Surgery in Singapore: Doctor training and accreditation

Singapore's world-class private hospitals and clinics are staffed by highly qualified doctors (quite often with international qualifications) and many staff speak other languages – English is widely spoken.  In Singapore doctors and dentists study for their medical degree at the National University of Singapore and often complete their post-graduate qualifications and specialities abroad. 

The MMed (Master of Medicine) is the entry qualification for advanced specialist training in Singapore.  Specialist qualifications relate to the college that governs them, so for example if a surgeon qualified in the UK (as many do), they will have a specialist qualification or fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS).

You can check a doctor, or surgeon's details with The Singapore Medical Council (the Ministry), which governs and regulates the medical profession.  Singapore's Academy of Medicine helps promote quality of care and high professional standards for medical professionals, listing accredited dentists, doctors and specialists in Singapore. 

The Singapore Medical Association is the national medical organisation representing practitioners in the public and private sectors.  The Singapore Dental Council is the government's regulatory body which looks after the dental profession, and The Singapore Dental Association aims to foster, promote and support high standards of dental treatment.

Cosmetic Surgeons should be listed on The Singapore Medical Council's specialist register and be a member of The Singapore Association of Plastic Surgeons (SAPS), the Singapore Society for Cosmetic (Aesthetic) Surgery and, dependent on where they completed their specialisation, they could be affiliated to international associations such as The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), The European Association of Plastic Surgeons (EURAPS) or The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Before committing to treatment compare services, treatments, costs and credentials of a handful of providers and read some patient testimonials.  Check out the medical team's credentials and qualifications with the Singapore Medical Council and find out all you can about a hospital or clinic and their international accreditations.