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My childhood dream was to work in the healthcare industry. Having joined the St John Ambulance Brigade during my secondary school days, I wanted to work as a nurse but due to personal reasons, I did not pursue my dream to become one, and instead worked in Human Resource (HR) for many years. The switch from the HR field to healthcare was a challenging move for me – a totally different skills set was required, the subject knowledge and experiences were all different! And so, it required some adjustment - learning and unlearning certain mindsets and processes, and thinking how I could better contribute in the clinic setting.
Despite the challenges, my love of serving people, allows me to befriend whoever walks into the clinic and keep them company during their journey. I feel that I am in the right place, working together with the rest of the dedicated healthcare professionals in my clinic. To me, this healthcare job is a meaningful and purpose-filled work. From the moment when the patient steps in, till they leave the clinic, every interaction and human touch means everything to them, as well as to me. Everyday, I see friendships and trust being built between the patients, the doctors and staff, which grows over time.
There has never been a dull moment in the clinic, as I get to meet different people every day, learn about different diagnoses and medical terms, and understand a little of what the patients are going through. In the clinic, I go through many different emotions, because I rejoice with those who are recovering well, and then feel sad with those whose conditions have deteriorated or have passed on.
I did not expect to working with doctors so closely, but making this career switch has also given me the privilege and honour to work with a well-known oncology surgeon, Dr Melissa Teo. Through my daily interactions with her, I can see her dedication and passion towards every patient, and this puts me in awe. Every team member also makes a difference, and strives to better serve all our patients.
I am thankful for the opportunity to be working in Melissa Teo Surgery and The Surgical Oncology Clinic, and to be a part of a team that aims to make the clinic visit a meaningful experience for all patients. I hope to continue to learn new things every day, and strive to contribute whatever means I have, in order to assist my doctors and team, in fulfilling their greater calling to impact the lives of patients.
- By Christina