My first Magazine St Joseph's Home_40th Anniversary magazine.compres | Page 24

Serving with Nothing

“ The whole experience opened my eyes to end stage disease management and till today , I apply the same principles in my clinic . Beyond treating my patients ’ illnesses , I also listen to what they want and if they have any special request . “
As a regular , Dr Lee had the chance to observe the Sisters up close . “ Regardless of race or religion , they helped whoever approached them for aid , with whatever resources they had . And never once did they use the opportunity to try and convert others to their religion . That ’ s what makes me respect and admire them .” Convinced about the impact they were having on residents , Dr Lee rallied his peers Dr Quek Peng Kiang and Dr Philip Tan to accompany him on his weekly visits . The trio quickly became a fixture in the home , providing crucial support to the Sisters .
22 | St Joseph ’ s Home
Dr Lee in 1974
When the call came for services to be set up to help those with terminal illnesses , Dr Lee said “ let ’ s just do it , let ’ s provide total and holistic palliative care and make sure the residents are pain-free and comfortable .” That meant no more invasive procedures like scans , endoscopies and intravenous drips . But not all in the medical fraternity supported what they did . Yet Dr Lee stood his ground as he could see the positive effects such care had on the residents and their family members and “ that ’ s what mattered ”.
To enhance the doctors ’ skill and knowledge in hospice and palliative care , the three men were sent to St Christopher ’ s Hospice in the UK for a month-long training stint , all expenses courtesy of the late Dr Ee Peng Liang . On their return , the steady guidance of hospice stalwarts like Dr Cynthia Goh and Dr Anne Merrimen further bolstered their confidence in providing such care . Such exposure early on his career was to change the way Dr Lee practised medicine for the next forty years .
“ The whole experience opened my eyes to end stage disease management and till today , I apply the same principles in my clinic . Beyond treating my patients ’ illnesses , I also listen to what they want and if they have any special request . For those with terminal illness , I will take time to explain clearly to the family members and caregivers the medical conditions , prognosis and concept of palliative care . I will suggest that they focus on palliative support and management to relieve suffering and financial burden . I expect my family to do the same for me when my time comes .”
Looking back on a lifetime of volunteering , does he feel more of a doctor now than when he first started out ? “ Given the privilege to be a doctor , I must be thankful and grateful and it is my duty to give back to society in this area ” was the man ’ s humble answer . StJ