How long have you been a Medical Technologist?
I transferred from Yishun Health to Woodlands Health in April 2019 as a Lead Phlebotomist. I have been a phlebotomist for more than 17 years, since I started at Alexandra Hospital in 2005. I was promoted to a Junior Medical Technologist (JMT) in March 2022 upon completing my Diploma in Biomedical Science from Republic Polytechnic.
Summarise your job scope in 1-2 sentences.
As a JMT, I am tasked to assist my peers and colleagues in pre and post analytical procedures in the laboratory.
What drove you to join healthcare?
To be honest, job security is what attracted me to healthcare at the start.
What is one thing that spurs you on at work?
Self-actualisation – being able to continuously learn and grow as a specialist in my area of work, gives me great satisfaction.
What is one thing about your job that you feel is unknown or misunderstood?
Sometimes people perceive working in a laboratory as having a cushy, comfortable job especially since we are always in an air-conditioned environment (to preserve samples and specimens).
On the contrary, a lab-based job can be fast-paced. We are on our feet practically 95% of the time, moving around the lab to analyse samples and specimens to aid in clinical diagnosis.
Can you share with us one or two memorable moments from your time in WH or healthcare?
A few months back, I had to draw blood samples from an elderly patient who has vocal and hearing impairments. He was slightly confused and agitated.
To ease his anxiety, I used my phone to search for basic sign languages to communicate with him better and held his arm to reassure him. I was pleasantly surprised when he acknowledged me by holding out his arm for me to draw his blood. After the procedure, he gave me a thumbs up, which made my day.
What do you love about your job?
I love that I learn something every day in my job. I make it a point to practise the good and learn from the bad.
What is your favourite quote and personal mantra?
I put my armour on, show you how strong I am. I'm unstoppable today. I start my day with these empowering words from my favourite song.
