Study Tour Diary from Singapore: Day 5

Authors: Ilham Aden, Elitsa Kamberska, Sara Sekhon, Xingjian Wu and Helen Hiu Tung Mac

Day Five: Health Systems Review at Duke-NUS Medical School

On the final day of our Singapore trip, we explored the theme "A Systems View of Health" during our visit to Duke-NUS Medical School’s Health Services Research Center (HSRC). Professor Marcus Ong, Director of HSRC, delivered a captivating presentation that offered a deep dive into Singapore’s healthcare model and the critical role of research in shaping its future.

One of the most striking insights was Singapore’s ability to spend only 5% of its GDP on healthcare, while still achieving excellent outcomes. Professor Ong attributed this to a highly efficient system that blends public, private, and people sectors. Public healthcare, supported by government hospitals, ensures universal access, while private providers help reduce waiting times for specialised care. The people sector—volunteers and community initiatives—plays a vital role in areas like elderly care and mental health, creating a comprehensive approach to healthcare delivery.

Professor Ong also discussed Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and patient care across the continuum, emphasizing the importance of a system that addresses patients’ needs from acute care to long-term recovery. As a leader in healthcare research, Prof. Ong links academic researchers, who possess the data and methodologies, with frontline healthcare providers to solve real-world problems. This creates a "learning health system," where the efficacy of healthcare interventions is continuously evaluated and improvements are fed back into the system.

We also had an insightful discussion on trust in AI, with Professor Ong stressing the importance of keeping humans in the loop. While AI holds promise for healthcare, maintaining transparency and human oversight is essential to build trust and ensure that AI complements rather than replaces human judgment.

After the session, we wrapped up our day with lunch at Marina One, a stunning architectural marvel nestled in Singapore's downtown. Surrounded by lush greenery and cascading water features, the futuristic design of Marina One blended nature and modernity beautifully. The serene atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop to reflect on our enriching journey through Singapore’s healthcare landscape while enjoying local delicacies. It was a memorable conclusion to our insightful trip.

Conclusion

Our week in Singapore was nothing short of transformative, filled with insights that left us deeply inspired to contribute to the future of healthcare. We were privileged to meet some of the most innovative and influential leaders in the field, individuals who are actively shaping the world through groundbreaking discoveries. These encounters made us realise just how fortunate we were to have the chance to engage with people working on the frontiers of science and technology, and their willingness to share their time and expertise left a lasting impression on all of us.

Exploring Singapore’s healthcare system was equally eye-opening. Its advancements in

sustainability, innovation, and healthcare technology were impressive, and we were particularly struck by how different the challenges it faces are compared to those of the UK. Singapore’s healthcare is built on a foundation of cutting-edge technology and efficient processes, which gave us much to think about regarding how healthcare systems in our own countries could be improved. Though we acknowledge that Singapore’s smaller size makes it easier to implement certain changes, it sparked ideas about what might be adaptable, even for large, complex systems like the NHS, which is currently grappling with numerous hardships.

What made this trip even more enriching was the opportunity to network and engage in one-on-one conversations with these healthcare leaders. Their generosity in sharing their knowledge and experiences left us feeling incredibly grateful. We walked away not only with valuable professional connections but also with fresh perspectives on our own careers and aspirations.

Beyond healthcare, we also had the chance to discover Singapore as a country, with its vibrant culture, diverse food scene, and dynamic mix of modernity and tradition. We left with not just new knowledge and inspiration but also new friends, all united by a shared passion for healthcare innovation. This trip will undoubtedly serve as a cornerstone in our journey, fuelling our ambition to drive positive change in healthcare in our own countries and beyond.