Tribute to Dr Oon Chiew Seng (Class of 1948)
Published: 04 Apr 2022
Pioneering obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) practitioner and dementia nursing home founder, Dr Oon Chiew Seng, passed away on 31 March 2022 at a ripe age of 106.
Born in 1916, Dr Oon Chiew Seng was the youngest of 10 children. Originally a nurse, Dr Oon chose to pursue medicine after much encouragement from her brother. She persevered in her studies throughout World War II and eventually graduated from the King Edward VII Medical College, a precursor of NUS Medicine, in 1948. She took up a Queen’s Fellowship for specialist training in O&G in the United Kingdom. Dr Oon became one of the few women in Southeast Asia to qualify as a member of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists, during a time when further education for girls was discouraged and unusual.
As Singapore’s first private O&G specialist, Dr Oon led her own private medical practice from 1959 to 1991, resolving the unmet need for a female O&G specialist for women who were more comfortable consulting a female practitioner.
Even after retiring at 75 years old, Dr Oon did not slow down. She actively volunteered at a home for the aged sick before establishing Apex Harmony Lodge, Singapore’s first nuring home for dementia patients. Through this new venture, she introduced new care concepts for Alzheimer’s patients and patients with dementia after extensively studying and observing how eldercare homes were run, an endeavour which saw her travelling around the world.
Her efforts to raise awareness about dementia and generate support for caregivers inspired a contribution of funds for research on women’s health, anti-ageing and dementia at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. In 2011, Dr Oon established the Oon Chiew Seng Professorship in Medicine, Healthy Ageing and Dementia Research, which was subsequently renamed to the Oon Chiew Seng Professorship in Medicine. Professor Andrea Maier (seen in photo below), who is a Professor in the Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, is the recipient of this meaningful Professorship.
“A true visionary of her generation, Dr Oon Chiew Seng was a resourceful obstetrician and gynaecologist who continually sought to improve patient treatment, working alongside pioneering practitioners such as Dr Benjamin Sheares in Singapore’s nascent years. We also benefit from her work in laying out the concepts for dementia care in Singapore, which she brought to life through the establishment of the Apex Harmony Lodge – Singapore’s first dedicated home for dementia patients. NUS Medicine is deeply grateful to Dr Oon, who established the Oon Chiew Seng Professorship in Medicine, Healthy Ageing and Dementia Research, and the Oon Chiew Seng Distinguished Visitor Programme. Her tireless devotion to caring for the community and her steadfast drive to create impactful change will continue to be an inspiration to us all,” said Professor Chong Yap Seng, Dean of the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.
Click here for an illustrated comic short story on Dr Oon Chiew Seng
To learn more about the Oon Chiew Seng Professorship in Medicine, please click here.
To make a direct contribution to this Professorship fund, please scan the QR code below.
