with SingHealth Duke-NUS Surgery ACP

Published on 19 May 2026

Since his joint appointment with SingHealth Duke-NUS Surgery Academic Clinical Programme (ACP) in July 2024, Prof Walter Lee, Chief of Staff and Head of the Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Sciences Department at Duke University, has been closely engaged in strengthening collaboration between Duke University and SingHealth Duke-NUS AMC, while advancing Surgery ACP’s global engagement efforts.

The ACP joint appointment scheme recognises Duke faculty who possess critical skills and expertise that complement our ACPs and provide mentoring support for our clinician-researchers in the AMC, made possible through partial FTE funding of Duke faculty by the Office of Academic Medicine.

What key outcomes or changes have you seen since your joint appointment with Surgery ACP in July 2024, and how has this appointment been meaningful to you?

Walter:

"Strengthening the connection between our two institutions based on building relationships has been meaningful to me. The joint appointment decreases the 'friction' in bringing this about and I am thankful for the opportunity."

How has your joint appointment shaped your approach to research, mentorship, and leadership?

Walter:

"I have been intentional about melding research, mentorship, and leadership development into my career and the joint appointment allows me to do this with a global perspective."

How would you describe your interactions with Surgery ACP faculty and trainees during your visits?

Walter:

"Words such as 'inspirational', 'energetic', 'insightful', and 'practical' come to mind. I will add that the challenges of an academic career are similar worldwide and it’s great to learn from each other."

In April 2026, Prof Lee visited Surgery ACP to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas, and reflect on the future of leadership across the academic surgical community, where he met with leaders across eight key domains, including Student Research Mentorship and Global Surgery Programme.

What values do in-person visits offer compared to remote engagement?

Walter:

"In-person visits do two main things. First, they help to build relationships through non-verbal communication and physical presence. Second, they help me see the context and environment directly that include interpersonal/group interactions that can only be experienced in person."

In your work with Surgery ACP, what approaches have you found most effective in supporting junior faculty growth?

Walter:

"Coaching is invaluable in these situations since they know their situations the best and helping them develop the skills to think and act with authenticity is key."

How do you see professional and leadership development evolving to better prepare the next generation of surgical faculty?

Walter:

"The next steps will be bringing aspects of coaching to medical students and even those high school students interested in a healthcare career. This will help them to understand themselves in ways that will help them thrive in medicine." 

What aspects of this joint appointment do you find most rewarding compared to your primary role at Duke?

Walter:

"It will have to be working within an Asian culture and all that it entails is something that is not present in my Duke work in the US."

Were there any memorable anecdotes from your past two years working with Surgery ACP and the broader SingHealth Duke-NUS AMC community through this joint appointment?

Walter:

"Thinking about the colleagues and faculty that I've had a chance to interact with live out a career of continued joy and meaning in their work. Furthermore, seeing them inspire others to do the same!"

With your upcoming re-appointment with Surgery ACP, how do you plan to leverage the SingHealth Duke-NUS AMC collaborations and regional partnerships to advance global surgery and faculty development in next term?

Walter:

"Continuing to show that professional and leadership development is fundamental to helping faculty and trainees have meaningful careers. SingHealth Duke-NUS AMC is leading the way and seeking key partners in developing this throughout SE Asia."

During his visit to Singapore, Prof Lee also participated in a leadership talk, "Beyond Mastery: Succession Planning Surgeon+ Leaders". Bringing together senior faculty and emerging leaders, the session was one of the highlights of the visit and reinforced the importance of collaborative leadership, thoughtful successful planning, and a shared vision for the continued growth of the ACP.