Student Interest Groups
Student Interest Groups 2023-2024
Student interest groups are an important part of the student life at Duke-NUS. They provide opportunities for students to explore their passions, learn new skills, network with peers and mentors, and enhance their academic and professional development.
Whether you are interested in a specific medical specialty, such as oncology, neurology, or surgery, or you want to pursue a hobby or interest, such as aquascaping, music, or sports, you can find a group that suits your needs and goals. You can also start your own group if you have an idea that is not already represented. Joining a student interest group is a great way to enrich your medical school experience and make lasting connections with your fellow students.
Academic SIGs
Orthopaedic Surgery
Plastics, Reconstructive, and Microsurgery
Radiology
Translational Medicine
Academic SIGs
Anaesthesia
The Duke-NUS Anaesthesia Special Interest Group (SIG) represents a student organization committed to providing Duke-NUS students with an exceptional opportunity to explore the captivating realm of anaesthesiology, critical care medicine, and pain medicine. Our primary objective is to underscore and cultivate an appreciation for the pivotal and multifaceted roles assumed by anaesthetists within the healthcare system.
By assembling a community of like-minded students who possess an interest in this specialty, our aim is to enrich the knowledge and passion for anaesthesia within each individual beyond the curriculum. Furthermore, we strive to establish a platform that facilitates interactions between students and professionals, enabling members to gain invaluable insights into anaesthesiology as a career and to get some hands on experience.
Membership is open to all MD and MD-PhD students. As members you can look forward to events such as:
⁃ Residency sharings
⁃ Tutorials/case discussions
⁃ Research opportunities
⁃ Hands-on practical experiences!
⁃ Networking events with the Anaesthesia SIG from other medical schools
2023 Co-Presidents: Noah Yeo (Class of 2025), Yang Lu (Class of 2025)
Dermatology
The Duke-NUS Dermatology SIG was formed connect like-minded students who wish to explore the field of Dermatology. From gaining a deeper understanding about Dermatology, to networking with Dermatologists from the different institutions and finding dermatologic research opportunities, there is something for every student.
Membership is open to all students. Contact us at dukenus.dermatology@gmail.com or find us on instagram at @dukiederm!
2023 President: Amelia Monteiro (Class of 2024)
Disaster Volunteer Corps
The main purpose of the Disaster Volunteer Corp (DVC) is to recruit, train and retain keen medical students and beyond in different areas of disaster management who can be easily activated in the event of an emergency to serve as skilled manpower support.
This SIG increases awareness of existing disaster response plans, as well as to provide opportunities for the student community to play an active and purposeful role in the event of a disaster.
Key events include lectures and tabletop simulations, that provide an overview of disaster management and addressing different disaster responses such as chemical, biological and radiological events. DVC also aims to run annual live Mass Casualty Incident Simulations for hands on application of skills learnt.
DVC is run in conjunction with Emergency Medicine SIG.
2023 President: Jacqueline Yap (Class of 2026)
Emergency Medicine
To give students exposure to the field of Emergency Medicine through case simulation with Sim Man 3G, skills workshops, sharing sessions and tutorials with EM physicians, mentorship and ED shadowing opportunities, and community outreach.
Our activities are not restricted to members of the SIG, but target the general student population.
Key Events:
1. Emergency case simulations (in-person and computer-based) with high-fidelity mannequin
2. Skills workshops: airway protection (BVM to intubation), FAST scan, back slab application etc.
3. Emergency Medicine Mentorship Programme (with ED shadowing)
4. Sharing & tutorials by EM physicians
2023 President: Yichen Zhu (MD-PhD)
Family Medicine
Duke NUS Family Medicine SIG aims to give those interested in Family Medicine more opportunities to build connections in this clinical specialty, and those new to FM better exposure to this academic discipline and future career options. We also seek to equip students with practical working knowledge on managing chronic diseases in the community as young doctors.
