​We are in the 21^st century where medical advancements such as stem cells technology would one day be used to grow young kneecaps to replace aged joints and other bodily parts. As many of us stand on the precipice of being centenarians, it’s crucial that we should add life to our years, and not just add years to our lives.

And what’s one of the best ways to ensure that healthcare professionals will wield their knowledge wisely? To me, education, the first and last path traversed by all wise men and women through humankind’s history, is the answer. Distinct from functional schooling, education is not the mere accumulation of facts. I wish to be a part of this system where experienced, accomplished healthcare professionals could use evidence-based educational methods to mentor and nurture the next generation of healthcare professionals. To start the virtuous cycle where doctors care for patients, care for patients’ loved ones, care for humankind.

And Duke-NUS is the unique medical school at which my aspirations could be fulfilled. Specifically, the inclusive philosophy adopted by Academic Medicine Education Institute (AM•EI) towards faculty development was what inspired me to join Duke-NUS. AM•EI’s emphasis on inter-professional collaboration is forward-looking and life-affirming. Everyone is welcome to take part in its faculty development programmes, and anyone is invited to give back to healthcare by collaborating with AM•EI in various and different capacities. This ecumenical approach towards healthcare education is what I look forward to contributing for many years to come.

Dr Foo Yang Yann
Lead Associate
Academic Medicine Education Institute (AM•EI)
Duke-NUS Medical School