2023 marked a year of significant progress for Duke-NUS Medical School and the wider SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre (AMC). Building on the lessons learned from the pandemic, we focused on strengthening our workforce, advancing research with real-world impact, and anchoring our practice on a patient-centred approach to healthcare.
Investing in the future of healthcare education
Recognising the need for a skilled and adaptable healthcare workforce in the face of evolving healthcare demands, we established four new centres of excellence under the Academic Medicine Education Institute (AMEI) to bolster interprofessional education. This initiative aims not only to upskill our healthcare professionals but also to foster a paradigm shift in how teams collaborate across professions to deliver optimal patient care. In 2023, we celebrated the graduation of Duke-NUS’ largest cohort to date, many of whom joined the academic medicine partner, SingHealth. This cohort included the inaugural graduates of the PhD in Clinical and Translational Sciences programme, designed to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, creating new pathways for aspiring clinician-scientists.
These graduates join a growing network of exceptional alumni, including two recipients of the 2023 Outstanding Young Alumni Awards from the National University of Singapore, testament to the calibre and impact of our graduates. Our newest graduating class, who completed medical school during a global pandemic, embodies a unique blend of resilience and technological proficiency— crucial assets in a healthcare system that is being reshaped by artificial intelligence (AI) and the realities of climate change.
Harnessing innovation for better patient care
The AMC’s commitment to improving patient care extends beyond education. Scientists at Duke-NUS and across the AMC are actively leveraging AI to augment clinical decision-making processes. To further exploit the benefits of new technologies and innovations, the AMC launched the Alice Lee Innovation Centre of Excellence at the biennial SingHealth Duke-NUS Scientific Congress. This is the first innovation node designed to accelerate the development and adoption of new technologies, with more nodes to be launched across the AMC’s campuses.
However, technology is only one aspect of our approach. Recognising the importance of a holistic perspective, the AMC established the SingHealth Duke-NUS Medical Humanities Institute to integrate humanities into medical practice, education and research. The Institute aims to improve person-centred care while enhancing healthcare providers’ personal experience of care delivery.
Research with real-world impact
On the research front, Duke-NUS and AMC faculty continue to make significant breakthroughs translating scientific discoveries into tangible benefits for patients. From an antibody treatment that can restore kidney health to cultured neurons that can repair the damage caused by a stroke, our scientists work at the forefront of medical science. With clear clinical application, these innovations have attracted significant interest from both large pharmaceutical companies and startups.
Additionally, our researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries using our unique bat colony, decoding the immune response mechanisms of bats, thereby identifying a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs with the potential to treat various inflammatory diseases. Notably, the first author on this project is a clinician-scientist in training at SingHealth, exemplifying the seamless integration between research and clinical practice within the AMC.
Collaboration and recognition
This dedication to research excellence is reflected in our faculty’s success in securing competitive research funding. Last year, they received research grants from agencies such as the European Research Council and the National Medical Research Council. Additionally, their work was recognised by prestigious awards from professional associations such as the American Heart Association and leading institutions like the National University of Singapore.
Beyond recognition, Duke-NUS fosters a strong network of global and local partners, allowing us to pursue research with broader impact. We are particularly grateful to the donors and philanthropic organisations who share our vision of transforming medicine and improving lives. Their support is crucial in propelling our research agenda forward.
Looking ahead: A commitment to continuous improvement
I extend my sincere gratitude to the entire Duke-NUS community–faculty, staff, students, alumni, and members of the Governing Board—for their dedication to our shared mission of improving the lives of patients and communities. The lessons learned from navigating the pandemic have equipped us to face challenges, such as the rapid development of new technologies, the growing threat of climate change and ensuring the wellbeing of an ageing population. The SingHealth Duke-NUS AMC, with its diverse teams of scientists, clinicians, students, alumni and staff, is uniquely positioned to reshape paradigms on the wellbeing of people, communities and environments. By harnessing the power of innovation, collaboration, and a person-centred care, we can redefine the future of healthcare, ensuring a healthier and brighter future for all.