Change at helm of health-care group

After four years at the helm of National Healthcare Group (NHG), group chief executive Chee Yam Cheng will be stepping down on Saturday.

He will be succeeded by Professor Philip Choo, who is deputy group chief executive for regional health and also chief executive of Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH).

During his stint as group CEO, Professor Chee helped improve access to medical care at the community level. He also worked to boost the group's research and education capabilities.

"Prof Chee embodies exemplary leadership characterised by intellect, dedication, compassion, wit and humility," said Madam Kay Kuok, chairman of the NHG board, in a statement released yesterday.

"It is not unusual for Prof Chee to ask after staff and know them by name - from front-line health- care assistants to nurses and fellow doctors."

Prof Chee, 65, will be appointed NHG's first senior adviser, under a new board of advisers scheme.

"We may be leaders today, but when the time comes, the younger ones should have the opportunity to move up while we step down and continue to provide guidance and mentorship," he said.

His successor, Prof Choo, 56, is a geriatrician by training and helped build up TTSH's geriatric facilities. These include the Centre for Geriatric Medicine, which opened in July last year.

Taking over the reins from Prof Choo is Dr Eugene Soh, 40. He has served in both NHG and TTSH, and is TTSH's chief operating officer.

This article was first published on Jan 07, 2015.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.