"As speech therapists, we assess, treat, and manage swallowing and communication disorders.
We work closely with patients and their families to improve or maintain safe swallowing and effective communication."
- Denise Lee, Speech Therapist at Woodlands Health
How long have you been in your role?
I have been a speech therapist for 3.5 years.
Can you summarise what your job entails in a sentence or two?
As speech therapists, we assess, treat, and manage swallowing and communication disorders across the lifespan. Since the opening of Woodlands Health, we have served adult patients with conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, and dementia. We work closely with patients and their families to improve or maintain safe swallowing and effective communication, enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life in collaboration with other Allied Health professionals.
What led you to choose a career in healthcare?
A medical mission trip to Cambodia with my parents first sparked my interest in healthcare. Witnessing their passion for serving others and positively contributing to society inspired me to pursue this profession.
What keeps you motivated at work?
I stay motivated at work by being part of a team that accomplishes tasks efficiently while also having fun together. Enjoying lunch or exercising as a group adds to the sense of camaraderie.
What aspect of your job do you think is often misunderstood?
I believe that the breadth of our scope of practice is often misunderstood. Many people associate speech therapy solely with articulation or singing abilities, but we do so much more. We also work with individuals who have language disorders, cognitive-communication disorders, voice disorders, and swallowing issues. Speech therapists provide services across the lifespan, from infants to those nearing the end of life.
Could you share a memorable moment from your time in healthcare?
One of the most memorable experiences I've had was working with palliative care patients. This sometimes involved modifying their favourite foods from local eateries so they could enjoy them safely and comfortably. Getting to know these patients, hearing their stories, and understanding what living and leaving well meant to them is something I truly cherish.
Do you have a favourite quote or personal mantra?
Yes, my favourite piece is a passage from "Life After Death IV" by Laura Crafton Gilpin:
"The things I know:
how the living go on living
and how the dead go on living with them
So that in a forest
even a dead tree casts a shadow
and the leaves fall one by one
and the branches break in the wind
and the bark peels off slowly
and the trunk cracks
and the rain seeps in through the cracks
and the trunk falls to the ground
and the moss covers it
and in the spring the rabbits find it
and build their nest inside
and have their young
and their young will live safely
inside the dead tree
So that nothing is wasted in nature
or in love."
If you are interested in contributing to the healthcare sector, join us! View our openings and apply at
www.wh.com.sg/join-us.
