How would you introduce yourself?

I am a doctor who loves my work. I feel happy being able to help my patients giving them the comfort and assurance in addition to healing them. 

I am also a father who tries to actively participate in my children’s growing up, a husband and a son who is constantly trying to give them the best.

What motivated you to practice medicine?

The seed was ‘sowed’ when I was ten years old by my late grandfather whom I was very close to. He was hoping I will be a doctor, the first in the family. The calling grew subconsciously thereafter. My humble growing up years also made me sensitive to my surroundings and people who need help. I chanced up many opportunities to serve and I enjoyed them. I developed a calling and I wanted to give back. I wanted to lead a meaningful life and practicing medicine will be the best way.

What's your specialty and why did you choose it?

My specialty is Ear Nose Throat (ENT) aka Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. I chose this because I am a person who likes to go into the finer details. In ENT, we are often dealing with structures that are a few millimeters from each other. ENT is also a unique surgical field. Besides surgery, we can also treat many conditions outpatient e.g removal of impacted ear wax, removal of foreign body or optimising the allergic rhinitis control with medicine. In addition, there are conditions that are being treated medically instead of surgery. It is also a good mix of medicine and surgery.

What’s your work-life balance as an ENT Specialist?

I go to work after dropping my kids off at school, hence I tend to start early. In the evening, I try to finish my work on time and be home early. After work, I always find time to exercise. Whenever possible, I will spend time with my children. I always make it a point to have dinner with my family at the end of the day. On weekends, I try to have family outings together. I try to road bike every Sunday morning and catch up with my riding buddies.

How do you prepare for work?

My days are fairly routine. I like to start the day with a good breakfast because lunch can be unpredictable due to work commitments. I usually clear my emails in the morning. If time permits, I do my GP replies too. I also spend time thinking or reading about complicated cases to optimise their outcome.

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced and obstacles you've had to overcome?

The biggest challenge I faced when I entered private practice was to build a steady pool of GPs who will refer their patients to you. My MBBS cohort had very few GPs. As such, I could not have a steady flow of referrals from my classmates.

I overcome them by making sure that the referrals are not always one way. As much as possible, I refer the cases back to the referring GPs or encourage the patients to return to their GPs for their follow-up in some chronic cases.

I hope to work in partnership with my primary care colleagues because a strong primary and tertiary cases model will benefit our patients most. It will be more cost-effective and satisfying for all parties involved. Hence, I hope to be able to support my primary care colleagues with their complicated ENT cases.

Have you found anything particularly helpful in your journey to where you are today?

Honesty, sincerity, and integrity. If you are genuine, it will be felt and appreciated even if you may not be perfect.

Perseverance. The journey through medical school and specialist training are not easy. I got married and had my children during my training years. I am lucky to have a very understanding wife who supports me through those challenging times.

What's your advice for doctors who are just starting out?

Stay focused on your course. When things become tough, always steer back to the initial reason you want to be a doctor. Everyone’s journey will be different. It’s the endpoint that matters – the reason why you want to be a doctor. Start your carer with a correct compass and always check that you have not deviated.

What do you do for fun?

I jog regularly, cycle with friends, play with my children and chill out with my wife. I enjoy the outdoor, the nature and love to travel to appreciate the diverse culture of the world.

Where can we go to learn more about you and your work?

My practice is at Ear Nose Throat Head & Neck Surgery at 3 Mount Elizabeth Road, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, #03-01/02, Singapore 228510. Tel: 67359688

You may also join me along ECP on most Sunday mornings for a ride.

Find out more about me on my Facebook, Linkedin, and Instagram.

https://www.facebook.com/limkenghua

https://www.linkedin.com/in/keng-hua-lim-38389648/

https://www.instagram.com/drlimkenghua/

--

👩‍⚕️ Dr Lim Keng Hua's profile

📧 Subscribe to AskDr's newsletter

👋 Instagram | Facebook | Main website