CORPORATE REVIEW FY2018 - National Skin Centre
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CORPORATE REVIEW FY2018
CONTENTS 01 02 04 Vision and Board and Key Director’s Mission Committees Message 06 10 24 Patient Care Advancing Education Ensuring Research Paving the Continued Excellence Pathway Excellence in Innovation and to Progress Care Delivery Technology 32 40 Our Staff, Medical Staff Our People Listing Fostering a Conducive Work Community for All
VISION MISSION
Adding years of healthy life • To be a centre of excellence in providing
high-quality, safe and cost-effective
dermatological care to the population
• To be a leading centre for education and
training in dermatology
• To be a pivotal centre for clinical and
translational research
In the setting of an innovative and nurturing
environment
BOARD AND KEY
COMMITTEES 2018
LEADERSHIP
Mdm Kay Kuok
Chairman, NSC Board
Chairman, National
Healthcare Group
Prof Philip Choo
Director, NSC Board
GCEO, National
Healthcare Group
02
NATIONAL SKIN CENTRE
MEDICAL STAFF COMMITTEE
Standing (top left to right) Absent from photo
Adj Prof Steven Thng Adj A/Prof Lim Yen Loo
Deputy Head of Head of Subspeciality Division 2,
Medical Education Division, Senior Consultant
Senior Consultant
Adj A/Prof Leow
Adj A/Prof Chong Yung Hian
Wei Sheng Head of Clinical
Head of Subspecialty Division 1, Governance and Quality,
Senior Consultant Senior Consultant
Adj A/Prof Tey Adj A/Prof Martin Chio
Hong Liang Head of Department of Sexually
Head of Research Division, Transmitted Infections Control
Senior Consultant (DSC) Clinic,
Senior Consultant
Standing in front (left to right)
A/Prof Chua Sze Hon Prof Leo Yee Sin
Executive Director, National
Deputy Director & Head of
Centre of Infectious Diseases,
Medical Education Division,
Senior Consultant
Senior Consultant
Ms Loo Swee Cheng A/Prof Tay Jam Chin
Department of
General Manager, Ex-Officio
General Medicine,
Prof Tan Suat Hoon Tan Tock Seng Hospital,
Director, Senior Consultant
Senior Consultant
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Standing (from left to right) Mrs Alice Chew
Mr Lee Sau Chuen Head of Medical Affairs
Laboratory Manager
Seated (from left to right)
Mr Lawrence Quek Ms Loo Swee Cheng
Support Services Senior Manager
General Manager
Ms Theresa Soon
Department of STI Control Prof Tan Suat Hoon
(DSC) Manager Director
Mrs Tang Lee Foon Mr Koh Teck Chee
Head of Pharmacy Head of Human Resource
Ms Brenda Lim Mr Eric Goh
Head of Nursing Quality Manager
Mr Johnny Foo A/Prof Chua Sze Hon
Deputy Director
Clinic Operations Manager
03
DIRECTOR’S
MESSAGE
BREAKING
NEW GROUND
2 018 was a very special year for National
Skin Centre (NSC) as we celebrated our
30th Anniversary, a key milestone for us as
the National Specialty Centre for Dermatology
in Singapore since we opened our doors to
Accessibility to dermatological care in
the community has been increased, from
right-siting patients through our General
Practitioner (GP) partners and Tele-DERM at
polyclinics, to public forums organised by NSC
serve the public in November 1988. Behind for raising more awareness on the importance
our achievements as the national centre in of good skin care. This will go a long way in
providing clinical services for skin diseases, fostering a culture of self-care through self-
leading in education and research capabilities, management of their condition, empowering
it has been the dedication and passion of our patients and their caregivers to take charge of
people and staff that have made it possible, their health within the community.
many of whom have spent the greater part
of their working lives from the Middle Road As an extension of care, the Pharmacist
Hospital to NSC. To chronicle the growth and Eczema Clinic service was launched in
development of Dermatology services as a August 2018, providing adult patients
specialty centre in Singapore, we launched with stable mild eczema the option to be
a commemorative book titled, Dermatology referred to this clinic for step down care. This
in Singapore, at the Singapore Health and quality improvement initiative can improve
Biomedical Congress in October 2018. patient satisfaction with the interaction
enhancing medication adherence. As part of
As we prepare ourselves for a new and bigger enhancing community care and continuing
centre by 2022, the groundbreaking ceremony professional nursing education, NSC’s nurses
in April 2018 was graced by Senior Minister of continue to trailblaze dermatological care
State for Health Dr Amy Khor. It was a befitting by training nurses, healthcare providers
occasion to kick off our 30th Anniversary and the Intermediate and Long-Term Care
celebrations for the year as we announced the Setting (ILTC) to increase capabilities in the
exciting vision of a new medical facility, which management of dermatological conditions
will offer enhanced capacity and capabilities within the community.
for more comprehensive subspecialty services,
as well as holistic care that is well-supported One of NSC’s endeavours is to bring specialist
by an efficient and seamless physical care closer to the community, by upskilling
infrastructure within the Health City @ Novena. and training the primary care practitioners.
Our primary care partners, Family Physicians
Patients with complex skin diseases will and GPs are important stakeholders critical
benefit from NSC’s team-based clinical care, to the management of skin conditions for
comprising dermatologists, nurses and allied the nation. In October 2018, NSC hosted
health staff. The new NSC’s enhanced research the Dermatology and Venereology Update
and education facility will spearhead clinical conference, providing updates on approaches
innovations in dermatology and train more
to clinical problems, future directions in
dermatologists and healthcare professionals.
dermatology and venereology to hone the
The expanded facilities will make way for the
expertise of dermatology specialists, trainees
projected increment in medical student intake
and GPs.
from affiliated medical schools, namely Yong
Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Research is key in driving care innovation
Singapore, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, through positive translational research
Nanyang Technological University and Duke- outcomes. The microneedles patch for keloids
National University Singapore. is a transformative treatment procedure that
04
NATIONAL SKIN CENTRE
“NSC will continue to break new ground towards providing
holistic dermatological care for our patients and bringing
skin knowledge to the community.”
will benefit patients with keloid conditions,
as suitable patients can opt for this painless
treatment in the comfort of their own homes.
Currently, NSC manages more than 5,000
keloid cases a year.
As a nod to care innovation, Tele-DERM,
the e-consultation platform clinched the
Excellence Award under the Cost Reduction
category in the Asian Hospital Management
Awards in Bangkok, Thailand. This accolade
is a testament to dermatological excellence
at NSC, and the achievement would not
have been possible without the invaluable Professor
dedication of our staff. Tan Suat Hoon
In conjunction with our 30th Anniversary, Director
community outreach efforts were increased
through a series of volunteering and
fundraising activities for the beneficiary,
Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centre (AMKFSC).
These included a health fair at Yio Chu Kang
Community Club in collaboration with NHGP
in April 2018, and a charity walk – Walk-
Together, held at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park in
September 2018 that was graced by Guest-
of-Honour, Speaker of Parliament Mr Tan
Chuan-Jin.
NSC will continue to break new ground
towards providing holistic dermatological care
for our patients and bringing skin knowledge
to the community. We look forward to more
partnerships with other healthcare providers
and community partners to raise awareness
on skin health, as well as early interventions
that reduce the risk of skin diseases.
I am grateful to all who have advanced
dermatological care over the last three
decades and we can only grow stronger as
NSC strides forward in the next lap to provide
high quality and safe care for the nation.
