The SHINE Series features individuals who I meet on my travels or through my network who inspires me through their mindset, actions and/ or heart to flourish.
Whenever someone shares with me that they are suffering from pains and aches, I will ask if they are open to Traditional Chinese Medicine. If yes, I will recommend that they see Physician Peh Tian Chi. I first met her when I went to see her for a severe back ache many years ago. At that time, she was based at the Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital. She was not the first TCM physician I have consulted but she is the first that left me highly impressed with her diagnosis, expertise and her immense heart for her patients. If you have taken my workshop on What’s Your Presence, her presence totally resonates with that of how you would imagine a great physician to be like. Through the years, we have become friends and I am also her fan. Wherever she goes, I follow (and the rest of my family and friends too). It gives me immense joy that she said yes to being featured. Reading her favorite quote “You have just one life, yet if you live it in the right way, once is good enough.” provides you with what guides her to be who she is. If you are looking for an awesome physician, I highly recommend her (while she is based at a women’s clinic, she sees men too).
Peh Tian Chi 白医师 – Head Physician , Yi TCM, Singapore
What inspired you to become a physician?
I have had a passion for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) since I was young when my dad exposed me to the core concepts of TCM, such as yin-yang theory and the five elements, which are related to the understanding of the natural balance and interconnectedness in the universe. I am always curious about how TCM is deeply rooted in the principles of nature and the observation of natural phenomena.
We understand that you’re trained in both Western and Eastern medicine, could you share more?
Western medicine and Eastern medicine (like Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM) are two different ways of doing medicine. They have different philosophies, ways of figuring out what’s wrong, ways of treating, and even different cultural backgrounds. Nowadays, some medical groups try to blend the best of both worlds to give patients more complete care. Western medicine usually likes to break things down into smaller parts to study and focuses on specific organs to treat them based on how they work. It heavily relies on numbers and data like lab tests and imaging to figure out and track illnesses. Treatments often involve drugs, surgeries, and medical procedures. On the other hand, TCM looks at the big picture, considering not only the body but also emotions and mental well-being. It’s all about the balance and flow of energy, called Qi. TCM treats the person as a whole, aiming to restore balance and keep the body’s energy systems in harmony. It’s a different approach compared to Western medicine, putting emphasis on balance, harmony, and the body’s natural ability to heal.
What challenges, if any, did you find at the beginning of your journey and how did you overcome them?
At the beginning of my journey, it can be challenging when many patients perceive me as a younger-looking Chinese physician. They might initially mistake me for a student or intern rather than recognizing me as a qualified physician. This situation may require additional efforts to establish credibility and reassure patients about my expertise.
What may be one or two memorable experiences you’ve had being a physician?
One of the most memorable experiences was witnessing the incredible recovery of a stroke patient who was initially been bedridden, facing significant challenges in mobility and daily activities. Through a comprehensive acupuncture-rehabilitation program and determined effort, the patient regained the ability to walk and perform daily tasks independently. It was truly inspiring. Another most rewarding and memorable experience in my career as a physician was successfully treating women struggling with infertility and witnessing their joy in becoming pregnant. Witnessing the birth of a baby is incredibly satisfying.
What’s the hardest part of being a physician?
One of the most challenging aspects of being a TCM physician is facing the difficulty of not successfully treating patients and being unable to provide them with the support they had hoped for. Sometimes, It can be difficult to console patients when they are feeling down or going through tough times.
What is a typical work day like for you?
I usually stick to my usual routine and get my stuff done before calling it a day. I’m consistently working on and further enhancing my time management skills.
What daily habits do you use to help you succeed?
Starting my morning with positivity and happiness usually gives me a positive tone for the rest of the day.
What makes you smile?
I find happiness in the smiles of those I care about when they smile back at me.
For people who values their well-being, what are the top three things that you recommend they do more of? What three things to do less of?
| More | Less |
| 1. Stay Positive | 1. Struggling with stress |
| 2. Sufficient Sleep | 2. Isolation, not reaching out for help/support |
| 3. Avoid unbalanced diet | 3. Physical inactivity |