By Bianca Teo

As a child, Hammie Yeo dreamt of becoming a policewoman because she wanted to “help the helpless fight the strong”. 

While not a policewoman today but a medical social worker at SingHealth Polyclinics (SHP), Hammie is still fulfilling her childhood dream to help those in need and giving hope to many patients and their families.

But Hammie did not start her career as a medical social worker. Instead, she worked as a designer for 11 years, and was with the Group Communications Department for the last 4 years. It was only in June 2017 that she transferred to SHP to be a MSW.

She shares with us what made her take the plunge with a mid-career switch, spending three long years studying part-time for a social work degree, attending lectures in the evenings and spending her weekends doing assignments – all these on top of her full time job in Group Communications. 

What prompted you to make this mid-career switch?
When I was in Group Communications, I had the chance to learn about the work that the different healthcare professionals do. I was longing for a change in my career and a casual conversation with an ex-colleague opened my mind to a mid-career switch. I had a eureka moment when it dawned on me that I would like to be a social worker, to do good and help others.  

Why a medical social worker?
An illness can cause a ripple effect as it affects more than just the patient. It can strike anyone at any time and that level of unpreparedness can lead to emotional distress. I want to help these patients and their loved ones tide through these difficult times, and achieve wellness in the face of illness. 

What is a typical day for you?
My day starts at 8am. I go through the materials I prepared the day before. These materials include recordings of past cases, and medical and billing information of patients whom I’m scheduled to see that day.

During each patient session, I will gather information on his/her psychosocial-economic situation and assess his/her needs. Then I will formulate appropriate intervention on a case-by-case basis, depending on the patient’s needs. This can range from providing counsel, referring and linking the patient to appropriate community resources, mediating family conflicts to applying for assistance with medical fees. 

In a nutshell, a MSW provides individualised help to patients and family members with the primary objective of alleviating social, emotional and financial difficulties that have a bearing on their medical conditions. The primary goal is to assist patients and their families in regaining their social and psychological functioning.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
Helping my patients reduce the stumbling blocks and balance their lives so they are overwhelmed by their medical conditions.

I remember there was an auntie who held both my hands after my first session with her, thanking me profusely for my assistance. Such little gestures spur me on in my social work journey. I hope to help as many people as I can and contribute to their happiness.

Any words of advice for those thinking of a career switch?
I live by this quote – “Chasing dreams with reckless abandon.” It’s never too late to do a mid-career switch. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone!

Interested in exploring other career opportunities in SingHealth?
View available job openings here. Or if you would like to speak with someone for career advice in SingHealth, sign up for career coaching here*.

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