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February 4, 2025
Healthcare professionals in Singapore work under constant pressure, handling long hours, emotional stress, and demanding patient care. But behind their uniforms, they face personal challenges, health struggles, and emotional burdens—just like the people they treat.
A new book, Humanity: Behind Every Face, collects stories from 50 healthcare professionals at Alexandra Hospital. The stories reveal the personal sacrifices, resilience, and moments of vulnerability that come with working in healthcare. Many shares how their experiences outside of work shape the way they care for their patients (Source).
Healthcare workers are not immune to health problems. Many face serious medical conditions while continuing to serve patients.
Ashley Nguyen, a corporate planning manager, battled thyroid cancer twice. Having gone through treatment herself, she now connects deeply with cancer patients, offering them support beyond just medical care. Serene Poh, a senior project specialist, had a 12-hour surgery for a brain tumor while raising a young child. Despite the risks, she continued her work in healthcare, knowing firsthand what it means to be a patient (Source).
These experiences change how they approach their jobs, making them more empathetic and patient-focused.
The COVID-19 pandemic made the emotional strain on healthcare workers worse than ever. A study found that many healthcare professionals in Singapore reported high levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout while treating COVID-19 patients. The overwhelming workload, long shifts, and the risk of exposure took a toll on both their professional and personal lives (Source).
During the crisis, some chose to live apart from their families to avoid exposing them to the virus. Others continued working despite exhaustion, balancing personal fears with professional duty. These sacrifices were essential in keeping Singapore’s healthcare system functioning during the pandemic (Source).
Singapore’s healthcare professionals are not just doctors and nurses—they are individuals with their own struggles, responsibilities, and emotions. Their commitment to patient care often comes at a personal cost, but their stories show that healthcare is not just about medicine. It is about compassion, resilience, and the drive to keep going even in difficult times.
Understanding the human side of healthcare can help create a more supportive work environment for medical professionals. As patient expectations rise and workforce challenges continue, recognizing the people behind the profession is more important than ever
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