For Assoc Prof Raghuram, who is Senior Consultant of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at Changi General Hospital, his approach to mentorship was inspired by his own experiences as a young doctor. He recalls mentors who challenged him to think beyond clinical competence and develop as a professional and as a person, through honest feedback, unwavering belief, and generosity with time. Over time, he learnt that mentorship is one of the most meaningful ways to shape the future of healthcare, not only by passing on knowledge, but by helping others discover confidence, purpose and their own leadership journey.

That philosophy has remained constant throughout his career, even as the healthcare landscape has evolved.

Today, his mentoring extends across the full spectrum of the healthcare journey. He has guided medical students, nurses, residents, specialists and healthcare leaders, each at different stages of development and present distinctive challenges and opportunities.

By establishing psychologically safe spaces for everyone, he helps cultivate resilient healthcare professionals who are equipped to navigate increasingly complex environments.

He shares that his mentees have brought fresh perspectives and challenged long-held assumptions that enrich his practice – teaching him to remain humble and open to learning.

Across SingHealth, many of those he once guided have gone on to lead departments and future generations of clinicians. In doing so, they continue a cycle of learning and professional growth that began with a mentor who believed that the true purpose of mentorship is not to create followers, but to help others discover their own path.

As healthcare continues to evolve, Assoc Prof Raghuram's enduring lesson remains both simple and profound: great mentors do more than teach people how to do their jobs. They help people become the kind of healthcare professionals and leaders they aspire to be.

This article was first published on 3 September 2026.