We Shine | The Vital Roles of Allied Health Professionals at SingHealth Polyclinics

11/29/2024 2:05:00 PM | SHP POP!

The article is contributed/written by

When we think of healthcare, the images of doctors and nurses providing care to patients will naturally pop up in our minds. However, healthcare involves a broader system, with many professionals working tirelessly to ensure patient care is comprehensive and holistic. Among these key players are our Allied Health professionals, who provide essential care services beyond the scope of traditional medical care.

In this article, we bring to you five dedicated Allied Health professionals - each with their specialised skill sets in supporting patient wellness and recovery, bringing profound impact on the lives of the patients they serve at SingHealth Polyclinics.

Meet Chong Wenhan, Medical Social Worker

Wenhan (back), with his colleagues from SHP-Outram, sharing smiles and camaraderie at a team huddle

As a Medical Social Worker, Wenhan provides psychosocial support to patients and their families. He manages patient cases, conducts assessments, and coordinates care to help vulnerable populations navigate their health challenges. His role goes beyond case management and includes counselling, patient education, and collaborating with community partners. “This holistic approach ensures that our patients receive the support they need to manage their challenges effectively,” Wenhan explains.

What do you love about your job?

"I love that my role aligns with my core value of altruism. Being a Medical Social Worker allows me to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that the social reports and recommendations we provide are valued and help patients receive community support. This role has empowered me in many ways; sharpening my soft skills and enabling me to create real impact."

A memorable patient encounter?

"During a counselling session, I found myself in a similar life stage as the patient, which led to subtle countertransference. By reflecting and practicing empathy, I was able to prioritise the patient’s needs and truly understand their perspective. This experience reminded me that the service provider-patient relationship is reciprocal - while patients benefit from our support, we also grow through these interactions."

What's a motto you live by?

“Every encounter is an opportunity for learning and growth. Always seek to observe from a balanced perspective.”

Meet Trina Wong, Principal Podiatrist, SHP-Bedok

Trina demonstrates the foot anatomy using a model to explain foot conditions and treatments to patient

Podiatrists diagnose and treat various conditions affecting the foot and lower limb – including injuries, pain and balance issues. For Trina, she works with patients of all ages, helping them maintain mobility and manage conditions that can severely affect their day-to-day lives.

What do you love about your job?

“I enjoy working with patients from diverse backgrounds. I have seen patients from 6 years old to more than a hundred years old! It is rewarding to collaborate with my patients to diagnose and treat their conditions, and improve their foot health that impact their day to day lifestyle.”

A memorable patient encounter?

“I once treated a home-maker in her 80s, who had painful calluses beneath her feet that required removal. She also had foot deformities and spent most of her time caring for her family. She had concerns with the footcare recommendations I made due to increased fall risk, so I tailored my diagnosis to include a fitted silicone forefoot pad that she could wear when performing her daily activities. Afterwards, I noticed that her symptoms had hugely improved, and she no longer experience any pain nor require frequent follow ups. This demonstrated the importance of collaboration and creativity in tailoring solutions for patients.”

What's a motto you live by?

As we path our course in life, it's uncomfortable yet enriching to walk in someone else's shoes.

Meet Koh Shi En, Physiotherapist, SHP-Pasir Ris

Shi En (right) guiding a patient through resistance band exercises to improve upper back strength

As a physiotherapist in the outpatient setting, Shi En often sees patients with musculoskeletal conditions that involve or affect the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and nerves. Some common musculoskeletal conditions include lower back pain, neck pain, tennis elbow, knee pain and ankle sprain.

Physiotherapists assess, diagnose, develop individualised treatment plans, and provide various therapeutic interventions such as exercise therapy, which may even include modalities like shockwave, ultrasound, heat and electrical therapy. “We guide rehabilitation to help patients regain strength and mobility, educate them on self-care and pain management, and advise on injury prevention and ergonomics. Overall, we help patients to relieve pain, restore function and improve quality of life”, shared Shi En.

What do you love about your job?

“I love how I can make a difference in patients’ quality of life by improving their symptoms and functions. Whenever patients show appreciation, it keeps me motivated and reminds me why I do what I do. Every patient is different, and this keeps my job dynamic.”

