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Class of 2024: Helping Patients Find Their Voice

 

 Along the bustling corridors of National University Hospital (NUH), from a therapy room tucked in a corner echoed a sweet longing melody:

“Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be. Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.”

Inside, an elderly male patient sang along to the classic Beatles hit with a wide smile. To most, this might be just another sing-along session. But for Ms Sharon Sim Hui Li, it was a major breakthrough.

This speech therapist in training was in charge of helping the elderly man regain his communication abilities during her seven-week clinical placement at NUH’s Speech Therapy Department in 2023.

After a stroke, the man developed apraxia of speech (AOS), a motor speech affliction, and aphasia, a language disorder that affected his speech.

As part of their group therapy sessions, Sharon would get him to repeat words such as “cake” and “biscuit” after her. “If he had difficulties, I would break the word down into syllables and get him to look at my face to see how I was saying it,” she said.

Her efforts paid off.

“His singing impacted me as I realised how lonely it might have been for him not to be able to communicate independently,” said the 24-year-old.

Sharon is part of a pioneer batch of 27 students who graduated with a Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) degree from the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) this year and are making an impact beyond the campus.

Sharon

Sharon Sim at SIT Convocation Ceremony 2024. (Photo: SIT and Keng Photography)

Combining Science and Linguistics

Although Sharon had been interested in the healthcare sector, becoming a speech therapist had never crossed her mind.

It was only when she was applying for university that her older sister brought her attention to SIT’s SLT programme.

The programme’s curriculum, accredited by the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC), is developed in consultation with speech and language therapists in the private and public sectors.

What caught Sharon’s attention were modules such as Anatomy and Physiology and Acquired Cognitive-communication and Language Disorders that married the fields of science and linguistics.

That was when she knew it was the career for her. “I was convinced that the SLT programme was the perfect match for me as I have a keen interest in biology and linguistics,” she said.

Fellow graduate and course mate Ms Nurul Diyanah Binte Damanhuri has a similar experience. Growing up, the 25-year-old enjoyed reading and once aspired to be a writer. She later developed an interest in biology in secondary school.

Diyanah 2

Diyanah at SIT Convocation Ceremony 2024. (Photo: SIT and Keng Photography)

“I was completely drawn in by how the SLT programme was an amalgamation of all my interests blended into one,” she said.

SLT

The camaraderie among Diyanah, Sharon, and their course mates was evident in their shared laughter and memories on SLT Day. (Photo: Sharon Sim)

Navigating the Unknown

But the journey was anything but easy. Being the pioneer cohort came with its own set of challenges.

The curriculum was still being refined, and they did not have any seniors to turn to for guidance, said Sharon.

Passing their Clinical Practice Education (CPE) modules, which tested their clinical skills in real-life work settings, was also tough. Through their four years, they would take five CPEs. In the last two placements, they were expected to carry out the duties of an entry-level speech therapist, such as assessing patients’ conditions and planning and executing their therapy.
 

Sim Sharon

Sharon (right) pictured with her clinical supervisor, Dr Mythra, and her classmate, Corine, on the final day of her paediatric clinical placement at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore. (Photo: Sharon Sim)

Diyanah has fond memories of CPE, especially her seven-week clinical placement at Changi General Hospital’s Neurology Department in 2023.

Her patient suffered from AOS and struggled with basic articulation such as ‘ah’, she recalled. But after three-and-a-half weeks of therapy, he was able to pronounce multisyllabic words with her help.

“Meeting him reminded me once again of the importance of communication in a person’s life,” she reflected.

But she would face personal challenges during her studies, too. Earlier this year, she had to postpone her last CPE at Sengkang General Hospital after she sustained a collarbone fracture during a silat performance with SIT Silat Club.

“The moment the injury happened, I had immediate thoughts of the pain, followed by nagging concerns about the outcome of my clinical placement,” she said. Thankfully, she made a full recovery and completed her last CPE on time with the support of friends, lecturers, and family.

Diyanah

With the unwavering support of friends, lecturers, and family, Diyanah (1st row centre) overcame challenges and achieved her goal of completing her CPE. (Photo: Nurul Diyanah Binte Damanhuri)

Giving Back

In their free time, Diyanah and Sharon raise awareness about the profession in Singapore. Since 2022, Sharon has been volunteering at the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Community (ISAAC).

“Unlike physical disabilities that are more apparent, speech and language difficulties often go unnoticed and are misunderstood due to their subtle, ‘invisible’ nature,” she said.

Similarly, Diyanah represented the sector as a student speaker during the 2022 and 2023 Muslim Healthcare Outreach Programme, which was organised by the Muslim Healthcare Professional Association. 

The duo hopes that through such initiatives, more people will learn about speech and language disorders in Singapore.

“Increasing the awareness of speech and language difficulties can help to encourage more empathy, reduce stigma, and promote early detection and intervention. This will create a more inclusive society where everyone can participate fully,” said Sharon.

"It's important that we advocate for our profession and spread awareness about our role. Not many people know about what a speech therapist is. I hope that by sharing more about our profession and journey, people from more diverse backgrounds will be keen to join the industry and help patients find their voice," added Diyanah.

Sharon and Diyanah

Diyanah and Sharon at SIT 2024 Convocation Ceremony. (Photo: SIT and Keng Photography)

 
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