The SIG's expanding range of activities and initiatives include:
➢ Family Medicine Teaching Series on chronic diseases management
➢ Family Medicine Extravaganza - Serve as EXCO for the annual interschool event for medical students and junior doctors to network and interact with FM faculty members from the three healthcare clusters
➢ Family Physician Spotlight Series - Family physician sharing about medicine and life as a general practitioner
➢ Residency talks - opportunities to network with Family Medicine residents and consultants
➢ Volunteering opportunities with voluntary welfare organisations
➢ Research opportunities - we liaise closely with the SingHealth Duke-NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Programme for available research opportunities
Members receive early updates and invitations to participate in and/or help organise the SIG's latest events, and are given priority when signing up for SIG initiatives (e.g. research and volunteering opportunities).
2023 President: Stephanie Quak (Class of 2024)
Internal Medicine
Hello there!
Duke-NUS Internal Medicine Student Interest Group, Duke-NUS IMSIG for short, is made up of a group of students passionate about all things related to internal medicine (IM). We aim to promote awareness and engagement of IM among our members in terms of knowledge, exposure and mentorship. Besides creating opportunities for our members to interact and gain insights from practising doctors, researchers and alumni, we also organise regular clinically-oriented teaching sessions by IM residents and faculty. Duke-NUS IM SIG also serves as a conduit for collaboration between other institutions like NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine as well as Singapore’s IM Residency Programmes on matters pertaining to IM. Above all, we advocate for IM as a specialty of interest within and beyond the Duke-NUS community.
2023 Co-Presidents: Charmaine Ter (Class of 2025), Jazreel Low (Class of 2025)
MedTech
The MedTech SIG Duke-NUS aims to bring together individuals passionate about the intersection of medicine and technology. Through our SIG, we hope to promote awareness and inculcate a culture of innovation at Duke-NUS. Medical technology & innovation is playing an increasingly significant role in healthcare. Advancements in areas ranging from 3D printing and medical devices to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital health, are transforming medicine and paving the way for the future of healthcare.
Regardless of your background, join us to stay informed about the latest developments, connect with like-minded peers, find research opportunities, and learn useful skills that will empower you as a future doctor. Together, let's embrace the opportunities and possibilities that MedTech offers in shaping the future of medicine!
2023 President: Andre Ang (Class of 2026)
Neurology
The Neurology SIG is an academic interest group to support the interest in and knowledge of Neurology and Neuroradiology in our community.
We hope to:
• Garner interest for Neurology and Neuroradiology in our medical community
• Provide easier transitions of students into Neurology and Neuroradiology via academic talks with practicing clinicians
• Expose aspiring neurologists and neuroradiologists to research opportunities and allow them to learn more about Neurology and Neuroradiology as a potential career
Interested students are welcome to contact: dukenus.neurology@gmail.com
2023 President: Jonathan Tan (Class of 2026)
Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery SIG is a group for students who are interested in learning more about what Neurosurgery is like, and what research opportunities and careers are available in Neurosurgery.
Neurosurgery SIG’s vision is to connect, educate, and inspire students through talks, teachings and interactions with clinicians, researchers, and clinician-scientists not only in the field of Neurosurgery but also adjacent and intersecting fields such as Neuroscience, Neurology, Neuroradiology, Neuropathology and more.
2023 Co-Presidents: M. Hema Prashaad (Class of 2025), Yichen Zhu (MD-PhD)
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
hi everyone! obstetrics & gynaecology SIG is a safe & inclusive space for learning, sharing & discussing all things women’s health 🩺 🌷
📍 past events cover educational & practical topics such as:
- sexual health literacy workshop
- O&G cancer case series
- O&G exam revision series
- 'women in medicine' international women's day flagship event
... and many more!
📍 keep an eye out for future events, research & comm serve opportunities via:
- insta: @obgyndukenus
- email: dukenusogsig@gmail.com
feel free to contact us via email (dukenusogsig@gmail.com)! hope to see you around ◡̈
2023 President: Tan Yu Bin (Class of 2025)
Oncology
The Duke-NUS Oncology SIG was established in 2020 to provide students with a platform to broaden their knowledge and understanding of clinical oncology and cancer research. We aim to introduce students to the management of various cancer types and the multidisciplinary approach involved in providing holistic cancer care for patients.
