April 2, 2009
Farming cells of life
Dr William Hwang, 42, senior consultant at Singapore General Hospital's haematology department, shares his knowledge with researchers and educates the public on blood-related diseases. POON CHIAN HUI reports
I decided to specialise in haematology because...
It covers a range of clinical diagnostics, laboratory investigations and procedures like bone marrow transplants. Blood cells are also an interesting research material.
As a senior consultant of haematology at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), I offer my expertise to researchers, give patients advice on treatments and, most importantly, educate the public on blood-related diseases.
I decided to focus on haematopoietic (blood) stem cell transplants because you really get to know your patients as you walk them through their journey of recovery. When you see them doing well years later, it is just fantastic.
Blood is fascinating because...
Every heartbeat bears strong evidence of life, as blood carries nutrients to every part of our body. The bone marrow is the 'factory" of all blood cells. When these cells are sick, we can replace them with a bone marrow transplant.
Now, blood from the umbilical cord can also do this and donating cord blood is one of the few cost-free and painless ways to save another person's life.
If I were to give an analogy for what I do, I'd be a...
Farmer. I take healthy blood stem cells from someone and plant them in someone else who needs them. I then pray for the cells to take root and grow.
I have come across all types of cases...
One that was exceptionally emotional was the first successful transplant using cord blood units from the Singapore Cord Blood Bank.
The patient, a six-month-old boy named Sin Jun, was diagnosed with a rare condition termed the 'bubble boy" syndrome, where he lost his ability to fight infections.
He had to stay away from crowds and live in a sterile environment. After a successful transplant by a doctor from KK Women's and Children's Hospital, he can now play with other children at the playground and lead a normal life.
A typical day for me would be...
I arrive at SGH at around 7.30am. I see my inpatients, offer consultations and do paperwork.
On some afternoons, I perform procedures for my patients, go for meetings and also meet my laboratory researchers at the National University of Singapore. On other days, I give talks to different groups of people.
I do some exercise after work. When I get home, I answer e-mail and write papers while my wife, a civil servant, helps our nine-year-old son with his homework. Then, I chat and play with him, and tell him some bedtime stories that I make up.
I also try to watch some DVDs with my wife before going to bed.
I love patients who are...
Optimistic. Even when they are sick, they try to bring cheer to people around them - their relatives, fellow patients and medical staff.
Such patients are a breath of fresh air and inspire me immensely.
Patients who get my goat are...
Seldom found. I try to treat every patient as if he was my own friend or relative.
One little known fact about blood diseases is...
Leukaemia and many blood cancers are what I call 'no fault' diseases. There is usually nothing in my patients' lifestyle or family history that would predispose them to getting the illness.
Things that put a smile on my face are...
A good joke or story.
It breaks my heart when...
Patients die. I have had many patients who have been cured but also a number who have died. It breaks my heart every time.
I wouldn't trade places for the world because...
I feel that what I do gives me a reason for existence.
My best tip...
Don't wait until you get a fatal disease to realise how precious life is. Cherish your health.
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