Student with Thalassaemia Major Pursues Medical Career

Marc Wong, a first-year student at Duke-NUS Medical School, lives with thalassaemia major, a condition requiring lifelong care and regular blood transfusions. His personal journey as a patient has motivated him to pursue a career in medicine, aiming to provide the same level of care he received.

Wong cites his childhood doctors, including Professor Phua Kong Boo and Associate Professor Tan Ah Moy, as key inspirations. Their approach, which encompassed personal and emotional support alongside medical treatment, has shaped his aspiration to make a significant impact on patients' lives.

The rigorous curriculum at Duke-NUS is demanding, but Wong finds the interactive teaching methods effective for learning. A recent experience with a perceived medical issue, which was quickly and reassuringly addressed by Associate Professor Tan Ru San, highlighted the value of experienced mentors guiding students.

With a background in biological research, Wong applies a systematic approach to his medical studies. He hopes to contribute to the field of gene and cell therapy, translating his experiences as both a patient and a researcher into compassionate and effective patient care.