There are very few doctors who can list the British royal family among their patients, much less doctors who do not even hail from the United Kingdom.
But Professor Teoh Tiong Ghee is an exception. The Singaporean was recently revealed as being part of the support team for Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, at the birth of Prince George in 2013 and Princess Charlotte last year.
Prof Teoh, 57, is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, West London, and was one of 23 members of the Duchess’ team.
“The team was hand-picked to provide the best possible care for the Duchess,” he told The Sunday Times by e-mail from London, where he is based with his wife Lisa, also a gynaecologist, and his sons Finn, 16, and Max, 13.
Prof Teoh, who specialises in the study and prevention of premature births, was one of two doctors on standby in case of complications during the two births.
“There were extensive plans made months in advance to plan for all eventualities,” he said.
Last Tuesday, he was invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace along with the staff of St Mary’s Hospital who were also involved in Princess Charlotte’s birth.
Britain’s Princess Charlotte. Photo: Reuters
Despite being the divisional director of Women’s and Children’s Support for Imperial College Healthcare, Prof Teoh still has close ties to Singapore. “I visit Singapore two to three times a year to see my father, brother, family and friends,” said Prof Teoh, who is a permanent resident in the UK but still a Singapore citizen.
Educated at Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road), he completed his undergraduate medical degree in Dublin, Ireland, followed by post-graduate training in Dublin, Oxford, Toronto and London.
Cardiologist Dr Leslie Lam, 73, who has known Prof Teoh for over 30 years, said: “When the royal family needed someone, they didn’t care if he was Singaporean – he is the best guy for the job, without any doubt.
“He is a Singaporean we can be proud of.”
Prof Teoh said: “In the field of medicine in the UK, achievement is attained on merit and ability, and I am fortunate to have had the nurturing of my Singaporean roots as a foundation for my career.”
Reuters, AFP
AFP
aleysaj@sph.com.sg
This article was first published on May 29, 2016.
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