RAPIDS Patient and Family Support Day at SGH: Empowering lives with knowledge, support and hope

13 MAY 2025

RAPIDS Patient and Family Support Day at SGH: Empowering Lives with Knowledge, Support and Hope

On 19 April 2025, the “Genetic Cystic Kidney Disease: Patient and Family Support Day” was held at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), bringing together around 50 participants—including patients, caregivers, and members of the public. Organised by the Renal Alliance for PrecIsion Diagnosis in Singapore (RAPIDS), this outreach is part of the Clinical Implementation Pilot (CIP) for primary renal diseases, supported by Precision Health Research, Singapore (PRECISE).

This event exemplified how precision medicine and community outreach can empower individuals and families living with genetic kidney conditions. It also reflected the broader goal of the Clinical Implementation Pilots under PRECISE—to integrate genomic medicine into clinical care pathways in ways that are impactful, sustainable, and patient-centred.

Read more about the CIP for kidney disease here and here.

Overview of Event

The event opened with warm remarks by A/Prof Tan Chieh Suai (HOD and Senior Consultant, Renal Medicine, SGH), who thanked the organising team for their dedication. A/Prof Ng Kar Hui (Senior Consultant, Paediatrics, NUH and Clinical Co-PI of RAPIDS) introduced the audience to cystic kidney diseases and the role of genetic testing in diagnosis and care planning.

The session continued with a series of informative talks:

  • Dr Kwek Jia Liang (Senior Consultant, Renal Medicine, SGH) explained autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and the key genes PKD1 and PKD2. He also highlighted how genetic testing can guide personalised care plans.

  • Dr Lee Tung Lin (Associate Consultant, Renal Medicine, SGH) provided a broad overview of chronic kidney disease (CKD), its causes, symptoms, and the importance of lifestyle modifications to support kidney function.

  • Ms Clarissa Leong (Dietitian, TTSH) made the topic of nutrition accessible through mini-quizzes and familiar local food examples, empowering participants to make kidney-friendly food choices.

A heartwarming highlight was an art therapy session led by Ms Loo Hwee Hwee and the NUH Paediatrics team. Using the "Tree of Wellbeing" activity, participants reflected on their values, strengths, and sources of support while sharing in small group discussions. The session closed with a gentle reminder that support is always within reach.

The event concluded with an interactive Q&A panel featuring A/Prof Ng, Dr Kwek, Dr Lee, and Ms Leong. The panel addressed practical questions on treatments, financial support, healthy hawker options, and early detection practices.

🔗 Learn more about the Clinical Implementation Pilots by PRECISE: https://npm.sg/cip

The event was made possible by support from the leadership, organising team and all contributors:
Chong Kay Yuan (SGH), Dr Kwek Jia Liang (SGH), Dr Ng Jun Li (NUS), A/Prof Ng Kar Hui (NUS), Ms Loo Hwee Hwee (NUH), Victoria Swee Bee Ng (NUH), Tracy Lei (NUH), and Ms Clarissa Leong (TTSH)