What does it take to define tomorrow's medicine?

These NMEA 2026 awardees tell a larger story about how research, clinical excellence, education, mentorship and community partnerships come together to improve lives.

“It is about what matters to the patient rather than what's the matter with the patient.”

Professor Teo Eng Kiong

Assistant Group Chief Executive Officer (Medical & Clinical Services), SingHealth; Chief Executive Officer, Sengkang General Hospital

Redefining what is possible in minimally invasive care

A gastroenterologist and hepatologist of international standing, Prof Teo developed techniques to treat severe pancreatic infections without open surgery, reducing complications. His innovations in managing gastrointestinal bleeding and advanced endoscopic procedures offer safer alternatives to surgery, adopted across Asia-Pacific. He has also driven Singapore's response to viral hepatitis, contributing to national guidelines and hepatitis treatment protocols for persons in custody.

Every patient teaches us something

The 2026 National Outstanding Clinician Scientist Award recognises Prof Gopal Iyer's commitment to bridging discovery and patient care. As Head of the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and National Cancer Centre Singapore, he established a head and neck cancer database for research, diagnostics, and AI training. Studying exceptional responders has spurred new therapies, paving the way for personalised cancer treatments.

Complex pregnancies should not mean navigating complex care

The STORK Centre, recipient of the National Clinical Excellence Team Award, is led by Associate Professor Tan Lay Kok and Assistant Professor Serene Thain from KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), Assistant Professor Tan Chuen Wen from SGH, and Associate Professor Michelle Jong from Tan Tock Seng Hospital, bringing specialists together to support women with high-risk pregnancies.

Strong families are built on strong foundations

Project ARIF, recipient of the National Community Care Excellence Team Award, supports couples from marriage through parenthood, promoting lifelong health and wellbeing. It is led by Associate Professor Suzanna Sulaiman, Dr Nur Adila Ahmad Hatib and Ms Siti Nurzakiah Zaran from KKH, and Mr Mohamad Helmy Mohamad Isa from MUIS.

Mentorship and education ensure healthcare continues to advance tomorrow

National Outstanding Clinician Mentor Award recipient Professor Terrance Chua Siang Jin, Senior Advisor at SingHealth and Senior Consultant at the National Heart Centre Singapore, has spent decades nurturing future clinicians. Beyond his achievements in cardiovascular medicine, he has built training pathways, developed leaders, and fostered a culture where mentorship flourishes across generations.

Bridging perspectives and improving patient care

National Outstanding Clinician Educator Award recipient Associate Professor Kevin Tan, Education Director and Senior Consultant at the National Neuroscience Institute, has advanced neurology education and interprofessional learning. His work helps healthcare professionals understand one another's perspectives, fostering the collaborative mindset needed to deliver better patient outcomes in an increasingly interconnected healthcare landscape.

This article was first published on 18 September 2026.

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