Together, we continue to pursue excellence
in dermatological care.
05
PATIENT CARE As Singapore’s healthcare
landscape evolves, ensuring
the health of the nation
requires care to be more
integrated and collaborative,
expanding networks into
the community. NSC
continues to strive
for dermatological
excellence and value-
add to patients’
well-being through
enhanced care
delivery and
innovation.
Patient Care at a Glance
Patient Attendances Breakdown of Patient Attendances
(FY2018) — Top 10 Diseases Seen in 2018
DISEASE FY2016 FY2017 FY2018
Dermatitis 18,775 18,039 15,846
Benign Skin
7,322 6,804 6,393
Tumours
New
Acne 5,786 5,433 4,623
44,649 Viral Skin
4,353 4,057 3,626
Infections
Pigmentary
Total 3,798 3,604 3,151
Disorders
182,955 Hair Disorders
Urticaria
3,020
2,787
2,792
2,522
2,611
2,352
Fungal Skin
2,586 2,442 2,078
Repeat Infections
Naevi 1,783 1,756 1,698
138,306 Psoriasis 1,627 1,462 1,665
Total number of procedures
performed by nurses 295,256
06
NATIONAL SKIN CENTRE
A Nod to Care Delivery Excellence
NSC’s Tele-Dermatology received regional
recognition at the Asian Hospital Management
Awards 2018 when our submission titled
“Tele-Dermatology Collaboration to Improve
Patients’ Care in Psychiatric Hospital” clinched
the Excellence Award in the Cost Reduction
category.
Piloted by NSC at Hougang Polyclinic in
2016, Tele-Dermatology is an e-consult
service that enables NHGP family doctors to
discuss dermatological cases and treatment
options with NSC specialists in a convenient
and prompt manner. The service has been
scaled up to the Institute of Mental Health,
allowing for the collaboration between
psychiatrists and dermatologists to provide
holistic care that complements mental and
dermatological care for psychiatric inpatients.
By reducing cost and waiting time for patients, Members of the Tele-Dermatology team - Ngan Ai Khim, Medical Informatics
Tele-Dermatology benefits both the public & Technology Office Manager; Johnny Foo, Clinic Operations Manager; Dr Pan
and medical sector with care integration at Jiun Yit, Senior Consultant; Dr Heng Yee Kiat, Consultant; Prof Tan Suat Hoon,
system-level. Director and Ang Li Li, Clinic Operations Assistant Manager.
Enhanced Capacity with
Dermatology Ward in New NCID
Facility
Patients who suffer from severe eczema,
psoriasis or immunoderm concerns may
need to be warded for inpatient care and
intensive topical therapy. This is especially
important for patients whose conditions
need to be controlled with initiation of
immunosuppressive therapy, biologic therapy
or require intensive skin treatment of wounds
by multidisciplinary dedicated teams.
The opening of the new dermatology
ward in the National Centre for Infectious
Diseases (NCID) marks the transition from the
dermatology ward in Communicable Disease
Centre’s (CDC) Ward 72, where inpatients
were previously hospitalised since NSC
started its operations in 1988.
In December 2018, we bade farewell to the
CDC ward and moved to NCID, located next
to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. With an increased
capacity of 20 beds, dermatology inpatients
can now receive higher levels of care and
improved facilities.
Medical staff attending to a patient at the
Dermatology Ward in the new NCID Facility.
07
Eczema Support Group
As part of public education, NSC’s Eczema Senior Consultant and NSC nurses, along with
Public Forum organised by the Eczema Support sharing sessions on various topics such as
Group saw a huge turnout and a significant “Different Ways to Shower/Bathe”, “Secondary
increase in membership for the Eczema Infections Affecting Eczema Skin” and “Habits
Support Group, with over 40 participants that Sabotage Your Skin”.
signing up as new members.
Held at Raffles City Convention Centre on
27 October 2018, participants spent an
insightful afternoon learning more about
eczema, while new Eczema Support Group
members shared their stories on living with
the skin condition.
The Eczema Support Group also provided
ongoing support for members which included
educational talks and care management
tips by Dr Eugene Tan, Consultant, Dr Yew Sister Wong Bee Yin, Senior Nurse Educator,
Yik Weng, Consultant, Dr Madeline Ho, sharing on skin conditions.
Nurses in Community Care
As part of NSC’s ongoing efforts to enhance Partnered the Singapore Nurses Association to
community care, NSC’s Nursing Department support ongoing Toa Payoh West Community
continues to collaborate with community Club-organised events:
partners on educating and equipping them • Monthly outreach (January to May 2018)
with expertise for care continuity. NSC nurses providing nail-cutting and skin education
also play an active role in public education, services to seniors living in rental apartments
creating more awareness in the community on at Toa Payoh West
the care and management of dermatological
conditions. • Art painting and health screening for senior
citizens on 5 May 2018
Collaborations with Nursing Homes
NSC doctors and nurses supported the World
• Apex Harmony Lodge Psoriasis Day event on 28 October 2018 to
• Bright Hill Evergreen Home raise public awareness on Psoriasis.
• Institute of Mental Health (IMH)
• Lions Homes for the Elders (Bedok)
• Lions Homes for the Elders (Bishan)
• St Andrew’s Nursing Home
Transitional Care for Patients
Pharmacist Eczema Clinic
To provide more accessible care for the
convenience of patients, the Pharmacist
Eczema Clinic service was launched on
August 2018. Adult patients with stable mild
eczema who are ready for step down care
have an option to be seen at this clinic by
pharmacists, when assessed to be suitable by
the dermatologists.
Trained pharmacists are on hand to provide NSC pharmacist providing counsel to patient.
clinic consultation to optimise disease
management through titration of topical approach, pharmacists will play an impactful
corticosteroids, oral antihistamines and other role in improving patient outcomes and
topical preparations. Through this team-based enhancing medication adherence.
08NATIONAL SKIN CENTRE
and promote sexual health among patients.
The psychotherapist provides in-depth
counselling and therapy aimed at promoting
safe and healthy sexuality.
Counselling topics include:
• Relationship issues with partner
•C
oping with life stressors and transitions
• C oping after a Sexually Transmitted
Infection (STI) diagnosis
• Discussing risk-taking behaviours such as
drug use and unprotected sex
Psychotherapy counselling session in progress.
• Exploring gender-specific sexual issues
Going Beyond Care • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and
Questioning (LGBTQ)-specific issues, etc.
The Department of STI Control launched
the Psychotherapy Counselling Services in A few sessions with the psychotherapist can
July 2018, offering professional sexual health help patients gain clarity and work through
counselling by a psychotherapist as part of the issues that affect them. All sessions are
DSC’s ongoing efforts to expand services fully non-judgmental and supportive.
Care Improvement for Using quality improvement tools from the
Patient Safety CPIP, a team of pharmacists and pharmacy
technicians, as well as a doctor, reviewed
the process steps for dispensing and patient
administration, successfully implementing
interventions, which reduced the number
of Prednisolone-related dispensing and
administration errors to zero within six months.
Prednisolone, an oral corticosteroid, is typically
prescribed in a tapering/reducing regimen over
a few days or weeks, to prevent withdrawal
symptoms from abrupt discontinuation of the
drug. Prednisolone tapering dosing error is
NSC Pharmacy Team. one of the most common medication errors
reported in pharmacy. This quality improvement
The Clinical Practice Improvement Programme initiative demonstrates the commitment to
(CPIP) aims to enhance care and patient care that underpins NSC’s interprofessional,
safety through active review of workflows. multidisciplinary care delivery.
