Not many doctors started off with speciality training, but later found a calling in the first line of defence of healthcare, the primary care, and decisively pursued it with passion. This is Dr. Joel, a dedicated family physician with over a decade of experience, who has made it his mission to not only treat but also prevent illness, guiding his patients towards lifelong journey of healthier, fuller lives.
The Heart of a Doctor
Dr. Joel’s medical journey began in Singapore, where he received a robust education and rigorous training. Initially, he embarked on a path in heart surgery, driven by a desire to master complex medical procedures. Yet, as he progressed, he recognized a critical need for a shift towards preventive health—a realization that reshaped his career and life’s mission.
In 2021, he founded ATA Medical, a health screening business with two centers located in the Central Business District (CBD) in Tanjong Pagar and the Orchard area at Camden Medical Building. This venture was born out of Dr. Joel’s vision to create a comprehensive health screening center that prioritizes convenience and personalized care, where both corporate clients and walk-in patients could efficiently fulfill their health screening needs.
A Day with Dr. Joel
For Dr. Joel, each day starts early, reviewing appointments and preparing for patient consultations. His mornings are filled with health screenings and one-on-one discussions with patients, where he listens attentively to their concerns, assesses their health, and conducts necessary tests. Afternoons are dedicated to follow-up appointments, reviewing test results, and crafting personalized health plans. Throughout the day, Dr. Joel stays abreast of the latest medical research to ensure his patients receive evidence-based care.
Beyond the Diagnosis
What sets ATA Medical apart is its unwavering commitment to personalized care. Dr. Joel and his team take the time to understand each patient’s unique health needs, tailoring screenings accordingly. They offer specialized radiology and novel blood tests, often unavailable in conventional screening packages. Every doctor at ATA Medical has specific areas of medical interest, covering men’s and women’s health, longevity, sports, and occupational health.
Compassion in the Face of Challenges
Handling poor outcomes is one of the toughest parts of Dr. Joel’s job. Diagnosing cancers or dealing with terminal illnesses requires a delicate balance of empathy and professionalism. Dr. Joel draws on years of clinical experience and emotional sensitivity to support his patients and their families during such challenging times. He and his team often brainstorm together on difficult cases, ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate further medical care, whether it’s a specialist referral or palliative care.
Overcoming Personal and Professional Challenges
One of the most difficult moments in Dr. Joel’s career was handling the death of a patient early in his career. A jovial and kind middle-aged woman, she was recovering well from surgery but suffered a massive heart attack the day before her scheduled discharge. Despite their best efforts, Dr. Joel and his colleagues couldn’t save her. Informing her family of her passing was a heart-wrenching experience that left Dr. Joel in tears, highlighting the profound emotional challenges that come with being a doctor.
Shifting from heart surgery to family medicine was another significant challenge in Dr. Joel’s career. This decision, driven by a growing passion for preventive health, required reorientation and retraining. In hindsight, it has been incredibly rewarding, allowing him to make a broader impact on his patients’ overall health and well-being.
Celebrating Successes
One of Dr. Joel’s proudest moments was the successful launch of ATA Medical. Seeing the positive impact on patients and knowing that ATA Medical contributes to their long-term health is incredibly fulfilling. Each success story, each patient who leaves healthier and happier, fuels his passion for preventive health.
The Drive for Preventive Health
What motivates Dr. Joel every day is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in his patients’ lives through preventive health. The ability to detect potential health issues early and guide patients towards healthier lifestyles is a powerful motivator. For Dr. Joel, medicine is not just about treating diseases but also about understanding and addressing the unique needs of each patient.
A Good Doctor’s Definition
Dr. Joel believes that a good doctor combines medical expertise with compassion and empathy. They listen to their patients, understand their concerns, and provide reasonable treatment options. Staying informed about the latest medical advancements and integrating evidence-based practices into treatments are also crucial. Above all, a good doctor is dedicated to improving their patients’ overall well-being and quality of life.
Balancing Life and Work
To unwind after a busy day, Dr. Joel spends time with his family and engages in physical activities like jogging. He enjoys reading and occasionally cooking or baking healthy recipes. Practicing what he preaches, these activities help him relax, recharge, and maintain his own health and fitness.
Words of Wisdom for Young Doctors
Dr. Joel advises young doctors to remain curious and committed to lifelong learning. Medicine is an ever-evolving field, and staying updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Developing strong communication skills is essential in building trust with patients. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, patient-centered care, and maintaining a healthy balance between professional and personal life.
Building a Supportive Community
Community and patient support play a significant role in enhancing medical practice. Patients can support by actively participating in their healthcare, following medical advice, and maintaining open communication with their doctors. The community can promote health awareness, encourage regular health check-ups, and provide resources for preventive health initiatives. Collaborative efforts between doctors, patients, and the community can lead to better health outcomes for everyone.
Focus on Preventive Health, Patient Education, and Evidence-Based Medicine
Dr. Joel focuses on three key areas in medicine: preventive health, patient education, and evidence-based medicine. He emphasizes the importance of regular health screenings and early detection, empowering patients with knowledge about their health, and ensuring that all treatments and recommendations are based on the latest and most reliable medical research.
Dr. Joel’s dedication to preventive health and personalized patient care makes him a remarkable family physician. At ATA Medical, he and his team are committed to improving the overall health and well-being of their patients, one health screening at a time.
