How would you introduce yourself?

I am a Christian doctor and my aim as a family physician, is to serve patients who come my way with love and humility.

God has also blessed me with a wonderful family – my supportive wife who helps me as a second doctor in my clinic, and 2 lovely kids.

What motivated you to practice medicine?

I like how I can apply what I learnt, and I also enjoy the conversations and interactions with my patients.

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

My specialty is Family Medicine. With the advancement of medicine and the increasing specialisation and subspecialisation of medicine, it is important to have doctors “specialising” in general medicine, and managing the patient as a whole, and having a helicopter view of the patient’s medical problems. I chose this field because I like a little of everything in medicine and surgery. We, family physicians are Jacks of all trades, and masters of family medicine!

How would one become a family physician with their own practice like yourself?

A dose of adventure, a dose of entrepreneurship, adaptability, some capital and a clinic space is all you need.

What do you feel most proud about in your career?

Setting up Crossroads Family Clinic and thriving during this pandemic

I also feel blessed to be able to serve my patients in the Tampines North neighbourhood.

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

COVID-19 with its many curveballs had proved the biggest challenge.

Managing staff issues and keeping the team united and motivated remains a big challenge.

Finally, running a clinic has taken away much time and energy. I am constantly reminding myself to put aside more time for my wife and my children.

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

I have been blessed to have friends and mentors in my family medicine career, both in the polyclinic (where I practiced for many years) and in the private sector.

My wife has always been a big pillar of support.

Last but not least, God has watched over me every step of the way.

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

Be willing to learn, be humble, and don’t be afraid to ask. I sometimes still text my ex-nursing colleagues from the polyclinic when there are some things I am unsure about.

Medicine is about helping our patients, so put our patients before ourselves.

What do you do for fun?

I love sports. I used to run marathons in my university days. I have recently picked up running again.

I love watching soccer and support Manchester United.

I think I am going to watch more badminton now after following the exploits of our new local hero Loh Kean Yew!

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

I recently wrote an article for College of Family Physicians Singapore about starting a clinic during the pandemic: https://www.cfps.org.sg/publications/the-college-mirror/article/1647

My vision for the clinic is also explained on the clinic website: https://crossroadsfamilyclinic.com.sg/about-us/our-clinic

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👨‍⚕️ Dr Quah Soon Wee's profile

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