Nursing Care Transformation
The NSC Dermatological Nursing Competency care practices to enhance patient skin
Framework serves as a training guide for treatments and care. Nurse-led services in
nurses, to upgrade their skills and promote Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), Warts,
lifelong learning. Through this framework, MMR Injections, Paediatric and Surgical
nurses are responsible for their individual Reviews have also substituted the demand
skills upgrading and career planning to excel for medical physicians to perform reviews of
as a professional dermatological nurse. NSC stable patients, resulting in shorter waiting
nurses trained 1,086 Intermediate and Long- time at clinics.
term Care (ILTC) nurses on dermatological
09ADVANCING RESEARCH
EXCELLENCE As a pivotal centre for clinical
and translational research,
NSC strives to improve
dermatological treatment
through advancing research
and care innovation.
Global Translational Impact on Adj A/Prof Tey Hong Liang,
Dissolving Microneedles for the Senior Consultant. Adj A/Prof Tey,
Treatment of Keloids together with researchers from NSC,
developed an innovative method
Keloid scars can be unsightly, painful and that uses dissolving microneedles
itchy. A large keloid in the skin over a joint — each about 100 times smaller than
may even interfere with joint function. NSC the needle used for conventional keloid
patients with keloid scars, who are not able injections — to administer the medication,
to tolerate conventional treatment, now have triamcinolone, onto the affected area without
the option of a painless treatment. Under the pain. The triamcinolone-embedded dissolving
Transition Award funding from the Singapore microneedle patch is a world-first.
National Medical Research Council conferred
NSC manages more than 5,000 keloid cases
a year. Patients who wish to shrink their
keloid scars make monthly visits to NSC
for triamcinolone injections, which require
regular doses for the treatment to be effective.
However, this treatment is painful and deters
some patients, particularly children, who are
unable to withstand the pain of injections.
The novel dissolving microneedle patch now
addresses this unmet clinical need.
In the clinical trial, patients self-administered
the triamcinolone-embedded dissolving
A photo of the microneedle patch containing microneedle patch to one of their keloids
triamcinolone, a type of steroid used to manage daily over four weeks, with another keloid left
keloids. untreated to function as a control. Using a
10NATIONAL SKIN CENTRE
3D scanner to assess keloid volume, the team
found a significant reduction in the size of
keloids after treatment, with higher doses of
triamcinolone leading to greater reduction. The
study has been published in Dermatology and
Therapy, a Springer Nature journal. Photo
Designed for one-time use, the dissolving
microneedle patch takes mere minutes to
apply and can be self-administered by patients
at home. This saves patients the time and
cost of travelling to NSC to undergo keloid
injections by the healthcare team. The self-
management nature of this treatment also
means that patients are able to treat their
keloid scars effectively and conveniently, even Adj A/Prof Tey Hong Liang, Senior Consultant and Head of Research, NSC,
while overseas. applying a microneedle patch on a patient.
Milestone Research Studies cells, and explain what triggers the ageing
process. Positive results and data have
2018 saw a plethora of research undertaken been obtained, and future studies aim to
at NSC to improve care. The following are key include additional variables to strengthen
research studies that can transform care for these results. This study was funded by
dermatological conditions: A*STAR-NHG-NTU Skin Research Grant.
he Social and Economic Burden of
T aman Confocal Microscopy and
R
Atopic Dermatitis Among Children High-Resolution Raster Scanning
in Singapore — Establishing a Optoacoustic Mesoscopy in Patients
Longitudinal Study Cohort with Atopic Dermatitis (Dr Yew Yik
(Dr Yew Yik Weng and Team) Weng and Team)
Funded by A*STAR-NHG-NTU Skin Research This study is carried out to find out if
Grant, this study aimed to measure the two systems — the Raster-Scanning-
burden that paediatric Atopic Dermatitis Optoacoustic-Mesoscopy (RSOM) and
(AD) places on patients and their families. handheld confocal raman system — are
Factors taken into account are the health- useful in determining the chemical
related quality of life (HRQoL), utilisation changes in the skin of patients with
of healthcare services, informal caregiving Atopic Dermatitis (AD), and whether
and the relevant out-of-pocket expenses. that correlates well with skin physiology
Findings of this study will provide better measurements. The RSOM is a non-invasive
insights into how the condition negatively method of imaging that makes use of a
affects the patient and caregiver, as well as laser and detection system to create an
a glimpse into the possible financial burden image of the superficial blood vessels of
imposed. the skin. The confocal raman system is a
high-resolution imaging technique which
he Role of Cellular Senescence
T can look non-invasively at the chemical
in Age-Related Hair Depigmentation compounds and distribution in the skin.
(Dr Joyce Lee and Team) Success of this pilot study can pave the
Senescent cells may contribute to the way for characterising and managing AD,
disease etiology of premature ageing providing a deeper understanding of the
syndromes such as Werner syndrome condition in ways current dermatological
or Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria as they imaging techniques are unable to. This
accumulate prematurely in afflicted tissues. study is done in collaboration with
This study is carried out to determine Singapore Bioimaging Consortium (SBIC),
how cell ageing impairs the functionality Biomedical Sciences Institutes.
(pigment production and transfer) of human
11 alidation of an Algorithm that
V mechanistic pathways and drug discovery
Automatically Segment and Calculate for chronic inflammatory skin diseases.
the Area Affected by Vitiligo on the NSC is supporting the efforts with clinical
Trunk of Patients for Assessment of expertise and well-characterised cohorts
Extent of Disease and Response to of patients with skin disorders. Moderate to
Treatment in Patients with Vitiligo (Dr severe Atopic Dermatitis (AD) patients are
Anjali Jhingan and Team) recruited into the study to evaluate their
Current treatments available for vitiligo are immunophenotypic profile in serum and
limited by intra-observer and inter-observer skin biopsies. In addition, information on
variability. Funded by NHG Small Innovative detailed AD clinical characteristics and skin
Grant (SIG), this study seeks to develop and physiological measurements are collected
validate a scoring system using computer in the study, and will go a long way for
image analysis of photographs from the the development of possible enhanced
body trunk area to enable clinicians to therapeutics.
standardise vitiligo severity and treatment
outcome measurements in an easy and esearch Accolades
R
reproducible manner. Subsequent findings NSC doctors, along with a student, clinched
demonstrated efficiency of the automated four awards in the scientific competition
scoring system, enabling a novel approach at the Singapore Health & Biomedical
that is consistent and reliable. The algorithm Congress 2018, graced by Mr Gan Kim
is an efficient tool in standardising severity Yong, Minister for Health. Dr Kenneth Fong,
scoring for clinical practice. Senior Resident and team won Best Poster
Award (Gold) for their work on assessing
ollaboration with International
C how MMP14 may affect the pathogenesis
Research Partners of acne vulgaris. Dr Cao Taige, Senior
Scientists and clinicians from Singapore Resident, clinched the Singapore Young
institutes, namely NSC, Skin Research Investigator Award (Merit) for his study
Institute Singapore (SRIS) and A*STAR, on the pathophysiology of itch in Atopic
are collaborating with C&C Research Dermatitis.
Laboratories to research on new
Research Collaboration Agreement Ceremony.
Photo Credit: Agency for Science, Technology and Research.
