Leading with Compassion in Medicine and at Home: Coffee Break with Dr Wong, Senior Manager of Medical Support Services
19 November 2024
For Dr Wong Zhiyi, a Senior Manager of Medical Support Services at Sunway Medical Centre, balancing the rigors of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with family life is a daily challenge he meets with resilience and purpose. Over his seven years at the hospital, Dr Wong has risen to oversee a team of over 50 medical officers, a testament to his dedication and leadership. Despite the high stakes of his career, his commitment to both his patients and his loved ones remains unwavering.
A Heart for Healing
As a medical professional in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Dr Wong faces daily challenges that test both his medical expertise and his emotional resilience. "I’ve always been passionate about medicine," he shares. "But the ICU is where I feel I can make the most impact. It’s where the pressure is the highest, and where your decisions can truly change the course of someone's life."
The ICU is a high-stakes environment, often involving long hours and critical, life-altering decisions. Yet, it is the profound responsibility of caring for patients and their families that drives Dr Wong. "The sense of responsibility is immense, especially when you're dealing with critical patients who cannot have their families by their side," he explains.
Working Through COVID-19
Dr Wong’s work took on new significance during the COVID-19 pandemic. As healthcare professionals, he and his team were thrust into a crisis, navigating the uncertainty and fear that came with the unknown virus. "In the beginning, no one knew what was happening. The panic was palpable," he recalls. As a private sector hospital, Sunway Medical Centre initially referred COVID patients to government facilities. But as the situation worsened, they too became a frontline hospital for COVID care.
The ICU became a battleground, and Dr Wong witnessed firsthand the toll the virus took on patients and their families. "It was heartbreaking to witness patients unable to have their family members by their side. We became the bridge between them, communicating updates and offering emotional support."
The pressure of the pandemic reshaped his work, requiring rapid decision-making and constant communication with consultants. "During the worst of it, we were the ones assessing the patients and making decisions in the absence of the consultants," he explains. It was a time of intense responsibility, but Dr Wong took it in stride, knowing that his work had never been more
critical.
Putting Family First
Outside of his demanding role at the hospital, Dr Wong is deeply committed to his family. He and his wife have three young children, and despite his busy work schedule, he ensures they always feel his presence. "Balancing ICU work and family can be challenging. Especially back when I was still working shifts. But it's something I learned to manage. No matter how busy I am, I will always find time for my kids, whether it's preparing food for them, taking them to school or tucking them to bed,” he says.
Weekends are a cherished time for the Wong family. His eldest daughter, a Year 1 student, keeps him busy with school activities, while his younger children enjoy their own hobbies. Whether it’s cheering on his daughter at gymnastics or engaging in family activities, Dr Wong ensures that weekends are reserved for creating lasting memories. Sundays are often quieter—a chance for the family to relax and recharge.
Hobbies and Family Time
While his professional life is demanding, Dr Wong values his personal interests and tries to make time for them whenever possible. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he used to play football regularly but now finds it hard to keep up with his passion.
"I used to follow every game, but now I mainly watch the big tournaments like the World Cup or Euro," he says, admitting that his hectic schedule doesn’t leave much time for leisure.
Fitness also remains important to him. "I try to make time for exercise, whether it's a quick gym session or a jog," he says. Although fitting in regular workouts is a challenge, Dr Wong is committed to staying active in any way he can.
Striking a Balance
Dr Wong’s day begins early, with the rush of getting his children ready for school. "It’s always a bit of a mad rush in the mornings," he chuckles. Despite his demanding schedule, he ensures that he is involved in his children’s routines. After a long day in the ICU, family time takes priority, though Dr Wong admits that the family’s quality time together can be limited. "By the time I get home, the kids are usually asleep, but we make the most of our weekends," he says.
In the evenings, after the kids are in bed, Dr Wong and his wife enjoy a quiet moment together, often watching late-night movies or sharing a peaceful conversation. "We don’t get much time for dates anymore, but we try to enjoy little moments when we can," he says, smiling.
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, Dr Wong remains focused on his career and his family. Though he doesn’t know what the future holds, he is determined to continue growing in his role while balancing his responsibilities at home. "I don’t know what I would be if I weren’t a doctor, but I do know that this is the path I’ve chosen, and I wouldn’t change it for anything."
Whether it’s caring for critically ill patients in the ICU or making lasting memories with his children, Dr Wong Zhiyi is a true testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
