Tan Liang Sheng was awarded the Health Science Scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Podiatry from the University of Southampton. He also holds a Master of Business Administration (Specialisation in Healthcare Management) from the National University of Singapore. Currently, he is the Principal Podiatrist and Team Lead for Podiatry Services at National University Polyclinics, a member institution of NUHS.
In an ever-evolving healthcare landscape, the importance of specialised care cannot be overstated. Podiatrists play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating foot-related conditions, helping patients regain mobility and maintain a high quality of life.
Igniting a Passion for Healthcare
Tan Liang Sheng always had an innate passion for helping people. “I have always wanted to pursue a career in healthcare since childhood,” he said. “This passion was further ignited during my second year of junior college when I was inspired by the healthcare workers’ dedication to the fight against SARS.” Witnessing the selfless service of healthcare professionals during that critical period left an indelible mark on the young Liang Sheng, solidifying his desire to follow in their footsteps.
Recognising the potential for growth and contribution in the public healthcare sector, Liang Sheng applied for the Health Science Scholarship. This scholarship provides aspiring healthcare professionals with the opportunity to shape the future of Singapore’s healthcare system while pursuing rewarding careers in nursing, pharmacy, or allied health professions.
The Path to Podiatry
Liang Sheng’s journey into healthcare began with his decision to pursue podiatry, a field he became interested in after observing various allied health professions. “I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to observe different allied health professions. I realised the important role that allied health professionals play in the holistic care of patients in their journey to an improved quality of life,” he noted. Inspired by the collaborative efforts of these professionals in ensuring the well-being of patients, Liang Sheng decided that podiatry was the path for him.
With the support of the Health Science Scholarship, Liang Sheng attended the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom, where he studied podiatry (podiatry is now offered by MOH Holdings under Healthcare Merit Award). The scholarship not only provided financial support but also invaluable exposure through clinical attachments and seminars on public policy. “This experience also broadened my perspective, giving me a better understanding of a different healthcare system to the one we have in Singapore.” he recounted.
"It is important to keep an open mind and embrace diversity.”
Tan Liang Sheng
Making Footprints of Impact
Upon completing his studies, Liang Sheng returned to Singapore and worked in the polyclinics for about seven years, gaining important on-the-ground insights which came in handy when he was seconded to the Ministry of Health’s Diabetes Programme Office. “At MOH, I coordinated the policies and initiatives related to the national War on Diabetes for two years before returning to NUP in 2019,” he explained. This experience equipped him with skills in stakeholder engagement and policy development.
In his current role as Principal Podiatrist and Team Lead for Podiatry Services at NUP, Liang Sheng wears multiple hats. As the Team Lead, he provides support to his team of podiatrists and podiatry assistants to deliver the best care to the patients. “I believe that keeping an open communication with my team is crucial in building a supportive and collaborative culture where we can discuss complex cases and learn from each other,” he affirmed.
Liang Sheng is also active on the ground. He provides direct patient care, manages various foot conditions such as diabetic ulcers and musculoskeletal problems. Besides clinical practice, he is also involved in the development of clinical guidelines as well as planning allied health services and programmes. “I enjoy both roles. It is incredibly satisfying to alleviate patients’ pain and address their concerns. I also feel a great sense of fulfilment from creating a broader impact through implementing initiatives.” Liang Sheng shared.
The unmasked individual depicted in the photographs is portrayed solely for illustrative purposes in this article.
A Multifaceted Career
Liang Sheng’s leadership extends beyond his clinical responsibilities. As the Allied Health Departmental Lead, he recounted that his first task was to plan the change management needed to implement the Next Generation Electronic Medical Record system (NGEMR). This included the introduction of teleconsultations in Allied Health when COVID-19 first hit as well as pre-consult questionnaires for patients to enhance clinical care and efficiency. These initiatives have streamlined workflow, improved patient accessibility, and enhanced the overall patient experience.
Additionally, as the chairperson of the Podiatry Community of Practice (CoP) in NUHS, Liang Sheng facilitates knowledge sharing and collaboration among podiatrists within the cluster. “This collaborative approach ensures that podiatry professionals stay up to date with the latest developments and techniques, ultimately benefiting patient care,” he said.
Liang Sheng is also involved in planning and projection for the demand of allied health services at new and redeveloped NUP clinic sites. “With the implementation of HealthierSG, the roles of podiatry and allied health services in primary care become increasingly important with the need to educate and empower patients to prevent chronic conditions and complications,” he highlighted. This shift towards preventive care and patient empowerment is a crucial step in addressing Singapore’s growing healthcare challenges.
Charting New Paths
Liang Sheng cites his involvement in the implementation of the NGEMR as his most significant career achievement to date. “I hope to continue contributing by identifying areas where information technology (IT) can be leveraged to improve clinical quality and productivity,” he added. Embracing digital transformation is also crucial in enhancing healthcare delivery and outcomes.
For aspiring healthcare scholars, Liang Sheng advises thoroughly understanding the demands of Singapore’s healthcare industry before committing to it. “There is a wide range of healthcare professions and healthcare settings. If possible, ask for an observational attachment to gain insight into the healthcare industry and understand the different healthcare disciplines. When studying abroad, it is important to always keep an open mind and embrace diversity.”
Liang Sheng’s journey serves as an inspiration for those considering a career in healthcare, showcasing the potential for personal growth, professional development, and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. By pursuing MOHH Healthcare Scholarships, individuals can shape the future of Singapore’s public healthcare system, and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable society for generations to come.
This article was first published in BrightSparks Magazine July 2024. Republished with permission from Kariera Group Singapore.