Implementation and Experience of the First Chief Residency Program in Singapore

Abstract

Like their counterparts in many other nations, physicians in Singapore are tasked with providing care, conducting research, and teaching and providing leadership to junior doctors. In this paper, we describe our experience implementing the first chief residency program in Singapore. INITIATIVE: A pilot of a chief residency program was initiated in the Department of Medicine at National University Hospital in July 2008, with 1 chief resident (CR) and 2 associate CR positions. The pilot used the US model for CR training as the initial framework. CRs would assist in the orientation and integration of new residents, teach residents, promote camaraderie among residents, help resolve issues, function as a liaison to senior staff, and would be developed as potential health care leaders and physician role models.