I decided to specialise in anaesthesia because...

When I was a junior doctor in training, there were many times when we had to call in an anaesthesiologist during an emergency. I was very impressed to see that in such life-and-death situations, it was always the anaesthesiologist who took charge and remained calm. In a way, I was inspired by the fact that this specialty would allow me to save people from the grips of death.

A typical day for me would be...

To start work at 7am and end at around six or seven in the evening. When I get home, I try to settle more administrative work and e-mail messages.

On weekends, I go to the gym and attend yoga and salsa classes with my husband. We also enjoy just walking around Singapore together.

The one fear most people have about the procedure is...

That they will be awake when under anaesthesia. I reassure them by telling them that I'll be by their side the whole time and meeting their needs.

A myth debunked...

There is no such thing as being unsusceptible to anaesthesia. It's not the same as what you see in the movies.

During a surgery, the anaesthesiologist will be right next to the patient titrating (adjusting) the amount of anaesthesia drug according to the patient's needs. So the patient will definitely be asleep during the surgery.

I love patients who are...

Actually I think all my patients deserve to be loved equally. As their doctor, it is my duty to try and meet all their needs.

Patients who get my goat are...

Those who may be very nice and polite to me but are rude to my nurses and receptionists.

If I could tell them what's on my mind, I'd say...

Everyone is a very important member of the team. The weakest link can lead to a poor outcome. The staff should be respected the same way they respect you.

It breaks my heart when...

A patient doesn't survive surgery even though we've tried our best. I always wonder if we could have done more.

Things that put a smile on my face...

My husband. Well, I do have the world's best husband. He's an IT support director in a telco billing company and is very supportive of my job. For example, he will help with the chores and do the cooking. Sweet, isn't it?

I wouldn't trade places for the world because...

I really enjoy my work. There's a good variety of things to do here at NUH. Not only do I get to do my anaesthesia work, I can also teach and play a role in patient safety. That's the great thing about being at a university hospital.

I get to do a lot of things and have a lot of fun. Like dressing up as Catwoman on Nurses' Day. (Senior management staff of the hospital dress up in superhero costumes to honour nurses.)

My best tip...

There's no magic to being healthy. Just exercise, eat well, sleep well and be happy. Oh, and most importantly, snag a supportive husband. It helps.

This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times on Oct 2, 2008.