12NATIONAL SKIN CENTRE
Award Category Name Title of study Results
SHBC Best Poster Award — Assessing the Role of MMP14 in the
Dr Kenneth GOLD
Basic Science/Translational Pathogenesis of Acne Vulgaris Using
Fong
Research Sebocyte Organoid Models
SHBC Singapore Young Pathophysiology of Itch in Atopic
Investigator Award Dermatitis: A 3-Dimensional Study
Dr Cao Taige MERIT
Basic Science/Translational of IL-31 and its Receptors and
Research Cutaneous Innervation
Ms Claudia
BRONZE
Koh Tze Min, Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen as a
SHBC Student Award
Adj A/Prof Tey Clinical Marker in Hypohdrosis
Hong Liang
Dr Cao Taige, BEST LETTER
Anti-Pruritic Efficacies of Doxycycline TO EDITOR
Dr Eugene 2018
and Erythromycin in the Treatment of
IJDVL International Award Tan Sern Ting,
Acne Vulgaris: A Randomized Single-
Adj A/Prof Tey
Blinded Pilot Study
Hong Liang
Research and Development
Immunology Lab
Project title: Prospective Study on Serum
Antibodies Against Target Antigens of
Bullous Autoimmune Diseases and Genetic
Susceptibility
Project period: 2017-2019
The objective of this project is to compare
current Indirect Immunofluorescence method
of testing patients with autoimmune blistering
diseases using an innovative biochip. The
biochip is potentially a more efficient method
and thus accelerates the diagnosis of such
patients. NSC Laboratory staff at the Centre’s Clinical Laboratory.
13Research Report Research Studies
Only through research and innovation can NSC in 2018
push the frontiers of skin health by translating
scientific knowledge and research findings into
innovative solutions for patients.
In 2018, there were a total of 105 ongoing
research projects, including 21 new studies
43%
initiated in the same year. Key milestones
included the introduction of a novel treatment
(Keloid Micro-dissolving Needles Patch) and
the commercialisation of our products by
partners to enhance care. 33%
Clinical Research 14%
Epidemiological
Laboratory-based 10%
Translational
Research Publications in FY2018
Preliminary Validation of the HS-QoL: A Journal of Cutaneous
Chelsea McLellan, Mia Sisic,
Quality-of-Life Measure for Hidradenitis Medicine and Surgery
Hazel Oon HB and Jerry Tan
Suppurativa 2018 Mar/Apr;22(2):142-146
Journal of the German Society
Kok Wai Leong, Tey Hong Liang
A Tale of Two “Half Tongues” of Dermatology
and Lucinda Tan SY
2018 Apr;16(4):485-486
A Case Report of Granulomatous Kok Wai Leong, Hazel Oon HB Singapore Medical Journal
Rosacea of the Face and Giam Yoke Chin 2018 Apr;59(4):228-229
Pemphigus Herpetiformis with
Evelyn Tay YX, Joyce Lee SS Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
Autoantibodies to Desmocollins
and Lim Yen Loo 2018 Apr;43(3):360-362
1, 2 and 3
Interstitial Granulomatous
Valencia Long CL, Tan Weisheng, The American Journal of Dermatopathology
Variant of Scleromyxedema—
Joyce Lee SS and Steven Thng TG 2018 Apr;40(4):279-282
A Diagnostic Pitfall
Springer Link
Metal Allergy in Asia Anthony Goon TJ, Chen J and Thyseen J
2018 Apr 14;515-520
Kok Wai Leong, Stephanie Ho GY The American Journal of Dermatopathology
Multiple Papules on the Penis: Challenge
and Tee Shang-Ian 2018 May;40(5):e62-e63
The Effectiveness of a Pharmacist-Led
Lee Shan Xian, Chong Wei Sheng,
Sun Protection Counselling Service: Annals Academy of Medicine
Lauw Xiu Ting, Tan Siew Kiang
Results from a Tertiary Dermatology 2018 May;47(5):196-200
and Hazel Oon HB
Centre in Singapore
Clinical Characteristics and Management
of Patients with Rosacea in a Tertiary Chong Kah Wai, Yew Yik Weng, International Journal of Dermatology
Dermatology Center in Singapore from Lai Yi Chun and Roy Chan 2018 May;57(5):541-546
2009 to 2013
See Jo-Ann, Goh Chee Leok,
Optimising the Use of Topical Retinoids Journal of Dermatology
Hayashi Nobukazu, Suh Dae Hun
in Asian Acne Patients 2018 May;45(5):522-528
and Casintahan FA
14NATIONAL SKIN CENTRE
Sophie Nguyen, Chuah Sai Yee,
Atorvastatin in Combination with
Eric Fontas, Abdallah Khemis, JAMA Dermatology
Narrowband UV-B in Adult Patients with
Anjali Jhingan, Steven Thng TG 2018 Jun 1;154(6):725-726
Active Vitiligo: A Randomized Clinical Trial
and Thierry Passeron
The Genetics of Chronic Itch: Gene Nattkemper Leigh A, Tey Hong Liang,
Expression in the Skin of Patients with Valdes-Rodriguez R, Helen Lee, Journal of Investigative Dermatology
Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis with Mollanazar Nicholas K, Albornoz Christian, 2018 Jun;138(6):1311-1317
Severe Itch Sanders Kristen M and Yosipovitch Gil
Goh Chi Ching, Evrard Maximilien,
Chong Shu Zhen, Tan Yingrou,
The Impact of Ischemia-Reperfusion
Leonard Tan DL, Karen Teng WW, European Journal of Immunology
Injuries on Skin Resident Murine
Weninger Wolfgang, Becker David L, 2018 Jun;48(6):1014-1019
Dendritic Cells
Tey Hong Liang, Newell Evan William,
Liu Bin and Ng Lai Guan
An Abstinence and Safer Sex Intervention
Junice Ng YS, Roy Chan KW,
for Adolescents Attending the Public Journal of Adolescent Health
Martin Chio TW, Raymond Lim BT,
Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic in 2018 Jun;62(6):737-746
David Koh and Wong Mee Lian
Singapore
Wang Dingyuan, Vanessa Chong CL, American Journal of Clinical Dermatology
A Review on Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris
Chong Wei Sheng and Hazel Oon HB 2018 Jun;19(3):377-390
Clinical Experience of Adalimumab in Indian Journal of Dermatology,
Mandy Chan WM, Hazel Oon HB
the Treatment of Psoriasis — A 10-Year Venereology and Leprology
and Chong Wei Sheng
Journey in a Tertiary Dermatology Centre 2018;84(2):205-208
Disseminated Herpes Simplex Virus and Indian Journal of Dermatology,
Varicella Zoster Virus Co-Infection in an Vanessa Lim ZY and Tey Hong Liang Venereology and Leprology
Immunocompetent Patient 2018;84(2):212-214
Classification of Non-Tumorous
Liang Yunfeng, Sun Lei, Ser Wee, Lin Feng,
Skin Pigmentation Disorders Using Computers in Biology and Medicine
Steven Thng TG, Chen Qiping
Voting Based Probabilistic Linear 2018 Jun 5;99:123-132
and Lin Zhiping
Discriminant Analysis
Indeterminate Cell Histiocytosis in a
Chen Qiping, Joyce Lee SS,
Chinese Patient with Progressive and
Michelle Liang WT, Michelle Chan MF, Journal of Cutaneous Pathology
Extensive Nodular Lesions and Mixed
Ramon M. Pujol, Requena Luis 2018 Jun;45(6):428-433
Indeterminate Cell and Macrophage-
and Tan Suat Hoon
Monocyte Lineage
The Association between Quality of Life
Ryan Chua RY, Jacqueline Cleator, Dermatological Nursing
and Self-Care in Singaporeans Living
Malcom Campbell and Brenda Lim 2018 Jun;17(2):18-26
with Psoriasis
Automated Scoring of Vitiligo Using
Superpixel-Generated Computerized Joseph Toh JH, Bhoi S, Virlynn Tan WD,
British Journal of Dermatology
Digital Image Analysis of Clinical Chuah Sai Yee, Anjali Jhingan,
2018 Jul;179(1):220-221
Photographs: A Novel and Consistent Way Adams Kong WK and Steven Thng TG
to Score Vitiligo
Chronic Pruritus in the Cao Taige, Tey Hong Liang Dermatologic Clinics
Geriatric Population and Yosipovitch Gil 2018 Jul;36(3):199-211
Recalcitrant Psoriasiform Dermatosis
Emily Gan YP, Ng See Ket, Journal of Cutaneous Pathology
of the Face: Is It Related to Pityriasis
Goh Chee Leok and Joyce Lee SS 2018 Jul;45(7):491-497
Rubra Pilaris?
