I decided to specialise in blood and marrow transplant because...

It is a very interesting and challenging speciality. It is not just a science, where you understand how a body can take on new stem cells, but also an art because it reveals a lot about difficulties in a family. Dealing with both the science and art of the speciality appeals to me.

Another reason is that I had two close friends who had to go through a bone marrow transplant 12 years ago. One made it while the other did not. Up till today, their experiences continue to inspire me to have the stamina to go on with my work.

In this speciality, you deal with patients whose only hope of cure comes in the form of a transplant. That makes my work very fulfilling.

If I were to give an analogy for what I do, I'd be...

A tailor. I tailor the therapy to suit each child's individual needs. Putting in new stem cells is akin to putting on new clothes for a patient. But to be honest, I can't sew for nuts in real life.

The one fear most people have about treatment is...

The fear of dying.

This discipline is unique in that it is not the patients' fear we have to deal with but the parents' fear of losing their child. To a child, death is not real. They do not fear anything except pain. In a way, they are blessed with not knowing the reality of the situation.

It is different for the parents. I counsel them emphatically and tell them to be realistic and manage their expectations. It doesn't take away the fear but it helps.

I love patients who are...

I love all my patients because they are kids and they are very brave. Despite their condition, they're still happy and always smiling. I love that about them.

As for the parents of my patients, I love those who respect other patients' needs. For example, if their child is sick, they will call in and ask if they should still come to the hospital for a check-up because they are afraid of affecting the other children.

Patients who get my goat are...

The children don't get my goat. They're adorable.

However, some parents do get my goat, especially those who are not socially responsible. For example, there was this parent whose son had chicken pox, but she still insisted that he come to the hospital to see me.

I know that sometimes a parent's love can be so overpowering but, at the same time, one should have social responsibility.

If I could tell them what's on my mind, I'd say...

It's important to respect other people's needs. It's a simple thing called human respect.

It breaks my heart when...

A patient dies and I see the heartbroken parents. Also, when I know a child is dying and there's nothing I can do about it. It is at that dying moment when the child is most afraid and gives me a look that says: 'Can you help me?' and I have to tell them: 'Don't be afraid, I'll be here,' but there's nothing else I can do. That's really hard.

It puts a smile on my face when...

A patient smiles at me. Actually, any child who smiles at me would do that. That includes my 10-year-old daughter.

I wouldn't trade places for the world because...

This is a very special vocation. It's not just a job to me. I have always believed in this maxim: If you can help one life breathe easier, then you have succeeded in life.

I'm glad that I'm given the ability to do just that.

My best tip...

Contentment is the greatest wealth.

This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times on Aug 6, 2008.