Neither Heroes Nor Angels

The possibility of a new global threat (pandemic) reared its head again recently with the reports of Mpox around the world. This seemed like a good excuse for me to write about some observations that I made in the recent years.

In the COVID-19 pandemic, many applauded healthcare workers as the heroes or angels in some sort of (heavenly perhaps) war against an evil virus. The truth may be so much more complex than that.

While convenient, these two stereotypes lock us down in two deadly ways. It assumes a divine power to heal – which we do not have – and an endless abundance of compassion and love – which we also do not have.

We have seen in recent years healthcare workers burn out mentally and physically. There were so many photo-stories of exhausted and defeated healthcare workers, the anguish plain to see.

May I therefore ask that everyone reconsider these two titles.

In reality, we are the last line of defense.

We are not the heroes you see in movies, charging in to destroy bad guys, with superhuman abilities. We are all too human, and as we are worn down, we become frail, vulnerable and error-prone. Entire communities must become teams that defend nations against such attacks, with healthcare workers being the last line of defense. By the time you get to us, it may already be too late. Prevention and protection will always be better than any treatment plan or cure.

We are also not angels, bringing forgiveness and blessings. Sometimes we have to make very tough decisions together with you and your loved ones, debating trade-offs in care and complications. You cannot afford to be passive in this. Sometimes, we have to be tough on you – holding you accountable to the promises you make to us that you will take good care of yourselves, so that each time we see you, we can work on taking the next step forward with you to better health. Sometimes we bring you bad news, but also the reality of human mortality, offering hope, support, and that you will never walk alone even when it is so tough.

Deliberately I use the word "tough". Because that’s what we have to be actually. That is the nature of the work that we do, and where we best add value.

During the pandemic, a friend asked how to address a donation of supplies to the hospital. She said “I will write that this is for our healthcare heroes”. I offered her an alternative. “We are more like athletes”, I said. We train relentlessly to higher and higher standards, we practice based on facts and results, and we must overcome our small voices and endure to continue day after day, in order to get those outcomes. We have bad days when we disappoint ourselves, and we also experience extraordinary days where we are so grateful and privileged to see the intimate parts of your lives.

Just like how you cheered our Olympians on, please think of us this way: we promise to tirelessly work together with you for your own health wishes. Some days, we will lift heavy burdens. Some days we need stamina for very long hours. We pep talk one another often. We coach and goad one another on. When needed, let us have rest and recovery days. Then we will all be in good shape to stand with you on your journey through life's ups and downs.

Singapore has one of the best public healthcare systems in the world, yet our Ministry knows that we still have a ways to go to becoming a health-sustaining ecosystem for future generations (HealthierSG will push us along). So let’s hold one another accountable and get there together, Mpox or not.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are my own. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of any part of the Singapore healthcare system.