Olds (2024)

National STEM Challenge 2024 Semi-Finals

Aug 6, 2024

I was thrilled to host the semi-finals of the National STEM Challenge 2024! As part of this exciting event, the teams were presented with a real-world problem that is close to my heart: how to effectively communicate breast cancer risk results to the average woman.

The challenge aimed to inspire innovative, empathetic, and impactful solutions for translating complex genetic and health information into language and visuals that empower women to take charge of their health. Watching these brilliant young minds tackle this challenge with such creativity and determination was truly inspiring to me. Their fresh perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches remind us why STEM education is so vital for the future of healthcare.

A*STAR Central Research Fund Day

Feb 29, 2024

Moderated the panel Unlocking Success: Thriving as Independent Research Investigators in Singapore!

STAR Ambassadors

Jan 19, 2024

🌟 Celebrating the shining STARS of our community! 🌠✨ 

Who says it's all work and no play? To express our gratitude to the hardworking STAR Ambassadors, we treated them to delicious food and they had the opportunity to choose between a moss making workshop or soap making workshop - giving them a well-deserved break from tight schedules. 🚀 

Our STAR Ambassadors embody unwavering dedication and hard work. Each of them is a beacon of inspiration and shining light, nurturing the passion and curiosity of the next generation of scientific talents. Shoutout to Jingmei Li, PhD and Rosa So for your inspiring sharing! 🌈💫

Clinical primer on genomic medicine for primary care physicians

Jan 14, 2024

Primary care physicians or General Practitioners in Singapore are often the first point of contact for patients seeking medical advice, diagnosis and treatment for common illnesses and health concerns. They also establish a relationship of trust with their patients, and often care for more than one member of the family. 

As Singapore shifts its healthcare system’s focus from reactive treatment to preventive care, the emerging field of hashtag#genomicmedicine has the potential to transform healthcare for improved hashtag#populationhealth. 

With an individual’s genomic information, clinicians can not only assess health risks, but also stratify disease, guide clinical care, and provide a continuum of care for the wellness of patients. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health’s College of Family Physicians Singapore, and National Cancer Centre Singapore, our programme Precision Health Research, Singapore (PRECISE), co-organised a clinical primer on genomic medicine for primary care physicians on 13 and 14 Jan 2024. More than 110 clinicians attended the inaugural course, where they were introduced to the principles of clinical genetics, as well as the important role they can play in improving patient access to clinical genomics. They also gained insights into how to co-manage patients with genetic health professionals (such as genetic counsellors), and support patients and their caregivers in making complex decisions.

 The lead investigators of PRECISE’s clinical implementation pilots discussed how their respective projects are studying the integration of genetic testing into clinical workflows: 

🧬 Hereditary and familial cancer disposition by A/Prof Joanne Ngeow 

🧬 Understanding Familial Hypercholesterolemia by Dr Subramaniam Tavintharan 

🧬 Importance of genetic testing in kidney disease by A/Prof Kar Hui Ng and Dr Gek Cher Chan 

🧬 Pharmacogenomics in a nutshell for family physicians by Dr Elaine Lo 

🧬 Polygeneic risk scores: when should we use them? by Dr Jingmei Li, PhD 

Speakers also shared how to identify which patients (and their family members) may be suitable for genetic testing, as well as how these tests can also help with safer prescriptions and enhanced disease management. Additionally, participants got to read pedigree charts, interpret clinical genetic reports, and practise addressing patient queries about healthcare insurance.