Hong Kong Journal of
Approach to Pigmented Skin
Giam Yoke Chin Dermatology & Venereology
Disorders in Children
2018;26:113-121
15Research publications in FY2018
Sebaceous Neoplasms with Rippled,
Labyrinthine/Sinusoidal, Petaloid, and Wiedemeyer K, Kyrpychova L
Carcinoid-Like Patterns: A Study of 57 Isikci OT, Spagnolo DV, Kutzner H,
The American Journal of
Cases Validating Their Occurrence as a Rutten A, Fernandez-Figueras M,
Dermatopathology
Morphological Spectrum and Showing Denisjuk N, Suster S, Pavlovsky M,
2018 Jul;40(7):479-485
No Significant Association with Muir- Petersson F, Michal M, Joyce Lee SS,
Torre Syndrome or DNA Mismatch Repair Kerl K and Kazakov DV
Protein Deficiency
Delusion of Parasitosis: Su Peiqi, Teo Wan Lin, Pan Jiun Yit, Annals Academy of
A Descriptive Analysis of 88 Patients Chan Keen Loong, Tey Hong Liang Medicine Singapore
at a Tertiary Skin Centre and Giam Yoke Chin 2018 Jul;47(7):266-268
Journal of Psoriasis and
Ashley Chen, Kristen M. Beck
Stigmatization in Psoriasis Psoriatic Arthritis
and Eugene Tan ST
2018 Jul;3(3):100-106
Anti-Pruritic Efficacies of Doxycycline
Cao Taige, Eugene Tan ST, Indian Journal of Dermatology,
and Erythromycin in the Treatment of
Chan Yiong Huak, Gil Yosipovitch Venereology and Leprology
Acne Vulgaris: A Randomized Single-
and Tey Hong Liang 2018 Jul-Aug;84(4):458-460
Blinded Pilot Study
A Mixed Methods Study of Non-
Occupational Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
Alvin Teo KJ, Tai Bee Choo, PLoS One
at an STI Clinic in Singapore: Five-Year
Martin Chio TW and La Hanh Hao 2018 Aug;13(8):e0202267
Retrospective Analysis and Providers’
Perspectives
Unusual Cutaneous Manifestation of Agnes Chan WS, Joyce Lee SS, Australasian Journal of Dermatology
Dermatomyositis Ng See Ket and Hazel Oon HB 2018 Aug;59(3):e228-e230
A Population-Based Cohort Study of
Kok Wai Leong, Yew Yik Weng International Journal of Dermatology
Atopic Eczema Among Young Adult Males
and Steven Thng TG 2018 Aug;57(8):e52-e54
in Singapore
Use of Silicone Gel to Enhance Skin
Wound Healing by Secondary Intention Angeline Yong AN Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
Following Tumour Excision on the Scalp and Goh Chee Leok 2018 Aug;43(6):723-725
and Extremities
Melissa Chan MH, Daryl Tan JA, Lancet Oncology
Blistering Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis
Mark Koh JA and Lucinda Tan SY 2018 Sep;19(9):e500
Nanostring Analysis of Skin Biopsies from Tan Yingrou, Jackson Li LY, Bernett Lee
Patients with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura TK, Josephine Lum, Dwi Pramono ZA, Acta Dermato Venereologica
Reveals Genes Associated with Pathology Evrard Maximilien, Poidinger Michael, 2018 Oct 10;98(9):896-897
and Heterogeneity in the Disease Process Tey Hong Liang and Ng Lai Guan
Tan Chee Hian, Kuan LY, Heng Yee Kiat
A Polymorphous Rash of an Uncommon Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
Pan Jiun Yit, Tee Shang Ian,
Blistering Disease 2018 Oct;43(7):839-842
Lim Yen Loo and Tan LS
Methotrexate for the Treatment of
Stull CM, Tey Hong Liang Acta Dermato Venereologica
Recalcitrant Primary Localized Cutaneous
and Yosipovitch Gil 2018 Oct 10;98(9):900-901
Amyloidosis: A Case Series
Rayner Tan KJ, Christina Wong M, Mark
Chemsex Among Gay, Bisexual, and
Chen I-Cheng, Chan Yin Ying, Muhamad
Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in International Journal of Drug Policy
Alif Bin Ibrahim, Oliver Lim ZK, Martin Chio
Singapore and the Challenges Ahead: 2018 Nov;61:31-37
TW, Wong Chen Seong, Roy Chan KW,
A Qualitative Study
Lynette Chua J and Bryan Choong CH
A Retrospective Clinico-Pathological Cheng Hui Mei, Chuah Sai Yee,
Australasian Journal of Dermatology
Study Comparing Lichen Planus Emily Gan YP, Anjali Jhingan
2018 Nov;59(4):322-327
Pigmentosus with Ashy Dermatosis and Steven Thng TG
16NATIONAL SKIN CENTRE
Hydroa Vacciniforme-Like
Lymphoproliferative Disorder in an Elderly Valencia Long CL, Michelle Liang WT International Journal of Dermatology
Chinese Patient and a Literature Review of and Tan Suat Hoon 2018 Nov;57(11):1283-1292
Adult Cases
Sulekha Kumari, Steven Thng TG, Navin Acta Dermato Venereologica
Melanogenesis Inhibitors
Kumar Verma and Hemant K. Gautam 2018 Nov 5;98(10):924-931
Yew Yik Weng, Zheng Qishi,
Cochrane Database of
Topical Treatments for Eczema: A Network Kok Wai Leong, Madeline Ho SL,
Systematic Reviews
Meta-Analysis Jeremy Teoh, Yoko Wong KY, Shi Luming
2018 Dec 4;12:1-27
and Edwin Chan SY
Can We End the Human
Ann Acad Med Singapore
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Roy Chan KW
2018 Dec;47(12):499-501
Singapore?
