Meet Our Breast Specialist and Oncoplastic Surgeon, Dr Teoh Li Ying
19 December 2024
Life has a way of throwing curveballs, but for Dr Teoh Li Ying, Consultant Breast and Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, juggling her career, motherhood, and a love for travel is a balancing act she's mastered with grace. Her story is one of perseverance, self-discovery, and making sacrifices—all while keeping her family at the heart of everything she does.
From General Surgery to Breast Care Advocate
Dr Teoh’s journey in medicine began long before she specialised in breast care. Initially drawn to hepatobiliary (HPB) surgery, she soon realised the intense demands of the field weren’t suited to the balance she sought in life. “HPB requires long hours and acute care,” she shared. “I found that breast surgery was more suitable to my lifestyle, allowing me to balance my time while still providing essential care to patients.”
Her passion for breast care stemmed from a desire to address the neglected aspects of the field. “As a female surgeon, I felt a strong urge to create public awareness and offer the best treatments possible,” she said. Her commitment to breast care doesn’t just stop at surgeries; she also provides emotional support to her patients, especially those facing late-stage diagnoses. “It’s not easy to tell someone they’re at stage four. I prefer a slow, gentle approach. It’s about building trust and guiding them step by step.”
Balancing Motherhood and Career
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Raising her two daughters, while pursuing a demanding career in surgery has been a monumental task for Dr Teoh. During her training years, the girls lived with her parents in Kedah, and she visited them only once a month. “It was challenging,” she admitted. “There were times when my kids weren’t close to me because I wasn’t around. But I made a promise that once my training was over, they’d live with me full-time.”
Now based in Kuala Lumpur, her parents have moved down from Kedah to provide invaluable support. “Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to manage my surgical work. They’ve been my rock, taking care of the kids when I couldn’t.”
Even with this support, the balance is precarious. “There’s no clear line between work and life—they intertwine,” she explained. Her evenings are often spent helping her daughters with homework, preparing for surgeries, or indulging in some much-needed "me-time." Weekends, however, are sacred family time, often spent exploring new places or simply enjoying each other’s company.
Building Bonds with Family
The journey to rebuild her relationship with her children hasn’t been without its challenges. “My eldest daughter was closer to my parents at first,” Dr Teoh revealed. “But as she grew older, we found our rhythm and built a deeper connection.”
Family trips play a big role in strengthening their bond. “My next big travel plan is to take them to Japan,” she shared with excitement. Her daughters are huge fans of anime and manga, and this trip is a way for Dr Teoh to fulfill their dream of visiting the land where their favorite stories come to life. For her daughters, it will be a first; for Dr Teoh, it’s a chance to combine her love for travel with her role as a mother.
A Passion for Travel
Dr Teoh’s love for travel has taken her to many corners of the world, often as a solo traveller. One memorable experience was her six-month stint in Taiwan during her training. “I travelled alone during my free days, but solo travel as a woman isn’t without its risks,” she said, recounting an incident involving harassment on a bus. “It’s a risk you take, but it’s also about staying vigilant and choosing safer destinations.”
Despite the challenges, her passion for exploring remains undeterred. “If I had more time, I’d travel the world with my kids,” she said. Her upcoming Japan trip is not just about sightseeing but also indulging in her love for Japanese cuisine, something she’s eager to share with her family.
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The Importance of Support Systems
Dr Teoh’s life is a testament to the sacrifices required to achieve success. “People often see the end result—a consultant with a seemingly good life. What they don’t see are the years of struggle, the sacrifices, and the relentless work,” she reflected. From complications during childbirth to gruelling training schedules, her journey hasn’t been easy. Yet, she’s emerged stronger, with a deep appreciation for her career and her family.
Dr Teoh credits her success to the strong support system around her, particularly her parents. “They uprooted their lives to move to KL with me. At their age, it’s not easy, but they’ve done it for me and the kids. I’m forever grateful,” she said.
Her story is a reminder that no one can do it all alone. Whether it’s leaning on family, having honest conversations with patients, or prioritising time for oneself, Dr Teoh shows that balancing life’s many demands is possible with determination and the right support.
As Dr Teoh continues her journey, she’s not only making strides in the medical field but also carving out a fulfilling life for herself and her daughters. From rebuilding relationships to planning family adventures, she’s proof that it’s never too late to rewrite your story—and enjoy the journey along the way.
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