A memorable patient encounter?

“I once treated a patient with shoulder pain and restriction. She was feeling demoralised because her condition was affecting her daily function and independence. Although the care was eventually transferred to the hospital due to other health conditions, I received a thank you letter from her daughter who shared that the patient’s mood and functions have improved tremendously after my therapy sessions. This made me see the importance of the interaction with patients because it can influence and enhance their rehabilitation journey.”

What's a motto you live by?

“The sun will rise, and we will try again.” Shi En elaborated, “This always reminds me that no matter how hard things get, there is always a fresh start the next day to make things better.”

Meet Kweh Jia Rong, Pharmacist, SHP-Eunos

Jia Rong (right) guiding a patient through his medications at the pharmacy counter

As a pharmacist, Jia Rong’s main task is to fill prescriptions for patients. He performs other tasks on a daily basis, including providing medication counselling, maintaining medication accuracy, keeping track of medication inventory, and working closely with medical professionals and patients.

In addition to what he does everyday, Jia Rong provides Anticoagulation Service (ACS) and Smoking Cessation Service (SCC). He also oversees the EZYBOX initiative at Eunos Polyclinic, a medication vending solution for patients to collect their medications without having to wait at the pharmacy.

What do you love about your job?

“Patient satisfaction and their smiles motivate me to continue serving. Knowing that I can make a difference in their health drives me to give my best every day.”

A memorable patient encounter?

“I was seeing a wheelchair-bound patient, who is always accompanied by her husband. Over the years, we have built a close rapport and greeted each other like old friends. It is in this kind of positive relationship with patients that makes my job deeply satisfying.”

What's a motto you live by?

“Patients at the heart of all we do!”

Meet Sheila Koh, Principal Psychologist

Sheila (left) during a discussion with a fellow team member at her workstation

In her profession as a Psychologist, Sheila provides psychotherapy to individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or work-related stress. She helps patients gain personal insights, develop coping strategies, and improve their overall mental health; ultimately enhancing their quality of life.

What do you love about your job?

“What motivates me most is the ability to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Being present for my patients, encouraging them, and helping them recognise their own worth to better manage their challenges is deeply fulfilling.”

A memorable patient encounter?

“I once worked with an elderly woman who suffered from insomnia for many years and the lack of sleep took a toll on her, leaving her exhausted and unable to focus on work. Determined to find a solution, she embraced the strategies we discussed in our sessions. We practiced techniques together and later she was able to quickly fall asleep without the need for medications. This was a ‘miracle’ to her and she was overjoyed. Seeing her reclaim restful nights was incredibly rewarding for me as well.”

What's a motto you live by?

“Take one day at a time and enjoy the journey!”

Meet Lew Yee Peng, Dietitian, Allied Health Department

Yee Peng conducting a talk on healthy eating to a group of seniors at the Golden Series Seminar

Dietitians are health professionals who are experts in nutrition and the human diet. In her role, Yee Peng provides nutrition counselling to patients through medical nutrition therapy. At SingHealth Polyclinics, dietitians work collaboratively with doctors, nurses, medical social workers, and pharmacists to discuss patient cases. Beyond daily clinical duties, they engage with the community by conducting informative talks on healthy eating and diabetes, and actively support government health initiatives such as Healthier SG. Driven by her passion for patient education, Yee Peng also partnered with a colleague to partake in a series of healthy cooking videos.

What do you love about your job?

“The field of nutrition is dynamic and constantly evolving and I find joy in sharing knowledge about these emerging trends. The fulfilment I receive from patients is incredibly rewarding, especially when I can help them gradually achieve their health goals.”

A memorable patient encounter?

“I had a patient who initially felt overwhelmed and discouraged by her high blood cholesterol diagnosis. During one of her follow-up visits with me, she expressed her gratitude and gave me a thumbs up, as her cholesterol levels had significantly improved. It was rewarding to know that I have helped her to make healthier choices without depriving her diet.”

What's a motto you live by?

“Celebrate progress, not perfection.” With that, Yee Peng is constantly reminded that growth is a journey, not a destination, and that every step forward is worth acknowledging.

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