Psychological Profile of Patients Derek Lim SY, Anthony Bewley Ann Acad Med Singapore
with Psoriasis and Hazel Oon HH 2018 Dec;47(12):516-522
Sunburns and Sun-Protective Behaviors Skinmed
Lai Yi Chun and Yew Yik Weng
After a Diagnosis of Melanoma 2018 Dec 21;16(6):379-383
Hasan Erbil Abaci, Abigail Coffman,
Tissue Engineering of Human Hair Yanne Doucet, James Chen,
Nature Communications
Follicles Using a Biomimetic Joanna Jackow, Etienne Wang,
2018 Dec 13;9:5301
Developmental Approach Guo Zongyou, Jung U. Shin,
Colin A. Jahoda and Angela M. Christiano
Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen as a Claudia Koh TM, Douglas Leong Y International Journal of Dermatology
Clinical Marker in Hypohidrosis and Tey Hong Liang 2018 Dec;57(12):e162-e164
Tan C, Yeo Chen Long D, Cao Taige,
Drug-Free Microneedles in the Treatment
Virlynn Tan WD, Srivastava R, Yow Ai Ping, British Journal of Dermatology
of Keloids: A Single-Blinded Intra-
Tan Wei Ping, Damon Wong WK, Xu C 2018 Dec;179(6):1418-1419
Individual Controlled Clinical Trial
and Tey Hong Liang
Mar Llamas-Velasco, Werner Kempf,
Multiple Eruptive Epithelioid
Carlo Cota, M T Fernandez-Figueras, The American Journal of
Hemangiomas: A Subset of Cutaneous
Joyce Lee SS, Gerardo Ferrara, Surgical Pathology
Cellular Epithelioid Hemangioma with
Christian Sander, Philip E. Shapiro, 2019 Jan;43(1):26-34
Expression of FOS-B
Luis Requena and Heinz Kutzner
Impact of a Pharmacy-Led Cheng Hui Mei, Coni Liu WC,
Singapore Medical Journal
Smoking Cessation Clinic in a Germaine Chua, Liew Choon Fong,
2019 Jan;60(1):31-33
Dermatology Centre Winnie Li, Winnie Choo and Hazel Oon HB
Acitretin-Altered Squamous Cell Koh Wei Liang, Hazel Oon HB Dermatologic Surgery
Carcinoma: A Pitfall in Diagnosis and Melissa Tan WP 2019 Feb;45(2):311-313
Overexpression of CDC42SE1 in A431 Cells
P Kalailingam, Tan Hui Bing, Pan Jiun Yit, Cells
Reduced Cell Proliferation by Inhibiting
Tan Suat Hoon and T Thanabalu 2019 Feb;8(2):117
the Akt Pathway
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of
Journal of the American
the Regional and Age-Related Yew Yik Weng, Thyssen Jacob P.
Academy of Dermatology
Differences in Atopic Dermatitis Clinical and Silverberg Jonathan I.
2019 Feb;80(2):390-401
Characteristics
Idiopathic Generalized Exfoliative
Dermatitis and Association with Cheong Kah Wai, Yew Yik Weng Dermatology
Antihypertensive Drugs and Statins: and Tey Hong Liang 2019 Feb;235(2):107-111
A Retrospective Case-Control Study
17Research Grants
Research is the key to clinical innovation and advancement. Collaboration and support from partners catalyses
NSC’s translational research, bringing it closer from bench-to-bedside to improve patients’ lives.
In FY2018, the following new inter-institutional and national grants were accorded to NSC:
Principle Collaborating Amount
Project Title Name of Grant Grant Period
Investigator Institutes Awarded
Health for Life in
Characterisation of Adult Atopic Singapore-Early Disease
Dr Yew LKC School of 2 Aug 2018 –
Dermatitis in Singapore using a Cohort (HELIOS-EDC) $200,000
Yik Weng Medicine 1 Aug 2021
Longitudinal Case Cohort Studies Research Grant
Award
FY2018 NHG-
$180,000
Role of Macrophages in Human Dr Etienne LKCMedicine Clinician- 15 Feb 2019 –
SRIS and 0.4FTE
Hair Cycling and Alopecia Wang Scientist Career Scheme 14 Feb 2022
funding
(CSCS)
A*STAR and FY2018 NHG- $9,000
Role of Asporin in the Tumour
Dr Wong Kyoto University LKCMedicine Clinician- (Project) 1 Jul 2018 –
Microenvironment of Basal Cell
Yisheng Graduate School Scientist Preparatory + $2,000 30 Jun 2019
Carcinoma
of Medicine Programme (CSPP) (Training)
Elucidation of Histopathologic
A*STAR and FY2018 NHG- $8,990
and Immunopathologic
Dr Cheng Kyoto University LKCMedicine Clinician- (Project) 1 Jul 2018 –
Differences between Intrinsic and
Hui Mei Graduate School Scientist Preparatory + $2,000 30 Jun 2020
Extrinsic Atopic Dermatitis using
of Medicine Programme (CSPP) (Training)
Multimodal Skin Imaging
Testing the Efficacy of Yolk
Lecithin Liposome-Based Skin Innovation Grant 1 Oct 2018 –
Dr Hazel Oon A*STAR, IMB $49,908
Moisturizer in Alleviating Atopic (SIG) 30 Sep 2020
Dermatitis
Three-Dimensional Adj A/Prof Tey NHIC Innovation to
A*STAR
Representation of Skin Structure Hong Liang Protect (I2P)
Targeting of Melanocytes for
Adj Prof
Delivering Therapeutics Using NHIC Innovation to
Steven Thng NTU
Protein Nanocages Decorated Protect (I2P)
Tien Guan
with Multiple Ligands
A*STAR: Agency for Science and Technology, SRIS: Skin Research Institute of Singapore, NTU: Nanyang Technological University, IMB:
Institute of Medical Biology and CGH: Changi General Hospital
18NATIONAL SKIN CENTRE
Highlights from the Lab
Quality Benchmarks
To improve quality standards at the Immunology Lab, NSC has subscribed to UK NEQAS
under the Mohs Procedure Pathology Programme, held six times a year. Submission of stained
Haematoxylin and Eosin frozen Mohs sections include specimens from cutaneous, mucosal,
cartilaginous and hair-bearing areas. Various quality standards are assessed, including the
presence of tumour within the specimen, and extent of margin clearance.
Improved Facilities and Equipment
T he Histopathology Lab acquired a new automated special stainer for the running of
histochemical stains. This has improved the quality of staining, contributed to a more efficient
workflow, and improved the overall quality of the dermatopathology service.
Education and Training
To provide educational and training opportunities to non-laboratory staff, NSC hosted
Micrographic Surgery practical attachments for nurses of NSC’s Advanced Dermatology
Nursing Course to harness knowledge on surgical techniques. Practical attachments to learn
techniques in skin scraping are also offered to staff from the Institute of Mental Health at the
clinical laboratory.
Laboratory Report
Summary of laboratory investigations (Microbiology, Histopathology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Haematology and
others) conducted:
1 Apr 2016 – 31 Mar 2017 1 Apr 2017 – 31 Mar 2018 1 Apr 2018 – 31 Mar 2019
TYPE OF INVESTIGATIONS FY2016 FY2017 FY2018
MICROBIOLOGY 40,818 40,103 39,433
HISTOPATHOLOGY 133,366 136,584 143,060
IMMUNOLOGY 130,274 127,540 127,952
BIOCHEMISTRY 69,365 68,579 69,798
HAEMATOLOGY 52,360 47,967 46,280
OTHERS 1,983 1,997 2,230
TOTAL 428,166 422,770 428,753
19NATIONAL SKIN CENTRE
NSC celebrated its 30th
year of public service As an integrated hub, NSC will operate in an
in 2018, forging new optimal environment that galvanises educators
milestones to pave the way
for further advancements and students in learning, as well as supports and
and developments in advances clinical research. It will be a place to engage
dermatology and the community, whether in skin health promotion or
person-centred care. for the community to be trained in self-care.
