Chinese-Speaking ENT Doctor: How To Get Better
Do you know that we get many requests from patients who want to see a Chinese-speaking ENT Dr in Singapore?
Can You Find a Chinese-Speaking ENT Doctor?
Not all Chinese doctors would be able to speak Mandarin but this isn't always true. At our busy ENT clinic in Singapore, I see many patients with ENT health problems who prefer to see a Chinese-speaking ENT Dr. Many call up the clinic to specifically request this. It is good to converse with patients in their own preferred language if possible because the doctor-patient relationship is more comfortable.
Translation is possible of course but takes more time. Some patients do this easily with Google and other apps. Others may bring their family with them to help. We are quite flexible with different setups so please let us know what you prefer.
What Are the Common ENT Problems?
No matter what the ENT problem is, including nasal allergies, sore throat, hearing loss, dizziness, neck lumps, ear lumps, we see all patients with ENT symptoms. Some patients fly in from overseas with complex ENT health problems. We also see those who have unfortunately suffered surgical complications elsewhere to their ear, nose and throat systems. Patients from China, Vietnam and Indonesia also request to see a Chinese-speaking ENT doctor in Singapore. Some patients are seeking a trusted second opinion.
Other patients have moved to Singapore to work and live who are more comfortable speaking Chinese. Many Singaporeans are also more comfortable speaking to their ENT doctor in Chinese.
I gave a TV interview in Mandarin earlier this year about the risk of hearing loss from noise exposure in Singapore. It went well but it felt like sitting for my secondary school Chinese oral exams again!
So we see many children and adults who prefer Chinese-speaking doctors. They suffer from nasal allergies, blocked nose with difficulty breathing, hoarse voice, throat infections and neck lumps. I'm always happy to see Mandarin-speaking patients to help practise my own language skills. Patients learn how to manage their ENT problems from us but we doctors also learn other skills from our patients!
About Dr Annabelle Leong
Dr Annabelle Leong 梁翠娟
Senior Consultant ENT Surgeon
MBBS (Hons) (London), BSc (Hons);
DOHNS, MRCS (England), FRCS ORL-HNS (England)
Dr Annabelle Leong is a senior consultant ENT surgeon with more than 25 years of experience across the United Kingdom, Canada and Singapore. From childhood ENT concerns to hearing, balance and sleep problems in adults, she provides care across a broad range of ear, nose and throat conditions.
Known for being a patient and attentive listener, Dr Annabelle takes a sensible, holistic approach to care, considering the wider picture before recommending treatment. She favours conservative options where appropriate, with surgery considered when clinically indicated and appropriate for the patient’s overall care.