The Academy held its very first virtual Induction Comitia on 12 March 2022. Gracing the event as Guest-of-Honour was Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Manpower.
That afternoon, a total of 130 Fellows including two FAMS (International) inductees were formally admitted into the Academy. In his message to the newly inducted Fellows, Master of the Academy, Professor Teo Eng Kiong, said: “As Fellow Academicians, we have various opportunities and avenues to enhance self-governance and self-regulation and I urge you to participate and contribute. You are encouraged to respond, contribute and make a difference by playing a vital role in providing professional advice, collegial support and expert opinions on healthcare matters and issues that affect our profession, practice and patient care. The privilege to self-govern and to self-regulate comes with responsibility.”
SMS Koh highlighted the Academy’s close collaboration and partnership with the Ministry in his speech: “Being the largest professional group of medical and dental specialists in Singapore, AMS frequently engages with the Ministry of Health (MOH) to promote medical excellence and the delivery of world-class healthcare. The Ministry enjoys a close relationship with the AMS that has been strengthening over the years through our regular engagements.”
In the area of advocacy, SMS Koh mentioned the Academy’ representation in many of MOH’s workgroups and committees. He also acknowledged the works of the Colleges and Chapters in the development and publication of guidelines and consensus statements to provide guidance to healthcare professionals on the changes in practice as well as in the management of patients during the pandemic.
The Inductees’ Pledge was led by Dr Leow Leong Chai, Chairman of the Chapter of Sleep Medicine Physicians.
Dr Koo Chieh Shen from the College of Dental Surgeons, Singapore said: “In medicine, we are colleagues, not competitors. Given that the professional terrain is continuously changing, the doctors of tomorrow must lean towards pillars of medical ethics and quality. We should anchor our actions to the principles advocated by AMS in maintaining high standards of competency and ethical integrity. In turn, we are provided with the opportunities and resources to succeed, strengthening relationships built on respect and trust.”
The Induction Comitia also witnessed the inaugural graduation of the Hospital Clinician Diploma programme which was a structured training programme launched by the Academy in 2019. The Ministry had endorsed the Hospital Clinician Scheme to offer opportunities for local doctors who are keen to develop a meaningful career as hospital clinicians in broad-based, clinical focused work in public hospitals. Hospital Clinicians will anchor inpatient care services in acute and sub-acute public hospitals in a role complementary to specialists.
In addition, the event saw the graduation of candidates from the Master of Health Professions Education Singapore (MHPE-S), the Staff Registrar Scheme (SRS) Diploma Programme as well as the presentation of the Annals Gold and Silver Reviewer Awards 2021.
The Induction Comitia was well-attended by Past Masters, Fellows, inductees and their guests, as well as representatives from medical organisations.
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