Transforming the future of healthcare: Medical technology

Dr CHAN Taw Kuei from the Department of Physics recalls first visiting the Faculty of Science when he was in junior college, where he participated in the “Science Vision” programme which comprised a series of lectures on Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics. Little did he know then that he would go on to pursue his undergraduate and post graduate studies at NUS, eventually joining the Faculty as an educator!

Here, he brings us through HSI 2014 – Science, Medical Technology and Society, a module under the College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS) Common Curriculum, which will be offered for the first time in August 2022 (Semester 1 of Academic Year 2022/2023) to students from CHS as well as other colleges/faculties.

This module provides a holistic overview of the importance of medical technology (MedTech) in our lives. MedTech solutions play a pivotal role in preserving health and well-being, saving lives and contributing to sustainable healthcare.

The relevant concepts from both physics and biology will be introduced, as well as the fusion of these concepts for incorporation into modern medical instrumentation and implementation in major medical imaging and treatment procedures.

In addition, the course will emphasise the importance of clinical evidence that forms the basis of established medical facts, and clearly distinguish this from contested/unproven claims and medical procedures, as well as misinformation and fake news. The module will also discuss the complex interplay between medical technology and real-world issues in society, such as the prevalence of chronic diseases, environmental pollution, and healthcare affordability.

Today, Dr Chan holds on to the memory of “not understanding a word” of the lectures when he visited the faculty as a student, “to remind myself of the constant struggle involved during learning”. These insights continue to stand him in good stead as an educator, and also led to his research interests in the motivational and technology enhancement aspects of teaching methodology.

In his free time, Dr Chan likes to watch e-sports (and enjoy a good cup of coffee ☺) both of which help him to persevere in the process of discovering new knowledge.