During my time as a surgical trainee, the subspecialty of upper gastrointestinal surgery appealed to me most as it provided me with the unique opportunity to help a wider variety of patients. This field of work allows me to utilise cutting edge technology to cure patients with aggressive stomach or oesophageal cancer and to help patients with obesity achieve weight loss with remission of conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

Many patients are understandably worried about undergoing surgery and may avoid seeing a surgeon even when it is necessary, fearing that they will be forced or pushed to go under the knife. However, a consultation with your surgeon doesn’t necessarily mean that surgery will be required. Most surgeons will conduct a thorough assessment and discuss your condition and treatment options in detail. Surgery will only be recommended if it is in your best interest!

As a busy surgeon, staying current with the latest advancements and research can be challenging. However, I regularly participate in international conferences as an invited speaker and faculty member for surgical workshops. This allows me to interact with world leaders in the field. Additionally, I remain involved in clinical trials as a visiting consultant at NUH and serve as an Assistant Professor at NUS.

To provide the best care possible to our patients, always.

There are many! The biggest satisfaction probably comes from patients with stomach or oesophageal cancer who are unable to eat due to an obstructing tumour. Seeing them cured, with their loved ones, and eating normally again after successful surgery, years later, gives me a great sense of satisfaction.

Many patients tend to dismiss symptoms as “normal” or “usual” and wait until they worsen before seeking medical help. As a result, conditions like stomach cancer or esophageal cancer are often diagnosed at later stages. I make an effort to explain the benefits of early diagnosis and reassure patients that endoscopy is safe, easy, and can be pain-free. For patients with obesity, a common misconception is that obesity is merely a cosmetic or lifestyle issue. In reality, obesity is now recognized as a disease, similar to diabetes or hypertension. It is important that patients with obesity have access to medical treatment without facing stigma.

I ensure that patients have ample time during consultations to discuss their condition and treatment options. Additionally, we often use diagrams, brochures, information sheets, and online resources to supplement our consultations.

I go for runs daily before starting the workday. This helps me stay fit, destress and focus.

Robotic surgery is the forefront of upper gastrointestinal surgery. It has the potential to allow us to perform complex, difficult surgery safely. Another development in upper gastrointestinal surgery is the use of advanced endoscopy to remove upper gastrointestinal tumours and to treat patients with obesity. Advanced endoscopy can be used as a stand-alone procedure or in combination with minimally invasive “key-hole” (laparoscopic, robotic) surgery for more complicated cases.

People should take a healthy, well-balanced diet and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use. Patients with symptoms should not hesitate to see a doctor, and should not fear endoscopy. Remember, early diagnosis is key!