Gratitude, resilience and shared purpose set the tone as the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre (AMC) came together to celebrate the clinician scientists recognised by the National Medical Research Council (NMRC).
Organised by the Duke-NUS Centre for Clinician-Scientist+ Development (CCS+D), the celebratory dinner on 5 February honoured 34 clinician-scientists and clinician-innovators who received NMRC clinician-scientist, clinician-innovator and transition awards— milestones that reflect both individual excellence and the collective strength of the AMC.
The NMRC awardees share a photo with AMC key leaders and Duke-NUS Dean Prof Patrick Tan.
“More than a support unit”
In his opening remarks, Duke-NUS Dean Professor Patrick Tan described CCS+D as “more than a support unit”, underscoring its central role in building a strong clinician-scientist pipeline across the AMC.
“CCS+D represents our long-term commitment to academic medicine,” said Prof Tan. “It exists to support clinician-scientists not just to secure grants, but to grow, persevere and thrive over the course of their careers.”
Since its inception, the Centre has supported over 340 aspiring clinician scientists through its structured, longitudinal programmes such as the Individual Development Plan (IDP), which helps researchers develop a personalised roadmap aligned with their specific career goals, research strengths and scientific interests.
In his speech, Dean Prof Patrick Tan emphasised the important role played by the Duke-NUS Centre for Clinician-Scientist+ Development (CCS+D).
Journeys shaped over time
Among those celebrated was Dr Ku Chee Wai, a two-time Duke-NUS alumnus from the MD Class of 2013 and the PhD programme in Clinical and Translational Sciences, who had joined IDP in 2014.
Now a consultant in reproductive medicine at the KK Women’s and Children's Hospital, Dr Ku credits the Centre for being invaluable in shaping his career path as a clinician-scientist over the last 12 years.
He received his first transition award (TA) from the National Medical Research Council (NMRC) in 2024, after completing the Accuracy, Clarity and Eloquence in Grants (ACE-in-Grants) programme, a flagship initiative by CCS+D that focuses on supporting clinician scientists in drafting compelling research career grant applications.
With the funding he has received, Dr Ku hopes to develop innovative solutions to support couples from preconception through pregnancy and into the postpartum period.
Another ACE-in-Grants participant, National Neuroscience Institute research fellow Dr Sophie Deng Xiao, received a TA and new investigator grant in 2024 after completing the programme.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the guidance and mentoring support provided by CCS+D,” said Dr Deng, who is enrolled in Duke-NUS’ PhD programme in Clinical and Translational Sciences.
On mentorship and paying it forward
The event also paid tribute to 17 CCS+D faculty and the Centre’s programme leads including centre director Professor Darren Lim; ACE-In-Grants programme anchor Associate Professor Tan Yen Nee; principal lead mentor for the Clinician-Innovator Development Programme Associate Professor Derrick Chan and principal lead mentor for the Clinician-Investigator Development Programme Associate Professor Deidre De Silva.
Highlighting the importance of mentorship, Prof Tan encouraged the awardees to seek mentors in life. He also urged them to pay it forward as they progress in their careers by serving as mentors for the next generation.
The team of CCS+D faculty were also recognised for their contributions.
Continued support for budding clinician-researchers
This year, CCS+D launched the new Clinician Researcher Advancement Funding Talent Scheme (CRAFTS), which provides additional support to outstanding and talented clinician researchers even after they have secured their first grants.
“We want to continue investing in you, because we believe not just in your capacity, but we believe in you as part of the AMC,” added Prof Tan.
Presenting the 2025 CRAFT recipients.
The awards were presented by Duke-NUS Vice-Dean for Academic Medicine Professor Lim Soon Thye, who also spoke about the latest research and innovation initiatives at the AMC.
At the event, Duke-NUS Vice-Dean for Academic Medicine Prof Lim Soon Thye highlighted some key research and innovation initiatives at the AMC.
In a first, this year’s celebratory dinner was also held in conjunction with the 6th Research Skills Workshop hosted by CCS+D, with the aim of fostering a space for participants to connect and interact with the NMRC awardees and key leaders from the AMC.
CCS+D director Prof Darren Lim presents a token of appreciation to special guest Duke Professor of Paediatrics Professor Rasheed Adebayo Gbadegesin.
While the evening may have concluded, the journey continues for this community of clinician researchers at every stage of growth, from those launching their careers to others who continue to scale new heights.
“What’s exciting is that many of you come from the many difference disciplines all across SingHealth and that really reflects the strength of the AMC,” remarked Prof Tan.