Today, we have Rui Fen from our pioneer batch of graduates recounting her experience thus far!
Could you share more about your career path so far?
I was among the pioneer batch of graduates from NTU’s Double Degree in Biomedical Science and Traditional Chinese Medicine (BMS Curriculum) course in 2010. I won the Eu Yan Sang (EYS) scholarship during the course of study, and thereafter entered EYS Integrative Health to work as a TCM physician in their clinics post-graduation. I continued my clinical practice there for 9 years. Shortly after my second child was born, I made a switch in career path to the public health sector, where I worked in Tan Tock Seng Hospital as an Assistant Operations Manager in the Surgical Department for over a year. In 2019, I made the transition back to clinical practice in EYS, and have been here since as an Associate Senior Physician.
What is the main inspiration/background behind your choice of career?
I entered the NTU course because I’ve always felt a calling towards healthcare, and chose TCM over western medicine due to the influence of my mother who always has been interested in alternative and natural treatments. Over the course of study, I found that the theories in TCM really resonated with me. This was especially so during our overseas hospital attachment in Beijing. Observing TCM applied practically on such a large scale, and seeing the benefits it brought to patients, convinced me that this was the path I would like to continue in. I also really like that my job allows me to directly interact and provide treatment to patients. I think if I was not practicing TCM, I would still be in healthcare in one form or another.
What are some of the challenges you faced?
One of the main gripes I had with clinical hours was that they are not typical office hours. Most TCM physicians would have to work at least one day of the weekend, and for those with family and children, that could be a negative – which was the case for me. The career switch I made back then was precisely for this reason, but I’ve since resolved it by coming back to TCM practice and working reduced hours.
Another challenge for me is the lack of active case/ experience sharing within the TCM community. Throughout the years of practice, there have been occasions where I’ve met with complicated cases that I could not resolve, but there was no platform for me to actively obtain recommendations. In western medicine specialist practice, platforms for such sharing are part of routine practice (journal clubs and grand rounds), and I feel we could consider implementing this in TCM.
Is there anything else you would like to share with fellow alumni who might be going through a similar situation?
Always remember your 初心 (original intention) for going into practice. Continue to stay curious and be ready to learn.
If at any point you feel stagnated or disheartened, allow yourself to learn new things- it could be Qigong, different acupuncture methods, nutrition, or even philosophy. Often times, these will broaden our minds and bring new inspiration to our clinical practice. Or revisit the Classics. They take on a different meaning when viewed through a more experienced lens, and may spark new understanding helpful to our practice.
Finally, keep in touch with the TCM community, with friends and mentors where possible. Most of everyone staying in practice have a true love for TCM and would be willing to share ideas. They will continue to inspire you in your journey ahead.
From PULSE Magazine 6th Edition
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