Aim of Program   

The NHG-AHPL General Surgery Residency Program aims to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and attitude to become a well-rounded surgeon. You will be closely mentored by our strong team of clinician educators and surgeons who will guide you through a wide choice of clinical cases and operative repertoire.

The program, which is based in Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), in partnership with Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH), will provide you with the opportunity to learn and practice in multiple clinical settings in your exciting journey towards becoming a surgeon. We will also provide you will abundant opportunities to assist and perform various operations under the close supervision of our experienced tutors and surgeons.

We complement structured teaching and academic activities with on-the-job training to enrich your learning process and enhance your knowledge of the ever-evolving surgical fields.

Core areas of learning include general surgery, surgical critical care, hepatobiliary surgery, colorectal surgery, trauma surgery, breast and endocrine surgery, upper gastrointestinal (GTI) and bariatric surgery, vascular surgery, advanced laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery as well as surgical oncology. Elective rotations can also be assigned to widen exposure in plastic surgery, thoracic surgery and other surgical related specialties.

You will also receive training in patient safety, communications, evidence-based medicine and professionalism to make your development as a clinician complete. Furthermore, we provide the platform for active involvement in research projects to strengthen your understanding of patient care and disease management.

Collaborations with other institutions will give you the opportunity to interact with clinicians outside of our parent institutions and to build valuable networks for your future.

Example of Rotation for R1 Residents

Faculty Members

For further information, please contact:   

Program Director   

Adj. Asst Prof Vijayan Appasamy

Email: Vijayan_A@ttsh.com.sg

Associate Program Directors   

Dr Adrian Ooi Seng Wae

Email: Adrian_OOI@ttsh.com.sg

Dr Tan Kok Yang

Email: tan.kok.yang@alxendrahealth.com.sg

Program Coordinator   

Ms Seek Win Nie

Email: Win_Nie_Seek@nhg.com.sg

Frequently Asked Questions   

What are the advantages of being a surgeon?   

Comprehensive training in surgery enables you to make effective use of limited time to achieve maximum results. You will also learn to be decisive, as we face emergency situations all the time. You will be equipped with the relevant skills to perform surgery and procedures to help your patients.

You can often see the results of surgery in the removal of tumours and correction of disorders in patients almost immediately. Putting your patients on the road to recovery is one of the most meaningful and satisfying aspects of your job. As a surgeon, you will also have the opportunity to acquire and continue to develop your knowledge in the specialty. Many innovations constantly occur in the field of surgery to further enhance the quality and techniques to improve patients’ outcomes. 

How long is the training?   

Basic training encompasses a 3-year comprehensive program in various aspects of general surgery and surgical critical care to build a solid foundation for residents in the principles of surgery and systemic surgery.

Subsequently, residents will move on to senior resident years and focus more on the various subspecialties in general surgery.

During these years, on top of perfecting their surgical skills, they will gain academic knowledge and insights in the decision-making process in their journey to becoming a surgeon.

Are there research opportunities?   

Yes, NHG has just embarked on a groundbreaking new partnership with the College of Engineering of the Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

This collaboration will consolidate the projects that are currently ongoing between NHG and NTU teams, and will become the leading edge in applying the science and power of engineering to the art and precision of surgery. Please speak to our Program Director to learn more about these exciting opportunities.