- Professor Tan Suat Hoon,
YEARS
OF EXCELLENCE IN DERMATOLOGY
Director, National Skin Centre
experience for patients with improved Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry, with CSR event helpers and performers.
dermatological treatments and wellness for
skin health.
By 2022, NSC will be able to provide seamless Corporate Social Responsibility Walk-Together
access to specialised dermatological care Activities with AMKFSC Charity Walk, held on
for more patients with a full spectrum of Giving back to the community has been 22 September at
subspecialty expertise. The new 10-storey Bishan-Ang Mo Kio
a key focus at NSC over the years. In Park, graced by Guest
building will see a 50% increase in clinic conjunction with the 30th Anniversary, NSC of Honour, Mr Tan
capacity, from 46 to 69 consultation rooms, collaborated with Ang Mo Kio Family Service
NSC Update in Dermatology & to meet the rising demand for outpatient
Chuan-Jin, Speaker
Venereology 2018 Centre (AMKFSC), which was coincidentally of Parliament, with
services. Patients with complex skin diseases celebrating their 40th anniversary to give proceeds going towards
Organised every three years, the NSC Update will also be able to benefit from the best back to the community through a series of AMKFSC Community
in Dermatology and Venereology 2018 was clinical expertise, along with excellent nursing volunteering and fundraising activities. Services.
held on 27 and 28 October at the Raffles Mr Stephen Loh, Groundbreaking Ceremony and allied health care.
City Convention Centre. A key platform for Representative and Health Fair
Chief Development A new chapter beckons for NSC with the New facilities include a Day Treatment Centre,
scientific updates and best clinical practices
Officer, Tan Tock Seng groundbreaking ceremony for the new which centralises diagnostic, monitoring Food & Jumble Sale
in dermatology, the conference received Hospital; Prof Goh building on 18 April 2018. Graced by Dr Amy and treatment services, resulting in more
more than 460 registrants from 23 countries. Chee Leok, Senior NSC’s annual Food and
Khor, Senior Minister of State for Health, convenient access to care, especially for
Participants were kept abreast of new Consultant, NSC; A/ Jumble Sale, organised
the ceremony marked the redevelopment elderly or less ambulant patients.
approaches and therapeutics in managing Prof Chua Sze Hon, by the Recreation Club,
and expansion of the NSC building — a with all proceeds raised
patients with skin diseases. Deputy Director, NSC;
Prof Tan Suat Hoon,
new milestone coinciding with NSC’s 30th in support of AMKFSC.
Covering a wide range of topics such as Director, NSC and Anniversary.
Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriasis and Aesthetic Dr Amy Khor, Senior
Prof Tan Suat Commemorating Dermatology in The new centre will offer a more
Hoon, Director, Dermatology, the event’s panellists included Minister of State
Singapore for Health. seamless person-centred care
NSC, presenting medical luminaries such as Prof Dedee Murrell
the Dermatology in In celebration of NSC’s achievements over from Australia, Prof Keith Harding from the
Singapore book to 30 years, the Dermatology in Singapore (DiS) United Kingdom, Prof Kenji Kabashima from
Mr Gan Kim Yong, commemorative book was produced, which Japan and NSC’s Adj Prof Steven Thng.
Minister for Health. chronicled the development of dermatology The public visiting the
in Singapore. It was presented to Mr Gan Highlights include the inaugural Residents’ GOH Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of skin screening booth
Kim Yong, Minister for Health, at the 2018 Challenge Shield, which saw two teams of State for National Development and Trade and by NSC doctors and
Singapore Health & Biomedical Congress junior doctors pitting their skills against Industry, gracing the Health Fair at Yio Chu Kang nurses.
(SHBC), which had a record attendance of each other and two symposia dedicated for Community Club on 21 April 2018, organised by
more than 2,500 delegates from 10 countries pharmacists and nurses, congruent with the NSC in collaboration with NHGP.
with 638 submissions of abstracts. The move towards team-based care for chronic
Event highlights included entertaining
DiS book highlighted the achievements of skin diseases.
performances by COMNET seniors and Dr Ellie
pioneering forefathers in dermatology, and Choi, Senior Resident, various educational
how dermatological care in NSC has evolved booths and three tracks of health talks on
with the changing needs of the landscape chronic disease management, healthy skin
and community. maintenance and healthcare tips.
20 22NATIONAL SKIN CENTRE NATIONAL SKIN CENTRE
Our Journey
NSC’s Dinner and Dance 2018, held on 30 June
2018 at Capella Singapore, commemorated 30
EDUCATION To continue providing high NSC speakers imparting medical knowledge at
the Aids Conference.
illustrious years of history and achievements. standards of dermatological
Aptly themed “Our Journey”, the event saw care, education is a key thrust
staff and guests dressed in their finest 80s,
90s, and millennium styles — a nod to the
for continuity and renewal. Singapore Aids Conference 2018
30th Anniversary. With an eye on nurturing Co-organised with Action for Aids (AfA) and
the next generation of NCID, the 11th Singapore Aids Conference
Graced by Professor Philip Choo, Group CEO, was held on 8 December 2018. This year’s
NHG, highlights of the festivities included dermatologists and
theme was “The Beginning of The End”, which
a cake cutting ceremony sang to a joyful staff, NSC continues encompassed all aspects of HIV, addressing
rendition of “Happy Birthday”, a walk down to provide rigorous issues in HIV care and response spectrum
Cake cutting ceremony at NSC’s Dinner and Dance 2018. memory lane to reminisce key milestones,
training to in the country. Dr Benson Yeo, Consultant,
and lively performances by NSC’s very own presented the findings on the PrEP (Pre-
talented doctors and staff. provide better Exposure Prophylaxis) in Singapore, while Dr
dermatological Ellen Chan, Consultant, introduced the hidden
care for the populations for the HIV Blueprint in Singapore.
nation.
World Psoriasis Day
NSC, together with the Psoriasis Association
of Singapore, organised the World Psoriasis
Day outreach event on 20 October 2018 at the
A toast to another great year at NSC. From Left: Ms Loo Swee Cheng, General Manager; Bedok Central event hall with an attendance
Mrs Alice Chew, Head of Medical Affairs and Mrs
of more than 500 participants.
Tang Lee Foon, Head of Pharmacy.
Eczema Public Dr Colin Theng, NSC Visiting Consultant
Forum 2018 and President of the Psoriasis Association
of Singapore, engaged the crowd with an
Organised as part of a series of
informative talk on the condition, projecting
events to commemorate NSC’s 30th
how new treatments can progressively
Anniversary, the Eczema Public Forum
improve the lives of psoriasis patients.
2018 saw a strong turnout of more than
320 participants who learnt more about
managing the condition and understanding
the common misconceptions.
The event also marked the launch of NSC’s
first mobile application (app) on eczema
Attendees browsing through dermatology-related management — Taggle Eczema. Jointly
books retailed at the Public Forum 2018.
developed with the community health
gaming platform, the Taggle app epitomises
person-centred care, allowing patients to
better manage their eczema. Available for Attendees engaging in activities at the World Psoriasis Day event.
download, the app enables eczema patients
to self-monitor their skin condition and obtain NSC nurses showed their support through
daily updates and advice. Through an in-built activities such as first aid and skin care
algorithm devised by NSC doctors, the app education, along with counselling services
gives recommendations based on users’ and balloon sculpting. The audience was
uploaded data. The data also provides doctors treated to enthralling music and dance
with insights on patient behaviour so that they performances, which included a rousing
may adjust their medications where required. rendition of a popular musical by Dr Etienne
Community outreach at the World Psoriasis Day. Wang, Consultant.
