The Science Behind Every Heartbeat

By Valissa Yap

They may have taken different paths into allied health but sharing the same belief that behind every scan and every result is a person deserving excellent care and genuine empathy, has defined their role and experience in healthcare.

Meet Siti Nur'ain Binte Awalludin, Principal Cardiac Physiologist from Cardiac Laboratory, and Bryston Jonathan Calina Torres, Nuclear Medicine Technologist from Nuclear Cardiac Imaging, integral members of our allied health team who work quietly behind the scenes to support patient care and clinical decision-making.

A Journey Sparked by Curiosity

For Siti, the path began with a simple fascination: understanding how the human body works. That interest turned into a career path during her polytechnic years, while pursuing a Diploma in Cardiac Technology, which included a one-year internship at NHCS. "Being directly involved in patient care and witnessing how cardiac diagnostics can impact clinical decision-making sparked a deep interest in the field," she reflects. What started as curiosity evolved into a calling that has shaped her entire career.

Of all the encounters that have shaped her, it is the patients living with a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) who have left the deepest mark. Through years of performing regular echocardiography for them, she has come to understand what lies at the heart of good healthcare. "These patients often face complex medical challenges and significant lifestyle adjustments, yet their resilience, kindness and positive outlook are truly inspiring," she shares. "It has taught me to look beyond a person's immediate behaviour and seek to understand them as individuals."

Siti (2nd from right, front row) with her colleagues from the Cardiac Laboratory team.

That empathy extends to every aspect of her work. "To me, 'making a difference' means going the extra mile for our patients and colleagues, approaching every situation with compassion, professionalism, and good judgment," she explains. "Even when faced with challenges, I remind myself that behind every investigation is a patient who relies on us for accurate information and support. Knowing that our work can directly impact patient outcomes keeps me motivated, even on the most challenging days."

As a Principal Cardiac Physiologist, mentorship has become a central part of her role. She believes that good mentorship begins with genuine connection by creating an environment where junior physiologists feel at ease to learn, reflect, and grow. "My hope is for them to develop strong technical and clinical skills, alongside the confidence to carry themselves with professionalism, care for their patients well, and truly enjoy coming to work," she shares.

Drawing from years of navigating the industry, Siti's advice to allied health professionals just starting out is both honest and encouraging. "Embrace the learning journey and be patient with yourself. Do not be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance, and do not shy away from stepping outside your comfort zone. Difficult times are temporary, and every challenge you face is quietly shaping you into a stronger, more capable healthcare professional. Stay resilient, keep an open mind, and trust the process," she says.

A Window into the Heart

Bryston shares a similar sense of purpose, drawn to the field by the fascinating ability to see what is happening inside the body. "I was fascinated by how we can use small amounts of radioactive tracers to see what is happening inside the body and help physicians detect coronary artery disease," he explains. "What keeps me passionate is knowing that behind every scan is a person searching for answers, and that my work can help make a difference in their care."

A big part of his role is ensuring patients are well prepared, comfortable, and that the team produces high quality images for accurate diagnosis. "I remember a case where our imaging findings helped guide the physician's next steps, reinforcing how important every scan can be in a patient's journey," he shares.

(L-R): Bryston in a case discussion with his colleague; Bryston (3rd from left, last row) with his colleagues from the Nuclear Cardiac Imaging department.

For many patients, stepping into the nuclear medicine department can be an unfamiliar and anxious experience. "I think the first step is to treat the patient as a person, not just as another procedure," he shares. "Many patients don't know what nuclear medicine involves, and some may be nervous when they hear the word 'radiation'. I take the time to explain the procedure in simple terms, tell them what they can expect, and encourage them to ask questions."

Over time, he has learned that listening goes beyond words. "I pay close attention to body language and take the time to hear people's concerns. More often than not, a calm and welcoming presence is all someone needs to feel a little more at ease," he says.

For him, the people he works alongside make all the difference. "I am deeply grateful for my colleagues and friends at work. Their support, encouragement, and shared commitment to our patients make even the most challenging days worthwhile," he shares.

To those thinking about a career in allied health, Bryston's message is one of openness and possibility. "Stay curious and never stop learning. Strong technical skills matter, but so does the ability to communicate and work well with others. This is a field where you grow alongside the people you care for, and where the work you do truly counts."

A Shared Purpose

While their work may not always be visible, the contributions of our allied health colleagues enable physicians to make informed decisions and are essential to every patient's care journey.

Happy Allied Health Day to all our AHPs at NHCS! Thank you for your contributions, for the work that so often goes unseen, but never unfelt.