Nationality: Singapore
Faculty & Year of Study: Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Year 1
Undergraduate: National University of Singapore, Singapore
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." -Albert Schweitzer
Why Did You Choose To Pursue A PhD?
I believe I am at that stage in my career where I am ready to contribute new understanding to the collective knowledge base in the field of cardiovascular disease. Pursuing my PhD will allow me to ascertain innovative and best care approaches that are grounded in research and evidence.
Why Did You Choose To Pursue Your PhD At NUS?
The Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies under the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS is my Alma Mater – I completed my undergraduate studies here with very wonderful life skills. There is no other University I trust better with my PhD journey than NUS.
Can you tell us briefly about your research topic?
My research is on cardiac rehabilitation program design and delivery to inform public policies on the adoption of digital health systems to bridge the gap between hospital settings and the community.
Why did you choose to do this research for your PhD?
My clinical experience working as a nurse in a Cardio-Thoracic Intensive Care Unit propelled me to understand the current gaps in secondary prevention of coronary heart disease that my patients encountered. Amidst the burgeoning covid-19, equipping individuals to self-manage their chronic conditions and operationally supporting hospitals with digital communication infrastructures, the long-term costs on patients and burdens on healthcare resources and manpower can be reduced.
How does PhD graduate education compare with your undergraduate experience?
PhD Education is definitely a more independent journey than undergraduate learning. There is more freedom to decide how your learning takes place.
What do you like most about graduate school?
I enjoy the autonomous and independent learning the most in my graduate experience so far.
What challenges have you faced during your stint as a PhD student?
An initial challenge I faced in graduate school was managing my time between my PhD life, my social life and my family time. However, with proper communication and with the support of my Supervisors, I was able to overcome this challenge – I now have a more balanced time-management.
Any highlights you'd like to share with us about your PhD life?
Reaching an ‘Eureka’ moment in my PhD thesis development was definitely one of the highlights I will never forget in my graduate school journey.
Can You Tell Us Something Fun About Your PhD Journey In NUS?
Seeing and working with all the familiar friends and faces at my alma-mater ALCNS has definitely been a bonus in my graduate journey.
Any advice for someone who's considering a PhD in NUS?
PhD at NUS – Come for the education, stay for the learning, leave with a multitude of knowledge!
Any other words of wisdom to share?
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” -Albert Schweitzer