Message from Head of Department

Associate Professor Asim Shibbir
Head & Senior Consultant, Department of Surgery, National University Hospital
Senior Consultant, Division of General Surgery (Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery), Department of Surgery, National University Hospital
Head & Senior Consultant, Division of General Surgery (Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery), Department of Surgery, Alexandra Hospital
Senior Consultant, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
Group Chief, Surgery, National University Health System

Welcome to Department of Surgery The National University of Singapore (NUS) Department of Surgery has a rich history that dates back to 1913. Over the decades, the department has played a pivotal role in shaping medical education, establishing rigorous training regimes, and setting high standards for the education of doctors and surgeons.   
Central to this mission is the Advanced Surgery Training Centre, which is equipped with cutting-edge technology designed to deliver world-class educational programs. From 3-D virtual reality and advanced surgical simulators to neurosurgical operative microscopes and microsurgical skill labs, the centre integrates state-of-the-art tools with systematic educational programs. This combination of high-tech “gadgets” and structured learning ensures that surgical training standards continuously evolve to meet the demands of modern medicine, ultimately benefiting patients.

As Singapore and the region have rapidly developed, the Department of Surgery has proactively embraced new opportunities for growth and contribution. The department has intensified its focus on research, fostering multi-disciplinary collaborations with a wide range of partners. This approach has led to a tighter integration between translational research and the commercialization of medical technologies and innovations. Additionally, the department has expanded its administrative and infrastructural resources to better support research activities, all while continuing its commitment to training the next generation of exceptional doctors.   

Today, the Department of Surgery comprises 16 specialties, including Breast Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Endocrine Surgery, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Trauma Surgery, Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, Urology, Paediatric Surgery, Cardiac Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Emergency Medicine, and Biomedical Informatics.   
With over a century of history, the Department of Surgery has made remarkable strides while maintaining its core values of quality care and compassion. Clinically, the department offers a comprehensive spectrum of services for a wide range of surgical conditions, providing both inpatient and outpatient care. Our unwavering commitment is to deliver the highest standard of care for every patient we serve.   
Beyond surgery and clinical research, the department is at the forefront of innovation, exploring the use of mixed reality (MR) technology in medicine and making significant investments in artificial intelligence (AI). Despite these technological advances, the education of future academic surgical leaders remains a primary focus. Our mentors are deeply committed to nurturing and educating the healthcare professionals of tomorrow, ensuring that the department continues to make a global impact in research, education, and patient care.