Leadership Change in Department of Paediatrics, National University Hospital and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore & Head, Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Hospital
Published: 22 Aug 2025
Professor Lee Yung Seng (Left) and Adjunct Associate Professor Jacqueline Ong (right)
Professor Lee Yung Seng, who has served as Head of the Department of Paediatrics at the National University Hospital (NUH) and the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine) since 1 April 2017, and as Head of the Khoo Teck Puat – National University Children’s Medical Institute (KTP-NUCMI) at NUH since 1 April 2019, will be stepping down from these roles on 30 September 2025.
A Senior Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist and tenured Professor, Prof Lee has led the Department through a period of significant growth and transformation. Under his leadership, KTP-NUCMI has achieved major milestones and expanded its reach to better serve patients, families, and the wider community. His vision and dedication have significantly elevated the standards of paediatric care, education, and research across the National University Health System (NUHS).
During his tenure, Prof Lee oversaw substantial improvements in the accessibility of paediatric care. The establishment of the NUH Children’s Urgent Care Clinic in Bukit Panjang provided timely care for children with acute illnesses and minor injuries within the heartlands, enabling families to seek medical attention closer to home. In addition, the launch of the Children’s Clinic at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital brought specialist paediatric care to families in Jurong and the western region of Singapore, further improving convenience and access for the community.
Prof Lee also responded to the national need for continuing education in child health by guiding the development and implementation of the Graduate Diploma in Child and Adolescent Health at NUS. This programme has played a critical role in supporting the professional development of primary care providers, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver quality paediatric care in the community.
A landmark initiative during Prof Lee’s leadership was the establishment of the National University Centre for Women and Children (NUWoC) in 2023. As founding Co-Director, he was instrumental in bringing together the expertise and resources of the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and KTP-NUCMI, facilitating the seamless delivery of maternal and child health services across NUHS. NUWoC represents a collaborative model of care that strengthens the integration of services and enhances patient outcomes.
In addition, Prof Lee spearheaded multiple collaborations with both NUHS and external partners to develop and implement community-based preventive health programmes. These initiatives have made significant contributions to the advancement of maternal and child health, promoted healthier lifestyles among families, and improved health equity across the NUHS western healthcare cluster.
In the domains of education and research, the Department has continued to thrive under Prof Lee’s leadership. Faculty members have contributed to high-impact publications and secured competitive research grants, particularly in the areas of paediatrics and endocrinology.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Prof Lee for his outstanding service and impactful leadership over the past eight years. His efforts have left a lasting legacy and laid a strong foundation for the continued excellence of paediatric medicine at NUH, NUS Medicine, and across NUHS.
Incoming Head of Department
Adjunct Associate Professor Jacqueline Ong will assume the roles of Head, Department of Paediatrics at NUH and NUS Medicine, and Head of KTP-NUCMI, with effect from 1 October 2025.
Adj A/Prof Ong is currently Head and Senior Consultant of the Division of Paediatric Critical Care at KTP-NUCMI, and Adjunct Associate Professor at the Department of Paediatrics, NUS Medicine. She graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2003, before completing her postgraduate paediatric training at NUH. She subsequently obtained her Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and was admitted as a Member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in 2007.
In 2011, Adj A/Prof Ong received the Academic Medicine Development Award, which enabled her to pursue advanced subspecialty training in Paediatric Critical Care at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. During her time there, she also served as Chief Fellow of the Critical Care Fellowship Programme.
Her clinical expertise lies in the post-operative care of children with congenital cardiac conditions, and in the application of advanced life support techniques, including extra-corporeal life support. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and played a pivotal role in developing and advancing paediatric critical care services at NUH.
Adj A/Prof Ong also serves on the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Pediatric Intensive and Critical Care Societies (WFPICCS). In recognition of her contributions to the field, she was appointed President-Elect in 2022 and is slated to assume the role of President in 2026.
Her appointment as Head of Department is a testament to her strong clinical acumen, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to paediatric medicine. We look forward to the next chapter of growth and excellence for the Department under her stewardship.
