Choosing the Right Family Doctor

If you’re trying to find the right family doctor to suit your needs, read these tips from a new expat medical clinic in Singapore.

Whether you’re new in town or just keen to make a change, there’s a lot to take into account when searching for the best family doctor in Singapore. Establishing a long-term relationship with a doctor you can trust and grow with can prove priceless, so you want to make the right choice!

Here are seven key factors to keep in mind when making this all-important decision.

#1 Make it personal

No two patients are the same; that’s why healthcare tailored to your individual needs is important. It’s the reason that DR CLARICE CHIA WOODWORTH and DR TSIN UIN FOONG set up Osler Health International as a smaller, more personalised medical clinic providing primary healthcare for the entire family. This includes everything from women’s and men’s health services, teen healthcare, and children’s and newborn care to travel medicine, telemedicine, on-site medication dispensing, vaccinations and health screenings.

“Our ethos is patient-centric and we take a bespoke approach to the medical care required for each patient,” says Dr Woodworth.

This ability to listen is so important when it comes to choosing a doctor; the best clinics don’t rush you in and out to get to the next patient. To be heard and understood is a vital part of the transaction. This is even more crucial when it comes to mental health needs; you want a doctor who has the empathy skills to really hear you. Go with your gut. It’s easier to talk about private matters with someone you trust – and a good, trustworthy doctor is no exception. That’s why choosing a doctor who you can be open and honest with is truly worthwhile when it comes to your long-term wellbeing.

#2 Singapore experience

Don’t underestimate how important it is to find a family doctor in Singapore who isn’t just “passing through”. Over the years, experienced doctors build up a wealth of trusted referrals and know who to trust should you need specialist care.

While Osler Health may be a brand new clinic, the team of international multilingual doctors have looked after the global community in Singapore for many years now.

#3 Professional skills

Many GP doctors have special skills. For example, some are trained at putting in IUDs or have special training in family medicine. It’s a good idea to read the doctors’ bios and get recommendations.

#4 Native language skills

If you’re an expat in Singapore, choosing a family doctor who speaks your native language may be a key consideration. Since your GP is the goto resource for your healthcare needs, it’s easier if you can communicate as clearly as possible with the person who advises, examines and treats you, and helps you make crucial decisions about your wellbeing.

As an international clinic, Osler Health not only has patients from all over the world, but doctors who speak a variety of languages, too. DR PETER CHIU, for instance, speaks German, English, Mandarin and Cantonese.

“As a German speaker, I tend to see a lot of German families,” he says. “Being able to express the subtleties of what you need is always much easier in your native language. This is especially true for children. They feel comfortable talking to me, which is important when I do their developmental assessments.”

#5 Your family make-up #5

If you have teenagers, you may want to consider choosing a doctor in Singapore who has experience with adolescents. Some doctors are more comfortable with certain demographics than others.

#6 Location matters

Practicality is another key consideration when choosing a doctor – including, of course, location. You may want to focus on finding a family medical clinic that’s right near your office so you can dash over on your lunch break. Or, you might find it convenient to be able to take the kids for their check-ups straight from school pick-up.

With this in mind, Osler

Health has two clinics in prime locations across the island. The Raffles Hotel Arcade clinic – opened in December 2020 – is centrally located and convenient for those working in the CBD.

A second clinic opened last month in The Star Vista building. It’s particularly ideal for after-school visits for students from Tanglin Trust School, UWC South East Asia and Dover Court International School, and also those living in neighbouring suburbs such as Holland Village.

#7 And, remember... you have the choice!

If you see a doctor who isn’t a good fit, don’t forget that you have the right and choice to make a change. You can choose to see another doctor within the clinic or ask the receptionists for advice. Any quality clinic will happily direct you to a doctor that better fits your needs.