​Forum: Grateful to medical staff who helped dad to live and leave with grace

Our father, Mr Tan Lip Seng, died recently after a courageous five-year battle with gall bladder cancer. While widely known for his contributions to photography – including receiving the Cultural Medallion in 1985 – he was, to our family, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who lived with quiet dignity and resilience.

We write to express our deepest gratitude to the medical teams who were with him through a difficult time.

From diagnosis to his final days, the care he received at Singapore General Hospital, the National Cancer Centre Singapore, and HCA Hospice was marked not just by clinical excellence, but also by humanity and compassion.

We are especially thankful to Professor Alexander Chung, Dr Law Yan Mee, Associate Professor Goh Su-Yen, Associate Professor David Tai, Dr Michelle Tan, Dr Victoria Wong, and the many registrars, medical officers and nurses – including those from SGH Ward 55B and Ward 45 Intermediate Care Area – who cared for him with unwavering dedication.

Their efforts gave him not just extended time, but also meaningful time: time to create, to love, and to be with his family. Even at the end, when he chose to return home for his final moments, it was their support that made it possible.

Thank you for helping him live and leave with grace.

Tan Eng Loy (Dr)