Anaesthesiology
Anaesthesiology is a dynamic and intellectually stimulating specialty that requires the integration of clinical acumen, technical proficiency, and compassionate patient care. Each day presents the unique challenge of guiding patients with diverse medical conditions safely and comfortably through surgery.
The NHG Anaesthesiology Residency Programme is committed to nurturing residents into well-rounded, confident, and future-ready Anaesthesiologists. Our programme has established strengths in areas such as Surgical and Neurosurgical Intensive Care Medicine, Neuroanaesthesia, Trauma Anaesthesia, Regional Anaesthesia, and Pain Medicine. In addition, we are recognised for our advancements in Perioperative Medicine and the use of technology in the operating theatres and intensive care units.
With close mentorship from dedicated faculty and collaborative opportunities across institutions, you will be part of a stimulating educational environment designed to support your growth — clinically, academically, and professionally.
Curriculum
The NHG Anaesthesiology Residency Programme is a five-year training programme comprising three years of junior residency and two years of senior residency.
The first three years of the programme aim to build a strong foundation in the knowledge, skills and experiences in Anaesthesiology. This is achieved by providing graduated clinical exposure to various subspecialties in a range of clinical settings including the operating theatre, clinic, intensive care unit and general ward. During senior residency, continued supervision and mentorship enable residents to develop their leadership skills and pursue their clinical, research and education interests.
With rotations to partnering sponsoring institutions, the programme provides residents with the exposure to a wide range of practice and a wealth of learning opportunities.
Rotations
Junior Residency
A sample rotation schedule is illustrated below:
Senior Residency
24-month duration with at least 18 months of core anaesthesia training comprising the following:
1. General Surgery
2. Neurosurgery
3. Orthopedic Surgery
4. Radiological procedures
5. Urology
6. Vascular surgery
7. Cardiothoracic surgery
8. ENT and Eye surgeries
9. Outpatient Surgery
10. Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Obstetrics Epidural
11. Paediatric surgery
Teaching Activities
Our teaching programme is comprehensive and rigorous. Modular teaching sessions provide a broad-based foundation in applied physiology, pharmacology and subspecialty knowledge. More in depth case-based discussions, journal clubs, evidence-based reviews, and morbidity and mortality meetings are also attended by all our residents.
Intensive examination-based tutorials with viva and OSCE sessions are conducted by experienced physician faculty to provide additional examination preparation.
Our physician faculty have shared their expertise in the region through conducting subspecialty courses. Among others, there are the TTSH Neuro Anaesthesia course, BASIC course for intensive care medicine and Difficult Airway workshop.
Simulation has been utilised to develop well-rounded clinicians adept at technical aspects of the specialty, as well as having skills such as, professionalism, good interpersonal communication, leadership and collegiality. Each resident undergoes regular formative assessments matched to core competencies to ensure systematic progression. As the resident progresses in training, non-clinical skills in teaching, education, mentorship and supervision are also simultaneously developed through the interaction with junior residents, nurses, and medical students.
Programme Director
Dr Clarabella Liew (TTSH)
Associate Programme Directors
Dr Chen Qingyan (TTSH)
Dr Sharon Lam (KTPH)
Dr Foo Chek Wun (WH)
Clinical Core Faculty Members
Dr Chew Mei Fang (TTSH)
Dr Leon Lim (TTSH)
Dr Wee Jiayan (TTSH)
Dr Terence Quek (TTSH)
Dr Kwek Jia Li (TTSH)
Dr Cadence Wee Wei Lin (TTSH)
Dr Wee Sheila (KTPH)
Dr Ye Madong (KTPH)
Dr Felicia Tan (KTPH)
Dr M Priya (WH)
Programme Partners
The programme is primarily conducted in the departments of Anaesthesiology at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH). We also collaborate and conduct mutual exchange of residents with National University Hospital, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Singapore General Hospital to provide additional learning and networking opportunities for residents, and promote collegiality within the close-knit Anaesthesia community in Singapore.
Tan Tock Seng Hospital
The Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine of Tan Tock Seng Hospital offers residents a stimulating and challenging clinical experience. Our department is a national leader in Neuroanesthesia and Neurocritical care, Surgical Intensive care as well as Regional Anaesthesia. In addition, TTSH being a leading trauma centre in Singapore means that our residents have a rich clinical experience in trauma resuscitation and providing anaesthesia for polytrauma. Our dedicated and experienced faculty members uphold a strong tradition in teaching and mentoring, and consistently win teaching accolades. We strive to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for our residents to learn and practise the art and science of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain medicine.
Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
In Khoo Teck Puat Hospital's Anaesthesia Department, our residents receive exposure to a wide range of surgical cases in the operating theatres, intensive care units and wards. Besides pioneering the first Regional Anaesthesia Block Area (RABA) in the nation, airway management, geriatric anaesthesia, trauma anaesthesia as well as research are just some of our department's other strengths. We comprise a team of dedicated clinicians, both overseas and locally trained, each with a wealth of experience and skills to impart to our residents.
"As an NHG Anaesthesia Resident, I’ve felt genuinely supported every step of the way. The training is well-structured, hands-on, and guided by approachable, experienced consultants who are committed to teaching. There’s a strong sense of teamwork, and the environment encourages learning without fear."
- Dr Lisa Lim, Senior Resident
"Big thanks to NHG for having my back,
With mentors who catch what I tend to lack,
And snacks that help me stay on track."
– Dr Tan Yu Xuan, Senior Resident
"I'm lucky to work with amazing people who teach, support, and inspire me everyday - I genuinely look forward to coming to work!"
– Dr Ng Shihui, Junior Resident
"There is blood on my crocs, and I look down and around.
I spy other blood-stained footwear - and look up to see shining eyes.
We both declare today to be A Very Tiring Call and can’t help but laugh a bit as we look to the floor.
Red packs, yellow packs, glass bottles. Packs on packs, bottles on bottles.
A junior is at standing at the computer subtly rubbing his forearm. The syringes get stickier and stickier with blood, but no one complains.
I close my eyes briefly and listen to comforting beeps from the monitor.
We kick some blood-stained green towels on the ground. Did I get more blood on my crocs?
Everything is minor compared to our Very Tiring Call, compared to the beep beeps confirming that tonight, this one will survive.
Another junior runs up with the little slip of paper depicting the blood gas. Her eyes crinkle as we see our efforts reflected in numbers.
I am reminded once again why every one of us decided to be a part of this.
Tonight, has bonded us - our collective adrenaline and effort has kept one heart beating despite its threatening to stop.
The next time we see each other we would be a little bit closer.
- About my friends at work who support me."
Am I eligible for the programme and how do I apply?
For general queries on residency application and eligibility, please refer to this page for more information.
What electives can I take to broaden my clinical exposure?
For medical students who are keen to acquire an overview of Anaesthesiology and/or Intensive Care Medicine, we offer short clinical electives in the Department of Anaesthesiology at Tan Tock Seng Hospital. These clinical electives will allow students to appreciate the science and art of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine by means of hands-on learning experience and close supervision, complemented by a lecture series designed just for medical students.
What are the programme's selection criteria for residency application?
Please view the selection criteria here:
