Dr Lim performing a procedure during a medical relief trip supporting the aftermath of the 7.8 magnitude Gorkha Earthquake in Kathmandu, Nepal in 2015. (Photo credit: Lim Hong Shen)
As a gift to future doctors, NUS Medicine alumnus and donor Dr Lim Hong Shen established the Lim Lian Hock Medical Bursary in 2018, named in honour of his father. Dr Lim, who juggles different roles as a general practitioner, educator and health information specialist, reflects on what giving means to him and why he readily does so for the School.
“Why?” would often be the first response.
“Did something happen to your dad!?” would often follow.
“You must have too much money!” mostly punctuate the conversations.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines “giving” as to freely transfer the possession of something, to someone. There are often preconceived notions of people who establish bursaries or scholarships: you must be born with a silver spoon to be willing to give; you need to be comfortable and settled in life to think about benefiting others; or you need to be wealthy to give. These perceptions usually surround money.
BUILDING STRENGTH OF CHARACTER
More than just to support students financially, the Lim Lian Hock Medical Bursary seeks to provide a safe space for mentorship. Every student supported through the bursary will have an opportunity to be mentored and themselves, guide the juniors that come after them. The bursary requires each beneficiary to give back to the community, by getting involved with GoHelp projects1 or participate in student-led Community Involvement Projects (CIP) that demonstrate a significant difference to healthcare outcomes in a sustainable manner. The bursary aims to bring together an increasingly socially-conscious community while inculcating the spirit of giving back.
It is expected for us as human beings to be kind to family, friends and peers. I know of many peers and friends, who have sacrificed a much more valuable commodity—their time, to guide and mentor students in the wards. My contribution with is but supplementary to the foundation of a good education. Every deserving student should be given an equal opportunity to receive quality education. We should all work together towards a society where it is just as expected to give, to be kind towards a stranger—a fellow human being.
1 GoHelp, or the Global Health and Leadership Programme, focuses on student-led, overseas community outreach initiatives that challenge and prepare our students for the increasingly globalised and complex practice environment they will work in.