#BehindTheScope with Consultant Urologist, Dr Fiona Wu

Urologists are medical doctors are specialised in conditions that affect the urinary tract (kidney, ureters, bladder, urethra, and prostate in men) in both the young and old, as well as diseases that affect the reproductive system.

In light of International Women’s Day, we’d like to feature Consultant Urologist Dr Fiona Wu, a doctor dedicated to empowering women to seek the healthcare they need and deserve. In this #BehindTheScope interview, we get up close and personal with Dr Fiona Wu, as she provides some insight into her profession and passion. 

1. Why did you decide to become a doctor?

It’s the easiest job to be able to help people in general. In my younger years, as a JC student, it was hard to make a career choice — but I ultimately chose a tough but very fulfilling job.

 

2. Why did you choose your specialty?

I chose to specialise in Urology because it’s such an exciting field with many innovations, and there is instant gratification when the patients get well fast.


3. What do you look forward to everyday before heading out to your clinic?

The most satisfying thing is seeing my patients get well, of course!

It’s very gratifying to be able to help patients regain continence — especially since women often consider urinary incontinence as something as “natural” as our skin sagging or bones getting weaker — but that’s not true. Many conditions causing these symptoms (like the inability to hold urine) are very treatable. You can gain control of your life again, and I enjoy helping people achieve that.

For male patients, it’s really fulfilling when they can pee well after their treatments for enlarged prostates or other voiding problems.


4. What is one common misconception the general public has about your specialty? What’s one thing you wish the public would realise about it?

There’s a common misconception that only male patients have to see a urologist and females only see gynaecologists! As a urologist, we see both genders, and we can treat both.


5. Why did you decide to set up a private healthcare centre as compared to other healthcare settings?

I chose to start Aare Urocare because I can provide treatments in a more timely, personalised and effective way. As my clinic has most of the equipment required for a diagnosis, patients are able to save time and costs after the consultation. 


6. What is the most memorable moment in your career?

One of the most memorable moments was when I spent a year in Switzerland for my fellowship. Living and working in Europe was a real eye-opener!

Due to cultural differences, the Europeans are generally more independent when they have urological conditions, and I learnt how to teach our local patients about self-care and self-motivation. Also, doing complex cases with my mentors was really stressful and challenging but very rewarding and enriching at the same time.


7. What piece of healthcare advice would you give to Singaporeans?

Being proactive and taking ownership of your health also means listening to your body well. Look out for signs and symptoms and visit your doctor to get checked if you experience any symptoms that concern you. Often, many of these conditions are treatable and outcomes are best when the problems are addressed early. 

Please take care of your health and take responsibility for it! Know your conditions and understand the treatment plans and medications!


8. What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

Can I just say sleeping? *laughs* Well, I like to exercise on days when I’m not so tired, and holidays overseas are always good for the soul. 

About Dr Fiona Wu

Dr Fiona Wu is the Medical Director & Consultant Urologist at Aare Urocare in Gleneagles Hospital, Singapore. She has been a practitioner in the field for over 15 years, and her clinical interests include female urology, neuro-urology and reconstructive urology. She believes strongly in treating urinary incontinence in holistic ways using minimally invasive methods. 

#BehindTheScope Interview with Gastroenterologist, Dr Benjamin Yip

Gastroenterologists are medical doctors who are specialised in conditions that affect the digestive system. This includes the gastrointestinal tract (oesophagus, stomach and intestines) and the biliary tract (liver, bile ducts, pancreas and gallbladder). In this #BehindTheScope interview, we get insights from Dr Benjamin Yip, who tells us more about his profession and passion.

1. Why did you decide to become a doctor?

My parents are both doctors, and they have both inspired me in their own ways. 

Also, for males doing Medicine in Singapore, it was something different - being able to experience NS and pursue our studies - which seemed like a good proposition then!

2. Why did you choose your specialty?

I have been interested in digestive medicine since Medical School, so for me, my mind was already set on becoming either a Digestive Surgeon or Gastroenterologist. I did a posting in General Surgery as a Medical Officer and, in experiencing both, I realised I preferred Gastroenterology!

3. What do you look forward to everyday before heading out to your clinic?

I look forward to solving each and every digestive problem for my patients. I especially love it if I am able to solve their problems with endoscopy, which is one of my greatest passions within the realm of Gastroenterology. 

4. What is one common misconception the general public has about your specialty? What’s one thing you wish the public would realise about it?

Many people think Gastroenterologists also do surgeries for their patients. In actual fact, we are physicians, so we don’t do surgeries. The digestive surgeries are done by Upper Gastrointestinal, Hepato-pancreato-biliary and Colorectal Surgeons. So, Gastroenterologists work very closely with these 3 groups of surgeons. 

I wish the public would realise the importance of screening for certain digestive cancers like colorectal, liver and stomach. They can present/rear their ugly head in late stages, so it is really important to go for screening when one is of a certain age and/or has certain risk factors.  

5. Why did you decide to set up a private healthcare centre as compared to other healthcare settings?

I have worked in the public healthcare sector for close to 20 years. Eventually, I’ve come to realise that I wanted to set up something where I have free rein to focus on important aspects of patient care. 

In the public sector, there are times when you are pulled away from patient care for other duties such as education, research or administration. Even the way we manage patients may be restricted in the public sector, and this is much less the case in the private sector. 

6. What is the most memorable moment in your career?

This was when I was awarded the MOH Health Manpower Development Plan Award to pursue further training in Advanced Endoscopy — a subspecialty within Gastroenterology which I am most passionate about. I spent a year in London, UK, and had one of the most fruitful and rewarding seasons in my career.

7. What piece of healthcare advice would you give to Singaporeans?

Good health is not just about good physical health. Psychological, emotional and spiritual health is just as important and are often overlooked. Take the time to enjoy the moment, whatever the circumstances, so you won’t regret it when the time has passed. 

8. What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

I like to run and do HIIT to de-stress and keep fit. I also like to read up on the latest car models and go for test drives when my schedule allows for it. Lastly, I love travelling, and I am so glad the borders are now open — hopefully, COVID-19 will soon be but a memory!

About Dr Benjamin Yip

Dr Benjamin Yip is the Medical Director & Consultant Gastroenterologist at Alpha Digestive & Liver Centre. He has been a practitioner in the field for almost 20 years, and his expertise lies in advanced endoscopy, where he performs complex endoscopic procedures, such as ERCP, EUS, deep enteroscopy Spyglass cholangioscopy and enteral dilation/stenting.