From SP Biotechnology to LKCMedicine

10 Nov 2022

Congratulations to Tan Lin Hui Cherie, our Diploma in Biotechnology (DBT) Class of 2022 graduate (Biotechnology is now merged into the Diploma in Biomedical Science). She shared her story from how she entered SP through the Polytechnic Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) to her admission to Nanyang Technological University, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine).

"I’ve always had an interest in Science but was never sure if I wanted to pursue medicine. However, I was sure that the hands on approach offered by polytechnics suited me much better. I knew that I had a natural flair for absorbing information and was constantly reading articles from Nature, Science, even NEJM online.I was also passionate about public speaking, participating actively in outreach events and speaking to the public. But still, no clear push to pursue medicine. So what was the turning point that made me want to pursue it?

It was my late grandmother’s heart failure diagnosis that changed everything. Grappling with the mortality of a loved one, it was during riveting experience that made me want to equip myself with knowledge and ability to treat maladies.

My internship at Duke-NUS also shaped my decision to pursue medicine. Speaking to clinician scientists as well as MD-PhD students gave me an honest insight into the world of medicine and translational research.

Volunteering at an active aging centre in Clementi with Lions Befrienders made me truly appreciate the impact of community care as well as look into the future of community care in Singapore, with the introduction of HealthierSG. I became a programme assistant at the centre for five months after my internship at Duke-NUS.

Now well into my first semester in LKCMedicine, I am adjusting well! I’m not sure whether the journey ahead will be smooth sailing, but I promise to try my best.

(Photo credit: LKCMedicine)