THE HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
The Department of Surgery traces its beginnings to 1913, when Edward Whittle was appointed as Singapore’s first Lecturer in Surgery. Singapore, then a rapidly growing British colony, was in desperate need of qualified medical care. Our equally modest and fledging medical school, the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Government Medical School, was itself recently established, having only been founded in 1905 with an initial cohort of 16 students.
For several decades, the Department played a vital role in medical education by establishing the training regimes and setting rigorous benchmarks for the training and education for doctors and surgeons. Professor Yeoh Ghim Seng was Head of the Department of Surgery in 1955, the first Asian to hold the position during British Colonial period. During his headship, Prof Yeoh shaped surgery in Singapore and paved the way for many talented Singaporean surgeons to follow. He brought with him the latest techniques from Cambridge to impart to his colleagues and benefited patients. One of Prof Yeoh's important contributions was bringing the first half of the FRCS exam to Singapore and this sped up the development of surgery in Singapore. With the rapid growth of Singapore and our region, the Department has actively positioned itself to create and seize new opportunities to grow and to contribute.
The initiatives undertaken include a further intensified focus on research, including multiple-disciplinary and collaborative efforts with a wide array of partners; a tighter, more integrated approach between translational research and commercialization of surgical and medical technology and innovations; more comprehensive administrative and infrastructural resources to support research activities; and most importantly, to continue training many excellent doctors for the nation. These bold thrusts will not only raise the Department’s level of teaching to new heights, but will engender a culture of excellence in research and innovation that will be globally impactful.
The Department of Surgery at the National University of Singapore (NUS) has played a pivotal role in shaping surgical education, research, and clinical practice in Singapore and beyond. From its humble beginnings to its current stature as a leading institution in medical training and innovation, the department's journey reflects a commitment to excellence and continuous advancement in the field of surgery. The Department of Surgery now encompasses fourteen specialties: 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, Multi Organ Transplant Surgery.
Foundation and Early Growth
The Department of Surgery was founded in response to the growing need for specialized surgical education and training in Singapore. Under the leadership of Professor Chan Kong Thoe, the inaugural chairperson, the department initially focused on establishing core surgical disciplines and fostering collaboration with local hospitals.
Expansion and Specialization
During the 1980s, under the guidance of Professor Abu Rauff, the department expanded its surgical specialties to include areas such as cardiovascular surgery, orthopedics, and oncology. This period marked significant advancements in surgical techniques and patient care, with NUS surgeons pioneering minimally invasive procedures and surgical robotics.
Integration of Research and Clinical Practice
In the 1990s, led by Professor WalterTan Tiang Lee, the department strengthened its research capabilities and established the Surgical Research Unit. This interdisciplinary approach facilitated groundbreaking research in tissue engineering, transplant immunology, and surgical outcomes, enhancing the department's reputation as a center of excellence in surgical innovation.
Global Collaboration and Technological Advancement
The turn of the millennium saw the department under the leadership of Professor Adrian Leong embrace international collaborations and partnerships with renowned surgical institutions worldwide. This era witnessed the adoption of state-of-the-art technologies in surgical education and clinical practice, including simulation training and telemedicine.
Leadership in Surgical Education and Patient Care
In recent years, under the stewardship of Professor Lee Chuen Neng, the department has continued to excel in surgical education, training generations of surgeons through residency programs and fellowship opportunities. The establishment of specialized centers of excellence in areas such as robotic surgery and transplant surgery has further solidified NUS Surgery's reputation as a leader in patient-centered care and surgical innovation. Present Day - Vision for the Future:
Today, the Department of Surgery at NUS remains committed to its mission of advancing surgical knowledge, improving patient outcomes, and addressing global healthcare challenges. With a diverse faculty of world-class surgeons and researchers, the department continues to push the boundaries of surgical practice through innovative research, education, and compassionate patient care. As NUS Surgery looks to the future, it remains dedicated to its core values of integrity, collaboration, and excellence, ensuring that it continues to shape the future of surgical education and healthcare delivery in Singapore and beyond.
Expanding and Continueity
Krishnakumar Madhavan The Department of Surgery at the National University of Singapore (NUS) has seen significant developments during 2020s, continuing its long-standing tradition of excellence in medical education, research, and clinical care. The department expanded its research initiatives, focusing on multidisciplinary and collaborative efforts. This included integrating translational research with the commercialization of medical technology and innovations, which enhanced the overall research infrastructure and supported the training of excellent doctors for the nation. In 2024, NUS Medicine launched the CN Lee Professorship in Medical Sciences to honor Professor Lee Chuen Neng, a renowned heart surgeon known for his contributions to medical teaching and mentorship.
