Communicable offers an engaging and insightful dialogue with Dr David Michael Allen, the visionary who established the field of Infectious Diseases in Singapore. From his roots in Texas to his formative training years in New York, the book charts his remarkable journey to Singapore in 1989, where he laid the foundation for a specialty that has since become critical to the nation's healthcare system. Through vivid recollections of the specialty's early days, the book reflects on the pivotal role Infectious Diseases has played in shaping the nation's response to several pandemics that have tested its resilience. Looking ahead, the book explores the looming challenges of future infectious disease threats and offers strategies for preparedness. Interwoven with humour and candour, the narrative also delves into the obstacles facing medical training today, offering thoughtful perspectives on how to build a meaningful and enduring career in medicine. More than a memoir, Communicable shares Dr Allen's wisdom, wit, and enduring passion for his craft, inspiring those who know him and those who have yet to meet him.
Contents:
- Foreword
- Preface
- Prologue —ars longa, vita brevis
- Origins —sic parvis magna
- Infectious Diseases —per aspera ad astra
- Singapore —e pluribus unum
- Plagues —saepe ne utile quidem est scire quid futurum sit
- Consultations —non sibi sed omnibus
- Epilogue —vincit qui se vincit
- Acknowledgements
- Photographs
- The Authors and Photographer
- Index
Readership: Primary audience: General readers in Singapore with an interest in the history of Infectious Diseases the specialty, and the potential future impact epidemics will have on our nation, especially from a public health perspective. Secondary audience: Healthcare workers and medical students to fathom the escalating demands and responsibilities of training and working in the healthcare system.
Nicholas is an infectious diseases physician working at the National University Hospital. He trained under the Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases residency programme in NUH, where he first met Professor David Allen, became inspired by him and also inspired to share this narrative.He won the NUHS Residency Research Award in 2021.Gabriel is an infectious diseases physician and a clinical microbiologist who currently works at the National University Hospital as well as the National Public Health Laboratory. He is also an adjunct assistant professor with the National University of Singapore. He considers it his privilege to be able to pick the brains of, as well as banter with, Professor David Allen on countless occasions.