SAF, CGH sign MOU to collaborate on sports medicine

SINGAPORE - The Singapore Armed Forces Medical Corps (SAFMC) and Changi General Hospital (CGH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will see them exchanging professional knowledge, enhancing clinical services and furthering research in the field of military sports medicine.

Under the partnership, all SAF Medical Officers (MOs) will be required to undergo a Military Sports Medicine workshop jointly conducted by SAF's Soldier Performance Centre (SPC) and Changi Sports Medicine Centre (CSMC).

The workshop will teach MOs the finer aspects of sports medicine to better diagnose and treat servicemen with joint and muscle conditions.

Regular SAF MOs specialising in sports medicine will also be able to further their clinical training at CSMC.

CSMC will also be advising SPC in the development of its treatment guidelines, which will help MOs better assess and treat servicemen with joint and muscle conditions.

Additionally, the MOU will provide opportunities for joint sport medicine related research initiatives, to develop strategies in the management and prevention of joint and muscle conditions in SAF military men.

According to Dr Benedict Tan, Head of CSMC, the collaboration works on two fronts: firstly, on improving the service delivery where servicemen get the proper attention at the correct time and location, and secondly, enhancing the educational aspect of SAF's ability to manage the injuries in-house.

The signing ceremony was officiated by the SAF's Chief Army Medical Officer Colonel Dr Chua Wei Chong, and CGH Chairman of Medical Board Associate Professor Low Cheng Ooi.

CSMC is the only accredited training centre for sports medicine in Singapore, and the partnership will allow SAFMC to tap on the professional knowledge and experience of CSMC, said Dr Chua.