Healing Hands, Happy Hearts -
Discovering the heart of Healthway Medical GPs
At Healthway Medical, our dedicated General Practitioners go the extra mile to not just diagnose ailments, but to truly comprehend the lifestyles and needs of the patients they serve. Our mission? To revolutionise the GP-patient dynamic. We’re not just closing the gap; we’re building bridges. By fostering deeper, more meaningful connections with our residents, our GPs aim to create a healthcare experience that’s not just about treatments, but about understanding and empowerment.
Our Healing Hands, Happy Hearts series offers you a glimpse into the person beyond being a dedicated Healthway Medical GP, their journey, perspectives and their aspirations for the people they serve.
His journey in medicine began during medical school, where community medical attachments sparked his passion for family medicine. Since then, Dr Adam has gained diverse experience across various medical disciplines, including General Medicine, Paediatrics, Dermatology, Geriatrics, Orthopaedics, and Infectious Diseases.
What truly sets Dr Adam apart is his unwavering commitment to a holistic approach to healthcare. This approach, inspired not only by his medical training but also by his wife’s work in social services, allows him to consider the broader life circumstances that affect his patients’ well-being, going beyond just treating physical symptoms. Dr Adam has a keen interest in Chronic Disease Management, focusing on conditions like hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. He’s not just treating illnesses; he’s on a mission to transform his patients’ mentality in healthcare by emphasising preventive care, mental health awareness, and patient empowerment.
As an advocate for proactive healthcare management, Dr Adam encourages his patients to take charge of their health through regular check-ups, lifestyle modifications, and early intervention. In this blog, we’ll explore Dr Adam’s philosophy, his insights on various health topics, and how his approach to family medicine significantly impacts patient care.
Join us as we discover Dr Adam’s approach is shaping the future of holistic primary care.
Welcome to Healthway Medical, Doctor! We're thrilled to have you join us as our GP. Could you tell us what motivated you to choose family medicine?
Hi everyone, my name is Adam. My love for family medicine blossomed during my medical school years. We were attached to GPs in the community to learn from them and experience family medicine firsthand. The experience of shadowing general practitioners in community settings opened my eyes to the profound impact a family doctor can have. I was captivated by the opportunity to build lasting relationships with patients and their families, guiding them through various health challenges over the years.
Since earning my medical degree, I have equipped myself with knowledge from diverse medical postings. From bustling polyclinics to nursing homes, from community practices to fast-paced acute hospitals, each posting has added a unique dimension to my medical expertise. Now, I’m excited to bring this wealth of knowledge and experience as a GP. My goal is to forge strong, trusting relationships with my patients, offering them comprehensive care that addresses their immediate health concerns and focuses on long-term wellness and prevention.
When I’m not in the clinic, I cherish the time spent with my lovely wife and our three adorable cats. This balance in my personal life reinforces my belief in holistic well-being, which I strive to promote in my professional practice as well.
The diverse experiences you've gained across various healthcare settings seems to have enriched your medical expertise. Who are some of the key individuals who have inspired and shaped your approach your work?
Throughout my career in the medical field, I’ve been fortunate to encounter numerous exceptional general practitioners who have profoundly shaped my approach to medicine. These interactions, whether as friends or colleagues, have been invaluable learning experiences. Each GP I’ve met has imparted unique wisdom that I’ve carefully collected and integrated into my practice. Their diverse approaches and insights have enriched my understanding of patient care, helping me evolve into a more well-rounded physician. I constantly reflect on these encounters, drawing inspiration from their dedication, empathy, and clinical acumen.
Outside the medical field, my greatest inspiration is undoubtedly my wife. Although she doesn’t work in healthcare, her career in social services, assisting those in need, has deeply influenced my perspective on patient care. I’ve learned the critical importance of truly listening to patients from her. She’s shown me that health issues often stem from or are exacerbated by challenges in other areas of life – financial struggles, work-related stress, or housing difficulties. This holistic perspective has become the cornerstone of my practice, enabling me to provide more comprehensive care. By integrating these insights with my medical expertise, I strive to address physical ailments and the broader factors influencing my patients’ well-being, ultimately fostering robust connections and delivering more effective, personalised healthcare.
Your wife's influence on your patient care approach is truly inspiring. As a doctor, you undoubtedly face significant demands on your time. How do you balance your professional duties and personal life while maintaining such a holistic approach to patient care?
While the life of a general practitioner can be undeniably hectic, I find that family medicine aligns perfectly with my pace of life. The dynamic nature of a GP’s role offers a unique balance I’ve come to cherish. Even during the busiest clinic days, finding a few minutes to engage in meaningful conversations with patients about their lives and families is refreshing. These brief yet invaluable interactions enhance the doctor-patient relationship and provide a refreshing respite amidst the whirlwind of medical consultations.
Rather than constantly chasing the next “big thing” or succumbing to the relentless pace often associated with other medical specialities, I’ve chosen to embrace a more measured approach. I make a conscious effort to carve out time for relaxation, personal interests, and quality moments with loved ones. This balanced lifestyle rejuvenates me and enhances my empathy and effectiveness as a general practitioner. This approach allows me to bring a fresh, energised perspective to each patient encounter, ensuring that I can offer the highest quality of care while maintaining my sense of fulfilment and joy in my work.
You've mentioned that the dynamic nature of a GP's role offers a unique balance you've come to cherish. Can you share some strategies or lifestyle tips you use to maintain this balance?
Putting lifestyle tips into practice is always easier said than done. It’s important to recognise that sometimes, feeling overwhelmed or frustrated is not only normal but sometimes necessary for growth. When these feelings arise, take some time to “zoom out” and review our lives –
- what are our stressors,
- what brings us joy, and
- how we can work to achieve balance.
Taking time to review our physical health – such as going for health screening tests – is also a good way to ensure our body is well-equipped to handle the good and bad times.
Mental health is as important as physical health. In Singapore, mental health awareness and recognition is growing however there are still a lot of progress to be made (especially in the battle against negative stigma around mental health disorders). If you have questions or concerns about mental health, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. A brief conversation with a doctor can offer clarity, support, and direction.
Your realistic and encouraging insights on evaluating our stressors and finding what works for us are very helpful. It's reassuring to know that feeling overwhelmed is a natural part of growth. Can you share what's on the horizon for you in your career and personal journey?
Currently, I am hoping to deepen my knowledge regarding family medicine by pursuing further education and continuous learning. More importantly, I am sure that I will gain invaluable hands-on experience from my patients as we see each other more in the clinic. I look forward to the privilege of building long-term relationships with my patients, learning from their diverse experiences and unique health journeys. Initiatives like HealthierSG provide me the opportunity to provide comprehensive care across a spectrum of health issues, from acute conditions to chronic disease management. As my patients and I grow older together, I anticipate the rewarding challenge of adapting my care to their evolving needs.
On a personal level, I am equally committed to nurturing a strong and supportive family life whilst remembering to enjoy the journey and not just the destination.
Good luck with your continued efforts and pursuits! As we conclude, is there a message or advice you'd like to offer your community?
My message to the community is that primary healthcare in Singapore is robust and well-equipped to support our journey to live healthy lives; however, the true potential of this system can only be realised when we, as individuals, take an active role in our own health management. I invite you to shift your perspective on your health journey: Be proactive, not reactive. Take charge of our medical conditions instead of these conditions taking charge of us. Engage in preventive care and regular check-ups.
As a dedicated family physician, I’m passionate about empowering our community to take control of their health. I am always happy to take a few more minutes to explain more about a diagnosis, treatment or lifestyle changes. I am excited to learn from my patients and contribute to their healthcare journeys.
