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Rheumatology

​NHG Rheumatology Residency Programme

Resident's Talk

“I chose Rheumatology because it is a very fascinating subject. It is like a jigsaw puzzle where we are trying to put the pieces together to form a bigger picture. It is satisfying to treat them and see them get better.”

Dr Paula Permatasari Tjokrosaputro
Senior Resident

Introduction Message

Rheumatology is the study of musculoskeletal and systemic autoimmune disorders. The NHG Rheumatology Residency Programme provides the resident with the best training experience to treat autoimmune diseases to prevent morbidity and disability.

The 3-year programme provides the resident with exposure to a broad spectrum of clinical cases, workshops, elective postings, and structured clinical teaching that are supplemented by didactic lectures. Rheumatology patients often have multi-system involvement, so managing them requires a solid foundation in all the disciplines of internal medicine.

The Department of Rheumatology initially started as a general medical unit (Medical Unit IV) at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH). Its focus on rheumatology only grew when Professor Feng Pao Hsii, Singapore's father of rheumatology, became the head of the department in 1979. At present, the Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology is a referral centre for patients with rheumatologic and allergic disorders in Singapore and the region.

As a rheumatologist, the resident will work closely with an expert team of health professionals including nurse clinicians, physical therapists, social workers, and patient support groups. This means that the practice of rheumatology is challenging. However, it is also immensely fulfilling as the resident builds up rapport with his/her patients.

The resident will also have the opportunity to participate in medical education, research, and clinical leadership in an open and nurturing environment. Our long tradition in teaching excellence also ensures that the resident will receive training that strongly emphasises clinical skills and judgment. Our faculty is composed of dedicated and distinguished award-winning teachers who have many years of experience as practising rheumatologists.

Research opportunities abound in the field of Rheumatology. Many aspects of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and therapeutics remain undiscovered. However, it is a fast moving specialty wherein cutting edge scientific discoveries and drug development constantly take place. The resident will have opportunities to explore both clinical and laboratory research, as our department has deep research interests with large databases and grant-funded studies.

 

Programme Faculty

​Programme Director

Dr Koh Li Wearn (TTSH)

​Clinical Core Faculty Members

Dr Howe Hwee Siew (TTSH)
Dr Samuel Lee Shang Ming (TTSH)
Dr Claire Teo Min-Li (TTSH)

​Faculty Members

Dr Kong Kok Ooi (TTSH)
Dr Bernard Thong (TTSH)
Dr Koh Ee Tzun (TTSH)
Dr Leong Khai Pang (TTSH)
Dr Lian Tsui Yee (TTSH)
Dr Law Weng Giap (TTSH)
Dr Madelynn Chan (TTSH)
Dr Faith Chia Li Ann (TTSH)
Dr Justina Tan Wei Lynn (TTSH)
Dr Grace Chan Yin Lai (TTSH)
Dr Mona Manghani (TTSH)
Dr Tan Sze-Chin (TTSH)
Dr Loh Mung Ee, Jess (TTSH)
Dr Lim Xin Rong (TTSH)
Dr Chua Choon Guan (TTSH)
Dr Xu Chuanhui (TTSH)