Meet Obstetric and Gynaecology (O&G) Specialist, Dr Vicky Ho
05 March 2025
Dr Vicky Ho never planned to be an obstetrician and gynaecologist (O&G). “Honestly, it wasn’t my first choice. In medical school, I was more interested in internal medicine, cardiology, or neurology,” she admits.
But everything changed during her housemanship in Sarawak. “The hands-on experience, the guidance from my seniors and the adrenaline rush of the job made me choose O&G.”
Caring for High-Risk Pregnancies as an O&G Specialist
As a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, Dr Vicky focuses on high-risk pregnancies. “This includes cases where the mother has medical conditions. For example, a history of pregnancy complications, multiple pregnancies, or abnormal genetic test results,” she explains.
With the rise of IVF, multiple pregnancies have become more common. “If two embryos are transferred, there’s a chance of twins or even triplets.” But to ensure safer pregnancies, she says that Sunway Medical Centre usually transfers just one or two embryos.
The Joy of Bringing New Lives Into the World
Despite the challenges, Dr Vicky finds her work fulfilling. “Helping high-risk mothers safely deliver their babies is incredibly fulfilling,” she shares.
She recalls a patient who was told she should never get pregnant. “With proper care and monitoring, we helped her through. Seeing her hold her baby despite all odds was incredible.”
Gynaecologist Clearing Up Pregnancy Myths
Many myths about pregnancy still exist. “Some people believe pregnant women should eat for two and gain a lot of weight. Others think exercise is unsafe. Some even think that they need more supplements.”
Dr. Ho educates her patients with real-life examples. “Some mothers gain 10–20 kg, but their baby is still growth-restricted. Others eat normally and have healthy babies.”
Handling Emotional Challenges
O&G can be emotionally tough. “We face life and death situations. Over time, we learn to control our emotions, but some cases still affect us.”
Losing a baby or seeing a couple’s heartbreak is difficult. “Sometimes, I struggle to hold back tears when giving bad news. But showing empathy is important, patients need to know we care.”
Maintaining A Work-Life Balance
Balancing work and personal life is hard, but Dr Vicky’s husband is very supportive.
“Before joining Sunway Medical Centre, I moved a lot. I’ve worked in Sarawak, Johor, Seremban, and even the UK for a year. We spent a lot of time apart, but he always supported my career.”
Now, she makes time for him with dinner and travel. “I enjoy cooking, especially Western cuisine,” she shares. “I used to cook a lot more when I was working in the government sector. Back then my schedule was more predictable. Now, I try to find time whenever I can.”
Her Love for Food and Travel
Outside of work, Dr Vicky loves to cook and travel. “We’re going to Japan at the end of the year,” she shares excitedly.
Japan is special to her. Not only for its food and culture, but also because she met her husband there. “We’re been to other parts of Japan, but never Tokyo. So this year, we’re going to explore the city and after that, we’ll go to other parts of Japan.”
Her Advice for Aspiring O&G Specialist
For those considering O&G, Dr Vicky has some advice. “Get hands-on experience first. Some juniors joined without fully understanding the demands. After a few years, they realise it’s not for them.”
The job requires dedication. “Labour is unpredictable. You have to be mentally prepared.”
Dr Vicky sees her work as more than just a job, it’s a calling. “My role is to ensure mothers and babies are safe. That responsibility means everything to me.”
Thank you, Dr Vicky. Your dedication to women’s health continues to inspire us.
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