Some of the activities that you can look out for include:
- Cancer series talk and fireside chat with experts in the field
- Palliative care and cancer survivorship programme
- Surgical oncology workshop
- Tumour board simulation
- International student oncology conference
- Journal Club
- Residency talk
- Volunteering opportunities
We invite you to join us at our events and hope that they will inspire you to make a positive impact in the field of oncology!
2023 President: Ambrose Chung (MD-PhD)
Ophthalmology
Welcome to the Duke-NUS Ophthalmology Student Interest Group, an inclusive and dynamic community of individuals who share a profound interest in the captivating field of ophthalmology. As aspiring ophthalmologists, we are driven by a passion for the complexities of the human eye and the transformative impact that vision care can have on people's lives.
In our student group, we cultivate an environment of collaboration, support, and shared learning. We delve into a diverse range of ophthalmological topics, exploring the fascinating intricacies of ocular anatomy and physiology, as well as staying abreast of the latest advancements in diagnostic technologies and innovative surgical techniques. Through open discussions and knowledge exchange, we strive to deepen our understanding and enhance our capabilities in the field.
2023 President: Sheldon Jin (Class of 2024)
Orthopaedic Surgery
Hi everyone, OrthoSIG is for anyone who is curious about what Orthopaedic Surgery entails!
We aim to provide you with greater exposure beyond our usual curriculum
Here are just some of our exciting events that are coming up:
1. Subspecialty talks that provide you with more insights into available research opportunities and the day-to-day life of consultants/residents
2. Hands-on workshops for e.g. suturing, hand microsurgery, physical examination revision workshops available for you to learn through doing
3. Annual event in collaboration with Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital to give you greater exposure to the community if you’d like to give back
You will have many opportunities to network with doctors, seniors and like-minded individuals. These events are catered with you in mind to equip you with knowledge and skills both for medical school and for the future.
Come join us, learn, and have fun together!
PS. Do look us up on @Orthopedukes on telegram and IG for more updates (;
2023 President: Jolene Lee (Class of 2025)
Paediatrics
The Paediatric Student Interest Group (SIG) allows Duke-NUS medical students with an interest in paediatrics to gain more exposure to and knowledge about the field. The slew of activities organised by the SIG include community service activities with charitable organisations working with children as well as academic talks on paediatric-related topics that will equip the students for their clerkship and beyond.
2023 President: Tultul Das (Class of 2023)
Pathology
Have you ever wondered why people fall sick, and how do people fall sick? Come and learn about the very roots of medicine in Pathology SIG! We work behind the scenes of the medical world, drawing out diagnoses through various means, be it through microscopy, histology, and even chemistry!
2023 Co-Presidents: Adrian Tan (MD-PhD), Henry Goh (Class of 2025)
Plastics, Reconstructive, and Microsurgery
Providing students interested in any and all aspects of plastic surgery with mentorship opportunities, career guidance, and hands-on exposure to different subspecialties such as Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, Microsurgery, Head and Neck reconstruction, Paediatric Plastic Surgery and Breast Reconstruction.
2023 President: Yvonne Yen (MD-PhD)
Population Health
Population health encompasses a breadth of topics aimed to study and improve, the health outcomes of a group of individuals, patterns of health determinants, and policies and interventions that link these two. It is an important field of medicine as the population’s health needs are constantly changing, and an evolving method of healthcare delivery will be expected in response to these needs.
Pop Health SIG is an interest group that seeks to raise students’ awareness and interest in population health through the provision of exposure to clinicians working in population health management in SingHealth. We seek to provide opportunities for students to network with like-minded students, residents, and clinicians, to explore interest in population health and collaborate on population health-related projects.
2023 President: Pal Shah (Class of 2024)
Psychiatry
Our SIG serves to bring together people with an interest in Psychiatry. We aims to foster and facilitate career and research interests in Psychiatry by providing the Duke-NUS community with a collaborative space and engaging events for students who wish to further their interest in this field.
