Pamelyn Tan Pei Jia
Medical Social Worker
Medical Social Workers aim to facilitate change
by assisting patients psychosocially. This is so that patients receive holistic
care in medical settings, and not just care for their biophysical needs.
Depending on our work portfolios, our roles could range from providing
financial assistance, counselling, case management, care planning, conducting
groupwork and psycho-educational programs, to being an educator, researcher and
family mediator. We also look at wider issues beyond admission to
post-discharge phases, to ensure that patients are reintegrated back into the
community and receive continuity of care if needed.
As a fresh graduate, I had sought the
opportunity to be exposed to a wide variety of health issues and social needs, fast-paced
work and a passionate and supportive department culture that can cultivate professional
growth. More than three years on, I am blessed to say that I have found these
while working as a Medical Social Worker in SGH.
I also believe in the importance of considering
how systems (such as family, school, workplace, social service agencies,
healthcare team) can support the patient’s coping and health. Hence, I value
the opportunity that Medical Social Workers have to collaborate with them.
While this work has its challenges and
complexities, seeing positive change in people’s lives makes it fulfilling and
worthwhile. I cherish the moments when patients and their families share about
their feelings, social backgrounds, worldviews, beliefs and values. Beyond
factoring the information into assessment and interventions for change, many
times I am personally touched, inspired and fueled by their resilience amidst
challenging adversity, love for others and gratitude for what they have.
