‘I don’t want to die’: 20-year-old still dreams of becoming a doctor even as she battles incurable illnesses

22 Feb 2025

Tammie Ong, a 20-year-old Singaporean, has long aspired to become a paediatrician. In 2021, during her first semester in SP’s Diploma in Biomedical Science programme, she was diagnosed with multiple rare and incurable conditions, including gastrointestinal dysmotility and dysautonomia. These illnesses have left her reliant on a gastrostomy tube for nutrition and have caused constant fatigue and pain. Despite these challenges, Tammie remains determined to pursue her medical dreams. She completed an online immunology course from Harvard Medical School and undertook an attachment at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, gaining valuable insights into the medical field. Through her journey, Tammie has also become an advocate for chronic illness awareness, sharing her experiences on social media to support others facing similar struggles.

[CNA]