Tiffany's day begins bright and early at 7:30 am as she commutes to Sengkang General Hospital (SKH), ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

Upon arrival at SKH, Tiffany begins her workday by catching up with her patients in the wards. Her morning also involves liaising with patients' families and preparing her to-do list for the rest of the day.

MSWs in Singapore provide psychosocial and emotional support to patients, as well as caregivers coping with a new diagnosis of illness, disability, or challenges in caregiving.

They also assess the financial resources available to patients, guiding them on healthcare subsidies, government assistance schemes, and discharge plans.

By addressing both emotional and medical aspects, MSWs help reduce the stress and burden of the medical process, ensuring that patients receive holistic care that goes beyond mere medical treatment.

  Tiffany enjoys a homecooked meal she has pre-packed with a side of fruit.

Lunch is something Tiffany eagerly anticipates each day. It's her cherished personal moment to savour her meal and unwind amidst the day's tasks. This break allows her to step away from the demands of her work, focusing on light-hearted conversations and catching up with her colleagues about their personal lives.

This opportunity to take a mental pause from her work and enjoy her lunch not only nourishes Tiffany physically, but also serves as a mental break that enhances her resilience and effectiveness as an MSW.

The daily ritual also underscores the importance of self-care in managing the pressures inherent in supporting others through their healthcare journeys.

  At her desk, Tiffany accesses and organises her notes.​

In the office, Tiffany assesses her current cases, prioritises patients needing immediate attention, and manages new cases. Her work extends to supporting patients' families and collaborating with the multidisciplinary care team which includes doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and even other MSWs to plan and coordinate ongoing and future care.

  Meeting in session: Tiffany discusses a patient's plans with her colleague

Tiffany has meetings with the multidisciplinary care team to coordinate comprehensive care plans that integrate medical treatments with social and emotional support for her patients. These collaborations are vital as MSWs advocate for patients' rights and ensure their voices are heard.

Tiffany also engages with external community care and social service organisations. This collaborative teamwork ensures patients have access to community resources such as home care services, rehabilitation programmes, and support groups.

Maintaining clear communication channels between these partners is crucial for providing continuity of care for patients beyond the hospital setting.

  That's it for Tiffany's workday

It's the end of the workday for Tiffany. She prioritises maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She firmly believes in leaving work at work, recognising the emotional toll that intense cases can take.

Tiffany shares, “When the workday is over, I let go. I've learned to accept that some things are beyond my control."

Setting boundaries is crucial for her mental well-being, enabling her to recharge and approach each day with renewed compassion and resilience.

Being an MSW presents its share of challenges. Tiffany expresses, “I definitely get affected by those (cases) that are closer to home." The emotional weight of guiding patients and families through tough times is profound. In addition, navigating the intricacies of healthcare policies and systems to ensure optimal care for clients adds another layer of difficulty.

“The hardest (part) is when they give up on themselves," Tiffany adds. She highlights a significant challenge MSWs face: balancing the perspectives of the clinical team with the personal desires of patients in their healthcare journey. From her experience, Tiffany has seen elderly patients opting to discontinue treatments or reject discharge plans, which can be hard for her to witness.

She views herself as a bridge between the clinical team and the patients, striving to balance the needs and perspectives of both sides. Her role involves helping patients through their decision-making process and ensuring they understand the implications of their options. For Tiffany, it is essential to ensure that patients' voices are heard and respected, even when the medical decision seems 'right' from a clinical standpoint.

From an early age, Tiffany felt drawn to a career in a helping profession, driven by her passion for assisting both the elderly and youths. Today, while navigating intricate healthcare environments, Tiffany uplifts others with empathy and insight.

Reflecting on her journey less than a year into this profession, she cannot imagine herself pursuing any other career for the rest of her life.

Tiffany offers this advice to aspiring MSWs: “Remember, while we're in a helping profession, we're not invincible."

Balancing compassion with self-care is essential to sustaining the ability to support others effectively. In challenging times, when fatigue and uncertainty set in, maintaining emotional boundaries and remembering the role and purpose of an MSW can renew motivation.

Curious about what a day in the life of a medical social worker looks like? Step into Tiffany's shoes to experience her workday on Tiktok! [Link to Video]

MOH Holdings (MOHH) is offering local and overseas scholarships to nurture the next generation of nursing, pharmacy and allied health professionals. These scholarships are offered in partnership with public healthcare institutions and allow you to study in local or overseas universities. For more details on the health science disciplines (including Medical Social Work) offered, check out this page.​