Many of us work and slog through each day to better provide for our family members and loved ones. The passion for work comes when there is a purpose and to most medical doctors, the purpose is clear: to serve and save lives. Thus, doctors often work tirelessly, be it in the form of researching on new drugs, engaging in day-to-day rescue work, and/or supporting those in need in their respective specialties.
There are many unsung heroes who have contributed towards building the future of local medicine. Here we share two examples of how legacy gifts continue to encourage medical students in their medical education journey.
"Beyond my appreciation for the bursary granted by Dr Toh's family, I am deeply thankful for their good value of life-long commitment to helping and benefitting the lives of others. I look forward to helping others someday just as they have helped me."
– Mr Lau Lagarfeld, M2 student, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine
Dr Michael Toh
Dr Michael Toh was born in 1945 and passed away in 2015. He had firsthand experience as a medical student burdened with financial struggles. His father had passed away in his first year of medical school, but he was able to complete his education thanks to a close family friend's assistance which he never forgot. He was inspired to be a good doctor and was constantly paying the good deed forward.
In 1973, Dr Toh went on to complete his postgraduate radiology training on the back of a scholarship to the UK. He returned to Singapore in 1974, served at the Singapore General Hospital till November 1977, and joined Mount Elizabeth Hospital as consultant radiologist and the first head of the Radiology Department. In 1982, Dr Toh went into private practice and worked as a consultant radiologist and the founding partner of Radiologic Clinic Pte Ltd. He later served as head/chief radiologist and/or medical director in multiple companies, and was last a visiting consultant at Changi General Hospital and a clinical physician faculty member of the Diagnostic Radiology SingHealth Residency Program.
Dr Toh cared deeply for medical education and contributed to the training of residents even in his last days. He volunteered his scans for use in teaching future radiologists, so that they may benefit from learning about the subtlety of his condition.
In keeping with his vision of paying it forward, the Estate of Dr Toh would like to pass on this narrative to medical students from less privileged backgrounds. The SMA-Dr Michael Toh Kok Kuan Medical Students' Assistance Fund is the inaugural joint named bursary between his Estate and SMA Charity Fund (SMACF), created in loving memory of Dr Toh. With the help of this bursary, recipients can better focus on medical education and community service without financial burdens. The Estate passes on Dr Toh's legacy of reaching out to all in love and charity, and to bring hope and health to those in need.
Dr Wong Yu Yi
In early September this year, the medical profession lost Dr Wong Yu Yi, a dedicated family physician and a loving and supportive wife and mother. Dr Wong passed on peacefully in pursuit of her passion for diving in Blue Lagoon, Bali.
Dr Wong graduated in 1993 and had undergone stints of training in paediatrics, obstetrics, gynaecology and primary care. She had practised medicine in various establishments and was a warm and caring doctor to the elderly at Orange Valley Nursing Home. Her last area of practice was as an aesthetic-focused doctor in CSK® clinics where she applied her love for beauty and creativity through her work.
In memory of Dr Wong, the National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Medicine Class of 1993 set up an online campaign on behalf of those who knew Dr Wong, in support of SMACF. We are heartened to share that the campaign reached its target of $20,000 within 24 hours and has continued to gain momentum.
SMACF is honoured to be the appointed beneficiary for the campaign and we would like to thank the following donors for their contributions toward our beneficiaries. The collective effort of the medical community can truly make a difference! The amount may only be a fraction of what you have but it is a turn of fate for the students who receive it.
"Staff members remember Dr Wong as a warm and helpful doctor whom they liked and respected. Patients remember her as caring and gentle, always with a warm smile and greeting."
– Orange Valley Nursing Home
Wall of Appreciation
"In Memory of Dr Wong Yu Yi" Campaign
A/Prof Chai Ping
A/Prof Chen Yu Helen
Mr Chew Zheng Hao
Dr Chng Soke Miang
Dr Selina Ho Kah Ying
Dr Koh Yin Ling
Dr Lam Pin Min
Dr Lee Tzu Hooi
Dr Lim Hui Ling
A/Prof Lim Wan Teck Darren
Dr Lim Wei Kian
Dr Low Chin Howe Robin
Dr Ng Wai Chong
Dr Peng Yeong Pin
Dr Sin Wen Yee
A/Prof Tan Choon Kiat Nigel
Dr Tan En Yu
A/Prof Tan Hui Ling
Dr Tong Pei Yein
DrAnna Wong
Dr Wong Nan-Yaw
Dr Wong Tien Hua
Dr Andrew Yam Kean Tuck
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NUS Faculty of Medicine Class of 1993
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Other anonymous donors
Visit the campaign website at https://goo.gl/qavCM5 and join Dr Wong Yu Yi's friends and family co-build the legacy for future generations of doctors through the spirit of giving.
From Dr Wong Tien Hua, on behalf of NUS Faculty of Medicine Class of 1993
The NUS Faculty of Medicine Class of 1993 lost a dear sister on 6 September 2017. Yu Yi passed on doing what she loved: diving off the beaches of Bali. She was my bench-mate during biochemistry laboratory and anatomy classes in medical school. She was a quiet person who studied hard and was kind to share her knowledge with others.
We graduated more than 24 years ago and many of us have moved to our own fields of practice in Singapore and abroad. Some of us had not heard from each other since we graduated.
When we heard of Yu Yi's passing, news rapidly spread and within 24 hours, a class chat group was formed, connecting us from all over the world. Apart from remembering Yu Yi in our thoughts and prayers, we wanted to go beyond that and started raising funds for charity. The response was overwhelming and I sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to our cause.
If you wish to explore giving as a tribute to your beloved one(s) in support of SMACF and its beneficiaries, please drop us an email at smacharity@sma.org.sg.
Donations of $50 and above made to SMACF are eligible for 250% tax deduction and will go directly towards supporting the works of SMACF. Other than funding the basic living expenses of underprivileged medical students to give them more time to concentrate on their studies, it also helps to provide overseas learning exposure, recognition of mentorship and the promotion of volunteerism among the medical profession.