to comeTien Yin has seen the Singaporean
healthcare system change significantly over
the course of his career, and for the better.
It has evolved from a basic healthcare model
that involved seeking to copy or emulate
international best practice, to the current
knowledge-creation and learning model,
where Singapore healthcare institutions are
no longer solely focused on providing good
basic clinical work, but can create new
discoveries and treatment. In the current
model, there are also far more established
career paths for clinician scientists, as well
as greater incentives for research.LEADERSHIP STYLE
Tien Yin leads a team of 70 ophthalmologists
at SNEC and his role includes overseeing
an extensive and broad-based research and
education program. Asked how he would
describe his approach to leadership, the word
he settles on is “exacting”.
“I would say that I’m probably a little too
demanding,” he concedes. “I expect that thepeople I work with share the same vision as I do, and work
with the same passion. I do not tolerate sloppiness well.
If people come to me with an issue or problem and they
have not either analysed it in detail or discussed the problem
with different people to come up with possible options and
solutions for the problem, then honestly, I am somewhat
irritated by that.”
Tien Yin makes no bones of the fact that he expects
high standards from his staff. “I set the bar high for people
who are working for me. I expect them to understand that.”
He applies the same lofty standards to his own work,
however, saying matter-of-factly that his role involves both
clinical work and the more elevated task of providing young
staff with a role model. “I need to meet junior people as I
have to mentor and hopefully inspire them. Role models are
essential,” he says. “I have to do a lot of hands-on things.”
Tien Yin has broad experience as chairman of medical
research departments and committees, including chairing
the departments of ophthalmology at NUS and the
Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, the University of
Melbourne. He says being a productive chairperson closely
follows the same principles that apply to being an effective
CEO. “You do need to take a helicopter view in that role.
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THE ONE SAFE SOURCE
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has 50 years of
experience in catering to the complete requirements experience in catering to the complete requirements
of all ophthalmic and medical professional needs.
MOC specialises in serving the Optical,
Ophthalmology, Dental, Dermatology, Vascular,
Intervention Radiology, ENT, Neurosurgery as well
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