Duke-NUS Medical School marked a milestone in clinical excellence and mentorship at the 2025 Induction Ceremony for its Hall of Master Academic Clinicians on Friday, 28 February.
This year, ten outstanding clinician-leaders were recognised for their impact in shaping medicine, pushing boundaries in research, and nurturing the next generation of doctors and scientists.
The prestigious ceremony held at The Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium at Academia, brought together over 120 distinguished guests from across the School and the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre (AMC), with many more participants joining in virtually.
Established in 2021, the Hall of Master Academic Clinicians honours clinicians who exemplify leadership in clinical practice, research, education, and innovation.
At the event, the spotlight shone on the ten remarkable clinicians whose journeys, dedication and passion have left a lasting mark in healthcare and medicine. This year’s cohort represents five leading healthcare institutions—Changi General Hospital, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, National Cancer Centre Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore and Singapore General Hospital—bringing the total of number of inductees to 45.
In his opening address, Duke-NUS Dean Professor Thomas Coffman paid tribute to the inductees, reflecting on their influence across generations:
“What makes them truly exceptional is that they don’t just impart knowledge, they ignite a passion for medicine among their mentees–inspiring our next generation of young clinicians to care deeply…but also, to think boldly.”
He added: “The impact of a Master Academic Clinician goes beyond awards and publications. They leave a legacy through the students, mentees, peers and patients whose lives they’ve touched–truly embodying the School’s vision of transforming medicine and improving lives.”
Duke-NUS Dean Professor Thomas Coffman welcomes the audience
Before receiving their awards from Dean Coffman and Duke-NUS Governing Board Chair Mr Goh Yew Lin onstage, the Master Academic Clinicians shared some impactful lessons and insights from their academic medicine journey in a video, which was met with waves of applause.
The newly inducted Master Academic Clinicians share a group photo with SingHealth Group CEO Professor Ng Wai Hoe (front left), Duke-NUS Governing Board Chair Mr Goh Yew Lin (front third from left) and Dean Coffman
The applause roared on as senior faculty members who were appointed or promoted to the ranks of associate and full professor took centre stage next, with a total of 25 faculty who were recognised at the event.
The promoted and appointed senior faculty with Dean Coffman and Mr Goh onstage
“These exceptional faculty members have attained their new ranks by demonstrating excellence and international stature in their fields through groundbreaking research, outstanding clinical care, world-class education and innovation,” added Prof Coffman.
Highlighting the dual significance of the ceremony this year, Prof Coffman shared his vision for Duke-NUS as he congratulated the recipients: “As the School reaches its 20th anniversary and is on the cusp of many more decades of transforming medicine and improving lives, I am confident that we will continue to build on the foundation of your dedication, service and accomplishments to achieve greater heights.”
SingHealth Group CEO Professor Ng Wai Hoe delivers his closing remarksThe ceremony concluded with closing remarks from SingHealth Group CEO Professor
Ng Wai Hoe who thanked the newly minted MACs and promoted senior faculty for their contributions: “Thank you for being heroes in our AMC, thank you for being the heroes that have enabled us to be better and better.”