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OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY

Introduction to Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) or ENT

ORL or ENT is a specialty of medicine which has a good balance between medical and surgical management of patients.

The majority of ORL patients are managed in the outpatient clinic, with the help of specialized ORL instruments, as well as modern equipment such as microscopes, endoscopes, and diagnostic videostroboscopes.

Many patients will also require ORL surgical intervention, for example head and neck cancer patients. Surgery is also carried out with minimally invasive techniques, usually involving endoscopic sinus surgery of the nose, and microsurgery in the ear.

Audiological expertise and testing is a separate area of training, and we have the services of audiologists and audiotechnicians to assist us in this area. Speech and vestibular therapists are also crucial members of our ORL team.

For the ORL surgeon who wishes to subspecialise, there are opportunities to obtain further fellowship training in otology, rhinology, head and neck surgery, laryngology, and facial plastic surgery. Subspecialists often work with other surgical disciplines, viz neurosurgeons, opthalmologists, radiologists, or respiratory physicians in a multidisciplinary approach to difficult clinical problems.

Lastly, there are now increasing opportunities to participate outside of clinical ORL medicine, in areas of research or academic teaching.

In conclusion, ORL or ENT is a clinical specialty which provides a good balance between medical and surgical management of patients, and well as the opportunity to do research or teaching. Very importantly, the nature of this specialty allows for the chance of a healthy balance between work and other non-work related activities in life.

Pre-Residency ORL exposure in TTS

Our ORL department has been part of the undergraduate teaching program of NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (YLLSOM) for the past 20 years.

More recently from 2008, our faculty members have also pioneered the teaching of head and neck anatomy for the students of the Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School.

Since 2009, medical students from 4th year of YLLSOM have also been doing 1 month or longer student elective postings in our department to get more deeply involved in ORL clinical and research work, and also to gain opportunities to publish in scientific journals.

Presently, the NHG residency program is developing the “Transitional Year” concept, which may involve a work posting in ORL at the end of transitional year. Of course, the chance for a normal 6 month medical officer posting rotation through ORL department will also still continue.

Overview of the NHG ORL Residency Program

We will be conducting a 5 year residency program.

Our ORL Residency Program aims to equip residents with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitude to become a well-rounded ORL surgeon. You will be closely mentored by our strong team of clinician educators and surgeons who will guide you through these 5 years of residency training.

The program is based in Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), in partnership with Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) and will provide you with the opportunity to learn and practice in multiple clinical, surgical, academic and research settings in your exciting journey towards becoming a surgeon.

We complement structured teaching and academic activities with on-the-job training to develop clinical skills. Very important in the training of any aspiring surgeon are the opportunities to assist and perform various operations under the close supervision of our experienced surgeons.

Some elective rotations in the intermediate years of ORL may be to departments outside of TTSH and KTPH, to widen exposure in paediatric ORL, general surgery, plastic surgery, or any other surgical related specialties.

Besides clinical training in ORL, you will also receive training in other skills such as communications, patient safety, evidence-based medicine and professionalism to make your development as a clinician complete.

Furthermore, we will provide the platform for active involvement in research projects, and also to participate and present at conferences both locally and overseas.

Faculty Members

Name	Designation and Department
Program Director:
Dr Yeo Seng Beng	Senior Consultant, Department of ORL, TTSH
Associate Program Director:
Dr Stephen Lo	Consultant, Department of ORL, TTSH
Dr David Loke	Consultant, Department of ORL, KTPH
Faculty:
Dr Samuel Yeak	Head and Senior Consultant, Department of ORL, TTSH
Dr Paul Mok	Head and Senior Consultant, Department of ORL, KTPH
A/P Siow Jin Keat	Senior Consultant, Department of ORL, TTSH
A/P Mark Khoo	Senior Consultant, Department of ORL, TTSH
Dr Julian Lee	Senior Consultant, Department of ORL, TTSH
Dr Chong Yaw Khian	Consultant, Department of ORL, TTSH
Dr Jeeve Kanagalingam	Consultant, Department of ORL, TTSH
Dr Kenneth Oo	Associate Consultant, Department of ORL, TTSH
Dr Andrew Loy	Senior Consultant, Department of ORL, TTSH
Dr Chan Siew Chee	Visiting Consultant, Gleneagles Hospital
Dr Nelson Chee	Visiting Consultant, Mt Elizabeth Hospital
Dr Ravi Sheshadri	Visiting Consultant, MD Specialist Healthcare, Paragon and East Shore Hospital
Dr Yuen Heng Wai	Visiting Consultant, Changi General Hospital