The SuperStar Excellent Award

I was in bed one morning when i heard mom talking to my neighbour, "Have you seen today papers? Your husband, Dr Phua is being featured in The Straits Times and he won an award." Apparently, my neighbour was not aware and have not seen the article.

My family have been neighbours with the Phuas for close to 3 decades. Mom and Mrs Phua are really good friends. They do their neighbourly chat almost every morning over the fence. And if we do mention about the possibility of moving to a new place, my parents will always be quick to add that we may never get back the same kind of neighbours like the Phuas, and the Ongs.

I remember once when Mom had a fish bone stuck in her throat some years back, i went to the Phuas for help. Dr Phua had tried to help mom find the stucked fish bone but with no luck. At that time, Dad was out and we didn't have the car with us. Dr Phua gladly offered to drive us to the General Hospital where mom went to do an x-tray and got the stucked bone out.

And just two weeks back, we called our neighbour to check if they have some malaysia currency at home that we could borrow. Just a couple of dollars, enough for us to pay the taxes at the immigration counters since there isn't a money changer near home. My neighbour is so nice. She came over twice to pass us the money. The second time after finding more loose change at home.

Ever since we were neighbours, the Dr Phua that we know have always been very soft-spoken and patient. It's his character. Mom used to joke with Mrs Phua on how he could manage his patients, nurses, doctors and students. I've seen his interviews being aired on TV too. He's really soft-spoken and good natured which also explains why people who work with him likes him alot.

Thus, i am not surprised that he's won this year's SuperStar Award in the health sector. It's a great achivement for him. Truly a testimony for his dedication and passion in the health sector and certainly an inspiration to many around him.

Congratulations Dr Phua. My family is proud that you have won this year's SuperStar Award.

Below is the article which appeared in The Straits Times/ Life Section on friday.

Passionate About Children by Karen Teng

"BARNEY the purple dinosaur, Bob the Builder and Thomas the tank engine"- Professor Phua Kong Boo confidently gives these examples of children's TV programmes on how he breaks the ice with his young patients.

The senior consultant and clinical professor at the KK Women's and Children's Hospital's department of paediatrics says,"I need to learn the kids lingo and know enough to communicate with them. It helps me to relate to them better."

Such soft skills were not part of his medical curriculum when he joined the profession 43 years ago. Prof Phua says:"Many years ago, there as no special training on how to deal with patients. We were trained to treat and prevent diseases. We were taught to look after our patients to the best of our abaility. I have learnt from experiences in life and in treating patients."

It helped that he and his wife have two children and two grand children who ensure that Prof Phua stays updated on the world of kids'entertainment.

Working wwith children has been Prof Phua's passion for more than half his life."I love children and cannot bear to see them suffer. I feel very happy and satisfied when they become well, active and playful again," he says.

His effors are not limited to prescribing treatment or medicine. Kids from poor families also get special attention. Prof Phua explains:"On one occassion, i helped one with the transport fee. On at least two occassions, i have given families money to tide over the financial difficulty when awaiting assistance from the medical social service."

He has no qualms in working extra hours for the child's benefit."I remember a patient's mother was deeply distraught as the father was blaming her for their child's illness. I stayed back to wait for the father to come to the hospital after his work. Fortunatedly, i was able to convince him. When the child recovered, both parents came together to thank me." he says.

The key to dealing with challenging cases, Prof Phua says, is to communcate effectively."I try to imagine what happens if i am in the shoes of these difficult and demanding parents. Their expectations may be very high and not achievable. However, it is important to listen to them, keep calm and explain what can be done, what is to be carried out, what is the likely course of the disease and what are the likely outcomes."

His bedside manners do have a calming effect on parents, says Prof Phua."When there are difficult parents, the younger doctors would approach me to help to explain the çhild's condition. I suppose when parents look at my white hair, they know that i am a senior doctor and are more receptive to me."

He believes that if parents are kept in the loop, they are better able to accept any bad news."Many years ago, i had a patient aged about four or five. He died of pneumonia. But his parents never blamed me. They knew that we've tried our best and even thanked us."

It is little wonder then that Prof Phua is regarded as a father figure or sorts amongst his patients. In fact, two of them - a male and a female in their adult years - grew so attached to him as their paediatrician that they are still under his care presently.

Prof Phua, who specialises in disorders affecting the stomach and intestines, says:"I know their cases inside out as i have treated them since they were very young for conditions that need to be managed on a long term basis. They are more comfortable with me and do not wish to be transferred to the care of a doctor for adults unless there is no other choice."

Over the years, the soft spoken paediatrician has garnered a string of awards for delivering good service. His latest accolade this year's Superstar award for the health-care sector.

At 67, Prof Phua still clocks 12 hours a days and jokes that he spends more time in the hospital than at home. He is kept busy with visiting wards, attending outpaients, conducting research and teaching junior doctors. As the second most senior doctor in the department, his workload is not expected to ease anytime soon.

He says:"It can be tiring but i will stay and help as long as i'm needed."