How to be a great occupational physician: Lessons from Tar-Ching Aw

Abstract

Tar Ching Aw (1948–2017) or Ching, as he was known to many of us, was highly regarded as an excellent occupational physician and role model. He was an inspirational teacher, a selfless mentor and a great advocate for the discipline of occupational medicine. Among the lessons we can learn from Ching on how to be an excellent occupational physician are the importance of: getting the right training (including clinical training); having good teachers and role models; believing in and being passionate about one's work; delivering quality work on time; networking and being culturally sensitive; thinking of future generations and mentoring them; and having fun and a healthy work life balance.

KEYWORDS:

• Mentor
• occupational physician
• role model
• teacher