Dr Yew Yik Weng, Consultant, speaking at the
Public Forum 2018.
The NSC family in front of the existing NSC building.
23 24 25Continuing Professional Dermatology Bulletin
Education for Better Care NSC’s Dermatology Bulletin Vol 29, published
NSC GP Seminar 2018 in May 2018, covered the theme of STI. Titled
Focusing on Sexually Transmitted Infections,
NSC held its seminar for General Practitioners the bulletin comprised of topics that included:
on 23 June 2018, with over 60 GPs and
staff in attendance. Focusing on Paediatric • S TI Prevention & Control: Revisiting Principles,
Dermatology, the line-up of speakers included Testing, New Ideas
Dr Madeline Ho, Senior Consultant and • Molecular HPV Testing — A New Paradigm
Chairperson of the Seminar — Dr Suzanne in Cervical Cancer Screening
Cheng, Senior Consultant, Dr Lucinda Tan, • Sexually Transmitted Infections in At-Risk
Consultant, Dr Su Peiqi, Consultant and Senior Populations
Nurse Felicia Tan. The wide range of topics
covered included Approach to Itchy Skin • The Evolution of Educational Materials at
Conditions in Childhood, Birthmarks as well as the DSC Clinic
Talk and Demo on Wet Wraps, among others. • S TIs and Adolescents
• Project Streetwalker & Project
Entertainment Workers
• Unusual Clinical Presentation of Secondary
Syphilis — A Report of Two Cases
• Self-Collected Rectal Swabs: Empowering
Asymptomatic Male Patients at the
DSC Clinic
• T he Human Papillomavirus Vaccines
Team-Based Learning for Derm GPs
Launched in October 2018, DSC embarked
on a team-based learning programme to
enhance continuing education for GPs with
minimal disruptions to clinic operations and
patient care process. The GPs, engaged
Dr Suzanne Cheng, Senior Consultant, speaking at through a series of briefings and case studies
the GP Seminar 2018.
conducted by the multidisciplinary team at
DSC, can now better address STI conditions
in the community.
26NATIONAL SKIN CENTRE
SHBC Sexual Health Symposium least one year’s experience in the dermatology
In October 2018, DSC organised its inaugural setting of an institution or hospital. A
Sexual Health Symposium at the Singapore Phototherapy and Photodiagnostic Course
Health Biomedical Conference (SHBC). The was also conducted from 17 to 25 September,
symposium, chaired by Adj A/Prof Martin allowing participants to gain in-depth
Chio, Senior Consultant and Dr Benson knowledge and skills on delivering safe and
Yeo, Consultant, aimed to equip healthcare effective phototherapy treatment.
professionals in the community with knowledge
Four runs of dermatology nursing workshops
and latest developments in STIs.
and dermatological ward rounds were
The symposium included the following talks: conducted for nurses at the Institute of Mental
Health to build knowledge capabilities and
• H PB’s Sexual Health Initiatives Among
skills in managing common skin conditions.
Adolescents
• Efficacy of a Behavioural Intervention to For the third consecutive year, NSC has had
Reduce Sexual Risk in Adolescents the privilege of collaborating with the Alice
• Counselling LGBTQ and Individuals, Couples Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, National
and Families in a Community Setting University of Singapore (NUS), to receive
second-year NUS nursing students for a
• Current STI/HIV Prevention Efforts in Female
one-day placement. A total of 251 students
Sex Workers and Challenges for the Future
attended the programme this year, from 16
• Impact of Sexual Abuse on Sexual Behaviour August to 15 November 2018. The programme,
and STI: A Psychotherapeutic Approach which was well-received by the nursing
• S ocio-Behavioural Approaches to HIV/ students, provided a platform for them to gain
STI Research insights into dermatology nursing, including
• An Update on HPV, Syphilis and its Myriad hands-on sessions to learn the basics of
Presentation paring by practising on oranges.
Enhancing Nursing Care Pharmacy Symposium
As part of continuing professional nursing The annual Pharmacy Symposium,
education in 2018, the Nursing Department conducted on 27 October 2018, was part of
organised a series of courses and workshops for the NSC Scientific Conference, Update in
nurses and healthcare providers in institutions Dermatology & Venereology 2018. Themed
and the Intermediate and Long-Term Care “Team-Based Care in Chronic Skin Diseases”,
Setting (ILTC), to build staff capabilities in the the conference aimed to provide a better
management of dermatological conditions. understanding on two chronic skin diseases,
psoriasis and eczema. The symposium also
Held from 14 May to 22 June, the Advanced showcased NSC’s pharmacist-led eczema
Dermatology Nursing Course (Advanced DNC) clinic, along with the optimisation of therapy
is a six-week course on holistic approaches to for psoriasis patients through disease and
managing skin conditions for nurses with at medication counselling.
27Visiting Experts
Professor Thomas Luger
Professor Thomas
Luger, a Professor
of Dermatology NSC had the pleasure of hosting Prof Luger
and Chairman of during his week-long visit to Singapore from
the Department 23 to 27 April. The centre’s facilities was a focal
of Dermatology at point of best practices sharing, especially the
Munster University, seamless functioning of the paperless system.
Germany, is also He shared that most hospitals in Germany
the Director of still rely heavily on paperwork, and the ones
the Institute of that have electronic systems are not yet as
Cell Biology and efficient as NSC.
Immunobiology.
Prof Luger commended the residents and
A renowned expert on inflammatory staff members for their keen interest and high
and autoimmune diseases of the standard of questions asked during lectures.
skin, Prof Luger is also the former Their knowledge and passionate spirit reflects
Dean of the Medical Faculty of the dermatologists’ motivation to give their
Westphalian Wilhelms University best in providing high quality dermatological
and past President of the German care for NSC patients.
Society of Dermatology.
Professor Dedee Murrell
Professor Dedee
Murrell is the
Chairman of the It was NSC’s privilege to have Prof Dedee
Department of Murrell with us during her week-long visit
Dermatology in St from 22 to 28 October. NSC’s capabilities
George Hospital, as a world-renowned training institute, and
Australia, and her its collaboration with the Skin Research
clinical expertise Institution of Singapore (SRIS) featured
lies in autoimmune prominently in the knowledge exchange with
blistering conditions Prof Murrell. Clinicians had the opportunity
and Epidermolysis Bullosa. to learn from her expertise in autoimmune
Prof Murrell first encountered blistering conditions and Epidermolysis
patients with Epidermolysis Bullosa Bullosa through a series of thought-provoking
— then a little-known rare disease lectures.
— during her training at a Centre When asked about the future of dermatology,
for blistering diseases in North Prof Murrell was optimistic about artificial
Carolina. Her rigorous laboratory intelligence aiding doctors’ diagnoses and
research has led to breakthroughs improving clinical outcomes in the future.
and enhancements of treatment However, patient-doctor interaction is
options. still needed to understand the social and
psychological factors affecting each case,
in order to provide the appropriate patient
therapy with reassurance, understanding and
encouragement.
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