The SingHealth Duke-NUS Genomic Medicine Centre (SDGMC) was established to bring clinical genomics to institutions across the SingHealth cluster. The Centre aims to be a global leader in delivering clinical care, with the use of advanced genomic technologies to improve patient diagnostics, therapeutics and healthcare outcomes.
ENABLING PRECISION MEDICINE
Clinical genomics is the use of information stored in our DNA (i.e., our genes) to understand the mechanism underlying the individual’s disease. The improved understanding of genomics, triggered by the rapid decline in cost of sequencing, has fuelled the development of therapies that would be most beneficial to the individual. This has enabled the move from a 'one size fits all' approach to medicine, to a more individualised form of precision medicine.
CLINICAL EXPERTISE
SDGMC brings together expertise from the various SingHealth institutions and Duke-NUS Medical School, and aims to work closely with other sub-specialists across the cluster to provide multidisciplinary care in a seamless and timely manner. The Centre boosts genomic expertise and standardises clinical pathways across medical specialties in SingHealth.
Specialty genetics clinics have been set up in SingHealth hospitals and institutions for patients with genetic disorders or conditions with a suspected genetic basis. In these clinics, patients and their family members undergo risk assessment, genetic testing and genetic counselling by a team of qualified specialists, geneticists and genetic counsellors.
RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
Research is integral to advancing genomics care. SDGMC endeavours to collaborate with local institutions such as Duke-NUS, A*STAR, National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University to conduct research to discover new biomarkers and genetic disorders for improved diagnosis and novel treatment.
The SDGMC has established a genetics registry to serve as a centralised repository for the in-depth study of various conditions, which would in turn aid in better management of genetic disorders.
EDUCATION
An ongoing quarterly workshop, ‘Genetics Education for Medical Professionals’, is conducted to equip clinicians with practical knowledge on the use of genetics in clinical practice. This helps them better identify and make appropriate referrals for patients with genetic conditions.
SDGMC has established the Executive Certificate Programme in Clinical Genomics to meet the increasing demand for genetic counselling across various clinical domains. This structured training initiative aims to deepen participants' understanding of clinical genomics whilst honing their genetic counselling skills. The programme integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, offering participants the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through role-play scenarios and simulated patient encounters.
Our Services
Genetic testing for specified diseases
Carrier testing/testing of family members
Presymptomatic testing
Reproductive counselling
Telegenetics
Evaluation for possible genetic disorders and subsequent management
Risk assessment and multidisciplinary risk management clinics
Research, clinical trials patient registry and support groups
For GP referrals, please contact the SingHealth Duke-NUS Genomic Medicine Centre:
Singapore General Hospital: 6326 6060
National Cancer Centre Singapore: 6436 8288
KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital: 6692 2984
National Heart Centre Singapore: 6704 2222
Our Executive Committee
Head
Clin Assoc Prof Tan Ee Shien
Senior Consultant, Genetics Service, KKH
Deputy Head & Service Chief, Cancer Genetics
Assoc Prof Joanne Ngeow Yuen Yie
Head, Cancer Genetics Service, NCCS
Director, Bioinformatics
Asst Prof Lim Weng Khong
Chief Information Officer, SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Precision Medicine
Director, Education
Adj Asst Prof Ting Teck Wah
Senior Consultant, Genetics Service, KKH
Director, Research
Dr Joel Sng Xuan En
Senior Manager, SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Precision Medicine
Service Chief, Paediatric and Obstetrics Genetics
Clin Assoc Prof Angeline Lai Hwei Meeng
Senior Consultant, Genetics Service, KKH
Service Chief, Adult Genetics
Dr Kaavya Narasimhalu
Consultant, NNI
