{
  "id": 6906668,
  "title": "‘Father of emergency medicine’ among 17 doctors to receive apex title in S’pore medical field",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/father-of-emergency-medicine-among-17-doctors-to-receive-apex-title",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-12T10:24:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/father-of-emergency-medicine-among-17-doctors-to-receive-apex-title-in-spore-medical-field"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Venkataraman Anantharaman, often referred to as the “Father of Emergency Medicine” in Singapore, was among 17 distinguished doctors and dentists to be awarded the Eminent Academician title by the Academy of Medicine, Singapore on September 12. The accolade was presented at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine’s Clinical Sciences Building. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung highlighted that the title recognizes clinicians who have made substantial contributions to the healthcare system over their careers. He emphasized that these professionals have played a crucial role in shaping Singapore’s healthcare system, enhancing patient care, and upholding medical standards. Ong also noted that this practice in Singapore aligns with international best practices in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. Professor Anantharaman was motivated to improve emergency care standards after witnessing inadequate handling of emergency cases during his early career at Singapore General Hospital in the 1970s. He established training programs and advocated for early treatment, which has significantly improved patient outcomes. Furthermore, Anantharaman played a pivotal role in preparing the public for emergencies through programs like the National Resuscitation Council, which trains thousands annually in CPR and automated external defibrillator usage. Another recipient, pediatrician Phua Kong Boo, led vaccine trials for rotavirus and discovered a rare genetic disease called PKB Syndrome. Despite rotavirus vaccination not being mandatory in Singapore, Phua’s clinical trials have had a significant impact on infant health. His discovery of PKB Syndrome, named after him, was published in a 2020 paper and represents a critical advancement in genetic medicine. Both recipients were nominated through their respective medical colleges and had their nominations reviewed by the Ministry of Health’s Director-General of Health.",
  "summary": "Another recipient is a paediatrician who led vaccine trials for rotavirus and has a rare disease named after him.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}