The Singapore Academy of Medicine was established in 1957 by Professor Gordon Arthur Ransome, the first Master, Dr Benjamin Henry Sheares, the second President of the Republic of Singapore and Dr Yeoh Ghim Seng who later became the Speaker of Parliament. This institution aimed to bring together medical and dental specialists who wished to advance the the art and science of medicine in Singapore. The institute would like to maintain and promote a high level of professional standard of competence and ethical integrity in order to provide high quality patient care and treatment in Singapore.

Its Head Office is situated at 142 Neil Road, Runme Shaw Building, Singapore 088871. The Motto RECTA SAPERE of the Singapore Academy of Medicine urges us to seek and savor the truth at all times.

The objectives of the Academy are to further advance the art and science of medicine. It also seeks to further study and conduct researches of medical and scientific problems, encourage postgraduate education, conduct highly professional examinations, grant specialist certification to eligible persons and to maintain a high code of ethical conduct and professionalism amongst its members. It also aims to voice the views and opinions of its members for the desired effect. It also aims to seek arrangements, rights, privileges and concessions from the Government which would be entitled to the Academy and finally to protect the interest and dignity of the Academy of Medicine.

A Joint Committee on Specialist Training (JCST) is set up to administer advanced specialty training programmes. This committee is jointly set up by the Academy of Medicine, Singapore and the Division of Graduate Medical Studies, National University of Singapore. The following is the list of advanced speciality training programmes conducted by Academy of Medicine, Singapore and National University of Singapore respectively :

Academy of Medicine, Singapore

National University of Singapore

1. Cardiology
2. Cardiothoracic Surgery
3. Dermatology
4. Emergency Medicine
5. Endocrinology
6. Gastroenterology
7. Geriatric Medicine
8. Haematology
9. Hand Surgery
10. Infectious Diseases
11. Medical Oncology
12. Neurology
13. Neurosurgery
14. Nuclear Medicine
15. Orthopaedic Surgery
16. Paediatric Surgery
17. Pathology
18. Plastic Surgery
19. Rehabilitation Medicine
20. Renal Medicine
21. Respiratory Medicine
22. Rheumatology
23. Therapeutic Radiology
24. Urology

1. Anaesthesiology
2. Diagnostic Radiology
3. General Surgery
4. Internal Medicine
5. Obstetrics & Gynaecology
6. Occupational Medicine
7. Otorhinolaryngology
8. Ophthalmology
9. Paediatric Medicine
10. Psychiatry
11. Public Health Medicine

To be eligible for Advanced Specialty Training one has to

Complete a period of basic training or have equivalent experience as specified for the specialty.
Obtain an M.Med in the specialty or equivalent qualification.
Accepted an appointment to practice medicine, or be practicing in a training hospital

If required additional reports can be asked for regarding training details. Admissions are done twice a year in May and November and selection are done in February/March (for May intake) and August/September (for November intake) respectively. Along with the Application form (AST1/2A) a non-refundable application fee of $50.00, supervisor�s performance appraisal form (AST 1/2B); certified true copy of the relevant educational certificates; (MBBS and higher) and a copy of curriculum vitae with updated posting details have to be submitted. Applicants for AST should submit their application for employment as Trainee Registrars to the clusters (SHS/NHG) concurrently. For foreign trained doctors special case assessment will be done.

The fees payable by the Trainee for AST are as follows :

- Application fee (non-refundable) : $ 50
- Admission/Logbook Fee : $100
- Annual Registration Fee : $690/year
- Exit Assessment Fee : $800
- Exit Re-Assessment Fee : $800

The successful applicant is required to submit proof of appointment to a Trainee Registrar post by the employing hospital/cluster. The admission/log book and annual registration fees must be paid prior commencement of the training programme. The log book will only be issued upon successful payment of these fees. The selected candidates have to register with the JCST secretariat within 9 months from the date of AST appointment. Usually, the training duration is three years and if required additional training has to be taken, the details of which have been mentioned in the separate specialty training guides. Part time training can be undertaken but the duration taken will then increase as it has to meet the standards of the full time training. In case of interruption in the training for more than 12 months, the trainee has to undergo a further period of training.

The maintenance of the log book is very essential. The log book has to contain proper and updated records of

Case Management Data: A record of patients managed, operative procedures, etc.
Basic Research methods studied by the Advanced Trainee have to be noted. The trainee also has to receive accreditation of at least 6 months of full time research.
Courses, seminars, Lectures and other continuing medical education activities attended by the Advanced Trainee.
Teaching imparted to junior doctors, medical students and paramedical staff.
Papers Presented at local, regional and international level conferences.

An Assessment Proforma (Form AST 1/4) must be submitted within one month of completion of each 6-month (or 4 months in some specialties) posting, together with relevant sections of the log book records. The Advanced Trainees is assessed by Mentors and/or Supervisors, in consultation with Heads of Departments.

Recognition of up to a maximum of 12 months may be given for training done as a Service Registrar. Such training must be supported by appropriate documentation and verification by supervisors. In case overseas training has been undertaken, each case should be mentioned provided prior permission has been taken for such training and it should be done after the completion of the advanced training.

At the last stage of the training, the advanced trainee has to obtain an exit certificate which is obtained by an oral assessment or clinical/oral examination by the Board of Assessors/Examiners. It is only after this stage that he can apply for Specialist Registration with the Specialist Accreditation Board and for Fellowship of the Academy, for which he has to submit a 'Summary of AST', their logbook and other supporting documents prior to the exit assessment.

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