March 19, 2009
The Pro
He helps patients breathe easy
Dr Pang Yoke Teen, 45, medical director of the Centre For Ear Nose Throat Allergy & Snoring at Paragon Medical Centre, tells POON CHIAN HUI he loves his job because it allows him to improve people's lives
I decided to specialise in otolaryngology because...
The field of otolaryngology - ear, nose and throat - encompasses the clinical aspects of diagnosis, surgery and also has an investigative element, for example, when allergies manifest in other areas such as the skin and the digestive system.
In surgery, I get to experience the range of surgical techniques, from the minimally invasive to the more extensive head and neck surgery.
The nose is fascinating because...
It affects the way we look and the quality of our lives - it influences our sense of smell and taste, voice quality and sleep.
Often, individuals are resigned to having a blocked nose or congested sinuses. I had a patient who had this to say after I solved his blocked nose problem: 'I wish I had seen you 20years ago - every day is now a breath of fresh air.'
If I were to give an analogy for what I do, I'd be an...
Architect. I find out what the problem is and what the patient wants to improve on. A blueprint is drawn up, detailing an action plan using the latest techniques and technology. The design is then shown to the patient for approval before we embark on the project.
Building a strong foundation ensures a solid structure that can withstand the elements - just like medicine, where a proper diagnosis sets the foundation for recovery.
I have come across all types of cases...
I have patients who come in with an obvious problem, only to discover an unexpected cause. For instance, I had a patient who endured a dry, painful throat for years. Close examination revealed that it was caused by breathing through the mouth, which caused the patient to snore and suffer from sleep apnoea.
A typical day for me would be...
I wake up at 6am to say goodbye to my 14-year-old daughter as she leaves for school. Then, my wife and I take our 10-year-old daughter and nine-year-old son to school.
Though the journey may be short, the bonding time means a lot to both of us. If time permits, I have coffee with my wife, a treasury advisor in a bank, before I drive her to work.
Work in the clinic starts at 8.30am and I knock off at 6pm, unless I have surgery to do.
At home, I supervise my children in science and mathematics. I usually wind down after 10.30pm by watching television programmes on the Discovery or ESPN channel with my wife.
I love patients who are...
Interested in finding solutions for their medical condition and who are cooperative.
This is especially important where medication alone is not enough to ensure a complete cure. Sometimes, patients have to make changes to their lifestyle and habits.
Patients who get my goat are...
Unreasonably demanding patients who have unrealistic expectations. Also, patients who miss their appointment without informing the clinic after we made exceptions to accommodate their preferred time.
One little known fact about allergies is...
It can occur any time and to anyone and may affect one or more areas at the same time, such as the nose, eyes, skin and lungs.
Often, allergies run in the family. There are many occasions when the entire family eventually seeks treatment.
Also, most people think that an allergy is incurable. This is not true.
Things that put a smile on my face are...
When long-suffering patients finally experience a better quality of life. On a personal front, to see my children give their best efforts in whatever they do.
It breaks my heart when...
I have to break bad news to patients and their families and see their look of devastation.
I wouldn't trade places for the world because...
Practising medicine allows me to improve someone else's life while fatherhood has given me the joy of being involved in my children's growing years. I also have a supportive wife who shares my aspirations.
My best tip...
If you get colds or flu regularly, you might have an allergy. Once the allergy is under control, the frequency of the ailments will reduce greatly.
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