I have always been interested in mechanics, movements and injuries affecting the human musculoskeletal system and being an athlete as well, I could understand how injuries can affect someone. Choosing orthopaedics was a natural extension of my character and purpose in life to help treat patients with injuries to get them back as quickly as possible to the things they love doing and to ease the pains and discomforts they may feel move easily again.

Patients should select an orthopaedic surgeon who is equally skilled and can explain the injuries and treatment options in an understandable way. A good orthopaedic surgeon considers non-operative treatment options first unless the injury is serious enough to require surgery. Most importantly, the orthopaedic surgeon should be devoted to aftercare as that is equally as important as the surgery or any treatment rendered for the condition the patient is suffering from.

I am involved in teaching both younger doctors as well as peer doctors, and as part of various orthopaedic societies such as the European Foot and Ankle Society, American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Singapore Orthopaedic Association, AO Association, I am also often involved in meetings and discussions with fellow surgeons on best practises for orthopaedic conditions. This is the way I keep current with the latest developments in the field in addition to my own readings and journals.

My patient care philosophy has always been to be a partner with them and walk with them through their journey of treatment and recovery. In this regard, it is a combined effort together with my patients equipping them with the knnowledge and tools to help them recover and to also to provide the best orthopaedic care tailormade for them to allow them to get back to a good quality of life.

I performed the 1st lateral total ankle replacement in Southeast Asia for a patient with bad arthritis in his ankle that many other surgeons were unable to treat effectively. This case was meaningful for me because it allowed him to walk without pain after the surgery and this was important for his livelihood.

It was a case that held great significance for me as a surgeon as I was able to make a valued difference not just to the patient, but also to his entire family, as well as help bring back the latest and advanced techniques from Switzerland to Singapore.

One of the most common misconceptions patients have is that they think surgery is easily recommended, but it is actually often a last resort that orthopaedic surgeons may employ after various other possible treatments. The key then is to select a doctor that will recommend the right treatments in the right priority for the patient. Also some patients have serious conditions that require surgery but are often afraid of it. This is understandable but surgical options in orthopaedic surgery these days are advanced and many surgeries are minimally invasive which ensures less pain and shorter hospital stays.

I use several resources in my clinic such as models, diagrams, videos to give patients an understanding of their conditions and their treatment choices. I also ensure a adequate consultation time with my patients to ensure they have full understanding of their condition and their options for treatment.

I enjoy exercising in the mornings before I start my clinics or surgeries. Exercise gives me a energy boost that allows me to translate this to better patient engagements. A good cup of coffee also helps!

The use of robotics and AI in the field of orthopaedics is certainly one of the most exciting developments. As a surgeon treating my patients, I believe many patients can benefit from these developments and I am happy that I can share and utilise these for my patients.

Some injuries and fractures are unfortunate as they occur due to accidents which no one can predict or have any control over. However one of the ways patients can help to prevent these injuries or fractures is to ensure good bone quality and muscle strength. In this regard, strengthening exercises and Vitamin D and Calcium supplementation can help. If pain persists for more than a week, it is always good to seek an Orthopaedic surgeon to investigate more throughly.