We also hope to make psychiatry and psychology more accessible to our colleagues who may be practising in other non-psych-related disciplines in the hopes of addressing and reducing stigma amongst healthcare professionals-to-be. We look forward to having you join us!
2023 Co-Presidents: Felicity Yeo (Class of 2024), Pamela Goh (Class of 2025)
Radiology
The Duke-NUS Radiology SIG provides students with the platform to learn more about radiology and its residency programmes. The Radiology SIG hosts events covering a variety of topics ranging from artificial intelligence and the future of radiology, to interesting imaging cases shared by guest speakers. Interested students can benefit from a more in-depth exposure to modalities and cases beyond the curriculum. These also allow for valuable opportunities to interact with practicing radiologists and alumni.
Membership is open to all Duke-NUS students and members will be kept updated on upcoming SIG events and research opportunities available. For more information, please reach out to us at dukenus.radiologysig@gmail.com.
2023 Co-Presidents: Tan Kai Wei (MD-PhD), Devanshi Patidar (Class of 2025)
Sports & Exercise Medicine
A group of enthusiastic students keen on learning more about and nurturing fellow students’ interests in Sports & Exercise Medicine through interactions and activities with practicing Sports Med specialists, educational talks, tutorials, workshops, community outreach and experiential learning. Although perhaps better known for its role in elite athlete care, Sports & Exercise Med is crucial in primary and community healthcare, and is being developed by the Health Ministry to promote active, healthy lifestyles in Singapore.
In our SIG, we are aligned with national directives and strive to improve the wellbeing of the student community. Activities include Sports Injury Workshop Series, career talks by Sports Medicine Physicians, symposiums, and more.
2023 President: Benedict Lui (Class of 2025)
Surgery
Duke-NUS Surgery SIG is an academic interest group catered for surgery enthusiasts who aim to explore more of what surgery has to offer. As an SIG, our main commitment is in the development of holistic future surgeons, who have a strong network of support from across all year levels and a positive learning environment wherein everyone can share a mutual love for surgery. We also aim to establish a mutual mentoring environment between juniors, seniors and alumni.
2023 Co-Presidents: Vanessa Yik (Class of 2025), Xavier Chan (Class of 2026)
Translational Medicine
Translational Medicine SIG (TM SIG) aims to bring together a community, fostering a culture of Translational Medicine principles within Duke-NUS. These principles may include but not limited to the processes of translating research from bench to bedside, bedside to community, pharmaceutical regulations and health services innovation.
The TM SIG mission is to establish a network of Translational Medicine enthusiasts in the Duke-NUS community for communications and collaboration.
The TM SIG vision is to equip students with knowledge and provide opportunities for applying translational medicine principles to their practice and projects.
TM SIG welcomes all students in Duke-NUS, encouraging inter-disciplinary conversations between MD, PhD and MITM classes.
2023 President: Shaheed Mahmud (MITM, Class of 2023)
Non-Academic SIGs
Aquascaping & Aquariums
As a non-academic SIG, our goal is to bring a new perspective and flavour into the student life of DukeNUS. Compared to the 1960s, the aquarist landscape has experienced a scientific revolution in recent years. Much of the research and development (both academic and commercial) has thrust the world of fishkeeping forward into an era where results are replicable and parameters are known and can be controlled. With evidenced-based approaches for maintenance of the balance in flora and fauna in a controlled environment, the Aquascaping And Aquariums SIG hope to bring about a different face of the sciences that can be enjoyed with either surface-level knowledge or in-depth knowledge into what keeps an aquarium running. On the other hand, with the work of Takashi Amano, a legend and one of the founding fathers of aquascaping, the aspect of arts and creativity in aquarium has caught on and flourished like never before. With a balance of both seeing the arts in sciences, and sciences in arts, we hope to bring something interesting that can cater to a large majority of the students and staff at DukeNUS.
