Unable to practise medicine in Singapore, Taiwanese doctor finds purpose as stay-at-home dad, volunteer

He used to be an attending physician in a Taiwan hospital before moving to Singapore to reunite with his wife and their child after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Unable to practise medicine in Singapore, Hsu Cheng-yuan has taken on a new role as a stay-at-home dad, he shared in a YouTube video published by Glimmer of Life, managed by the Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore), on Wednesday (Oct 21).

Hsu, 48, is also a volunteer with the organisation.

Every fortnight, he visits Yishun Community Hospital.

"Apart from chatting, I sometimes ask patients if there's anything I can do for them, such as making them a cup of Milo," Hsu says in the video.

He is not a registered doctor in Singapore — but it is not for lack of trying.

He explains to Tzu Chi that he has twice registered to take the third part of the Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians (MRCP) examination from the UK, but his applications were not accepted due to local slot limitations.

According to him, regulations give him two more years to take this last component, which tests clinical skills.

Giving up his job and accomplishments he achieved as a doctor in Taiwan to join his family in Singapore comes with "a very complex mix of emotions", said Hsu.

His wife, Dr Maeda Momoe, empathises with him: "It's as if he can't quite find that sense of purpose."

Volunteering at the hospital appears to have helped somewhat.

"I'm very grateful that through my volunteering experience, I've been able to let go of much of the sense of self that I had built up in the past," he reflects.

"Sometimes, helping a grandma with her meals or giving her a little massage...little things like that. As long as I've been of some help, I feel really happy."

[embed]https://youtu.be/5SlTbbSB1U8?si=8KDXyLmIFXr2pPRE[/embed]

When the opportunity comes, Hsu gives free preventive health talks to the elderly, which do not involve the practice of medicine.

"I may not be using my skills as a doctor to make money, but I'm delighted to have this opportunity to put my expertise to good use and help people," he tells Tzu Chi.

Hsu's family also keeps him going.

In the video, his son praises him as a brilliant person and a great cook, while Hsu sheepishly remarks that he is "just okay".

Thinking of his children also dispels any thoughts he might have of giving up in his pursuit to become a certified practitioner here and returning to Taiwan.

"It's difficult to prepare for exams at my age...mentally and physically, I can't keep up like I did when I was younger," he admits.

"Of course it is my children who make me want to keep trying my best. I simply hope to be able to spend more time with them."

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