Into the heat of battle part 1 volunteers in the dormitories

By: Alson Tan, Corporate Communications

When we watch movies or play a game, it’s always enthralling seeing a huge challenge (usually an antagonist, an evil villain) being met with a hero up to the task. But what happens when a real-life villain named ‘COVID-19’ appears? We speak to real life heroes who bravely charge into the frontline to save lives – proving that not all heroes wear capes.

The Protector – Dr Huren Sivarajvaraj
“That’s fine Doctor. I’m just grateful that your team is coming to see us every day to make sure we’re alright. That’s enough for us now.” – A patient in the dormitory said to Dr Huren.

By day, Dr Huren Sivaraj is an Associate Consultant with the Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, subspecialising in breast cancer. His research interests centre on the application of data science and informatics in Oncology – more specifically, the application of data science and AI (Artificial Intelligence) in helping to identify suitable clinical trials for patients.

Where are you currently posted?

I’m currently serving at the S11 Dormitory. I also did a short stint at the Homestay Lodge at the start of my volunteer rotation.

What do you do at the dormitory?

I’m a member of the Mobile Medical Team (MMT). Together with two other physicians and an amazing team of nurses, allied health workers and administrative personnel, we run a clinic to review COVID-19 patients and dorm residents for any medical conditions they may have. We ensure the patients receive a proper assessment of any ailments they may be experiencing and diagnose and treat these symptoms.

The team also functions as the first line of medical support on the ground. We identify individuals who may not be well and escalate the level of medical care to the hospitals if required.

In the heat of battle: Dr Huren in action in the dormitory

Why did you step forward and volunteer?

Supporting our country and our people is a collective effort where we as medical personnel have an important role to play in this crisis. I’m only doing my bit – just as what every other healthcare personnel is doing – be it in the community facilities, dorms, hospitals or elsewhere.

“As I communicated with some of these workers, what struck me most was how remarkable these workers were for having such strength and fortitude in the face of uncertainty”- Dr Huren

What is it like to be in the frontlines in the dormitories? Were there any memorable moments?

It was a back-to-reality experience for me. Caring for the dorm residents is eye-opening in that many of them are just regular people, like us – as clichéd or obvious as that sounds. Their psychological and emotional needs are the same as ours.

I recall a short conversation where I was reviewing a COVID-19 positive gentleman. I was familiar with this person after prior consults to address his concerns about his diabetes medication. I asked him, “Well, now that we’ve sorted out your medications, is there anything else I can help with?”

I half-jokingly asked if he wanted to know when we could transfer him out of the isolation facility. The gentleman replied in Tamil, “That’s fine Doctor. I don’t think you or anyone else knows the answer to that. I’m just grateful that your team is coming to see us every day to make sure we are alright. That’s enough for us now.”

As I communicated with some of them, what struck me most was how remarkable they were for having such strength and fortitude in the face of uncertainty. Many of these individuals had tested positive for COVID-19 during the earlier period, and there was not much clarity about the virus. Despite this uncertainty, they were able to find the determination to stay positive and care for themselves.

Dr Huren attends to a patient in the dormitory

What have you gained from this experience?

It was humbling to see many of the senior physicians in this institution, who are renowned leaders in their respective subspecialties, support the country with essential medical services that are now the need of the hour. The experience of being in the dorms with these individuals has taught me that no work is too small. Every little bit of support the medical personnel offers will contribute to our fight against COVID-19.

For me, I’m grateful for the opportunity to play a small part in this journey to recovery.