Connecting deeply with patients as a women's doctor
"𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥.”
Meet Dr Felicia Chin, an O&G specialist at KKH’s Gynae OncoFertility Clinic, a joint clinic run by gynaecological oncologists and reproductive medicine specialists.
Q: How did you land in your role at the Gynae OncoFertility Clinic at KKH?
At a young age, I was intrigued by (yet terrified of) cancer. Coupled with my deep sense of connection with female patients, I decided nearly 20 years ago to pursue gynaecological oncology, as I was also drawn to the complexity of pelvic oncologic surgery. In 2020, I helped to establish the Gynae OncoFertility Clinic at KKH. The Clinic takes care of young women with gynaecological cancers. It also offers individualised treatment options with a focus on fertility preservation.
With more women getting married and giving birth later, we see more women diagnosed with gynaecological cancers while still desiring fertility. With improved prognosis and treatment outcomes, it is important that we support these women in their quest for quality of life in survivorship, including fertility and reproductive options.
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Q: What inspires you? A favourite story to share?
My patients are my greatest source of inspiration. I believe I am making a difference, and that fuels me to do better. I once had a patient whose ovarian cancer deteriorated suddenly five years after the initial diagnosis. Despite our encouragement, she declined further treatment but remained thankful to our care team. What Hippocrates* said then dawned on me: “To cure sometimes, to treat often, to comfort always.”
*Hippocrates is the ancient Greek physician who is considered the pioneer in modern medicine.
Q: What is your life philosophy and what does me-time look like?
Life is short, carpe diem and find your ikigai! I enjoy my food 🍱, and complementary to that is staying physically active! Rhythmic cycling is one of my favourite activities to keep me going. I strive to fit it into my hectic schedule so I can keep eating!