Ms Chelsea Law
Senior Principal Podiatrist, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
In Singapore’s battle against diabetes, a surprising hero emerges: the podiatrist. And at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH), Chelsea Law is leading this charge, one step at a time.
As Senior Principal Podiatrist in KTPH, Chelsea has seen firsthand how diabetes can devastate lives. It is not widely known that foot complications can be one of the most serious consequences of diabetes.
Her work goes far beyond tending to her patients’ lower limbs – Chelsea empowers patients to walk confidently again, restoring their mobility and transforming their quality of life, both for the patients and their family.
But Chelsea knew that winning this fight required more than just treating wounds. She noticed a critical gap: many diabetic patients couldn’t access appropriate footwear, a simple yet crucial tool in preventing complications.
Singapore has one of the highest lower extremity amputation rates due to diabetes. Foot care and proper choice of footwear are paramount to preventing diabetic foot ulcers resulting in lower extremity amputations.
Commercial “diabetic” shoes could cost up to S$400 – an impossible sum for many patients already burdened with medical bills. Chelsea’s solution? Develop affordable, stylish footwear that patients would actually want to wear. Working directly with shoe experts her team created a shoe, costing just one-third of typical diabetic footwear, while incorporating essential features like spacious toe boxes, increased depth for insoles, and soft lining to prevent abrasion.
“The biggest fulfilment is seeing patients using the shoes they were given when they visit us for their follow-up appointments and hearing that they wear the shoes daily activities, but do not feel stigmatized wearing them”
Beyond her groundbreaking diabetic footwear project, Chelsea’s approach to fighting diabetes includes establishing joint-consult clinics focused on diabetic foot services, where multiple specialists – from endocrinologists to vascular and orthopaedic surgeons – collaborate on patient care. This team approach allows for early detection of complications and delivers coordinated care that transforms patient outcomes.
Chelsea is transforming Singapore’s podiatry landscape. When Chelsea started, Singapore had fewer than 20 podiatrists, most of whom were expatriates. Today, she joins a growing team of local talent at KTPH, inspiring them to push boundaries and embrace innovation in patient care. Her mentorship is shaping the next generation of healthcare innovators who will continue the fight against diabetes.
Through innovative solutions, collaborative care, and dedicated service, podiatrists like Chelsea are changing how we combat diabetes. They’re proving that sometimes, the key to winning a national health battle lies right at our feet.