In short:
1. Bring an interesting hobby into the student life scene
2. Provide an avenue for students to express their creativity and apply the sciences as an outlet to destress/practice mindfulness
3. Encourage the growth of the hobby in the student population
4. Set up and maintain an eye catching exhibit that can be enjoyed by all
2023 President: Leon Lim (Class of 2024)
Christian Fellowship
Christian Fellowship is a SIG that fosters a strong sense of inclusiveness, spiritual relationships, and encouragement within its community. We believe in creating an environment where every individual, regardless of their background or beliefs, feels welcomed and accepted. Through our gatherings and activities, we aim to build deep connections that go beyond mere acquaintanceship, nurturing meaningful relationships centered around faith and love. Our mission is to provide a space where individuals can grow spiritually, find support, and experience genuine encouragement, uplifting one another in their journey of faith. We strive to create a community that exemplifies the teachings of Christ, promoting unity, empathy, and compassion. Together, we celebrate diversity and embrace individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
2023 President: Azriel Chang (Class of 2025)
Coffee
Coffee SIG is a non-academic SIG dedicated to the art of coffee. Our goal is to delve into the educational, health, and mindfulness aspects of coffee while fostering meaningful connections among medical students and healthcare professionals. Engage in thought-provoking workshops and discussions where we explore the origins, health benefits, and meticulous brewing techniques of coffee. The SIG also embraces the practice of mindful consumption, offering a refuge to find solace and maintain focus amidst the rigorous demands of medical education.
2023 President: Yvonne Yen (MD-PhD)
Dukatonics (Dukapellanus)
Are you a Duke-NUS Medical School student with a passion for acapella music? Look no further! Join our Acapella Interest Group and harmonize with like-minded individuals. From vocal arrangements to breathtaking performances, we explore the captivating world of acapella together. All skill levels are welcome, so whether you're a seasoned vocalist or just starting out, come be a part of our acapella community. Unleash your voice, create beautiful harmonies, and make lifelong musical connections. Join the Duke-NUS Acapella Interest Group and let your voice soar!
2023 Co-Presidents: Lim Hoe King (Class of 2024), Genie Liao (Class of 2024), Melvin Sng (Class of 2024), Koh Wei Shien (Class of 2024)
Jamband (Music)
Are you a Duke-NUS Medical School student who loves music? Join our Music Interest Group! Jam, collaborate, and perform with fellow students who share your passion. From classical to pop, we welcome all genres and skill levels. Experience the therapeutic power of music and connect with local artists. Join us today and let your musical journey begin!
2023 President: Melvin Sng (Class of 2024)
Paging for a Doc (Book Club)
Paging For A Doc is a virtual book club, where students and staff of Duke-NUS virtually connect and discuss about books, articles and poetry. This was initiated by our alumnus Dr Xiao Xiao (Class of 2022), and Dr Mara, in 2020. These sessions happen approximately once per month. In the last two years we have read books related to medicine and beyond, poetry, journalism articles on topics ranging from new year resolutions to climate change! The book or article to be read is shared in advance with the Duke-NUS community. The readers usually access the books or articles online or using the National Library services. All are welcome to join us!
Our aims for the SIG are:
1. To encourage students and staff to read and explore content that is not part of their curriculum or profession
2. To provide a space to discuss, share ideas and thoughts beyond academics or work
3. To connect avid readers in our community and possibly help build great relationships
We hope this club will benefit the larger Duke-NUS community in the following ways:
1. We believe reading and discussing not only helps broaden mindset but generates a creative energy that can be applied to one’s own professional field
2. Joining us to chat will surely help to relax and decompress from the usual routine
3. Amidst hectic schedules this SIG will provide an opportunity to catch-up on interesting literature, current affairs and many more!
2023 President: Ramalakshmi Gayathri Vinjamuri (Class of 2024)
Sports
The Duke-NUS Sports SIG serves as a platform for like-minded individuals ranging from avid athletes to enthusiasts to gather and share their passion for an active lifestyle. Group members are encouraged to share their knowledge and to showcase their passion and talents. The SIG also promotes an active lifestyle, fitness for charity events, Duke-NUS community bonding -- all of which can better lifestyle counselling for our future patients. Activities include but are not limited to rock climbing, pilates, yoga, badminton, running, hiking etc.
2023 President: Rachel Hew (Class of 2025)
