15/12/2024
πππ¦ππ¦πππ«π’π§π ππ«π¨π ππ‘ππ° ππ‘π’π§ ππ’π§
We remember Prof Chew Chin Hin, one of the pioneers of Aviation Medicine in Singapore, who passed away peacefully on 14 Dec 2024.
Prof Chew contributed immensely to the development of Aviation Medicine as a Sub-Specialty in Singapore. In 1970s, whilst he was Head of Medical Unit IV in TTSH, he took over the role of medical licensing for pilots from the Royal Air Force (RAF). Without any formal training programme in existence then, he took the initiative to learn about civil aviation medicine and civil licensing at RAF Changi Hospital.
Prof Chew subsequently became the Deputy Chairman, and then Chairman of the Civil Aviation Medical Board (CAMB). He also played a vital role in obtaining specialist recognition for Aviation Medicine in Singapore in 2014. Even after his retirement at the age of 60, he continued to serve as a Board Member and Medical Assessor to CAMB until his passing.
For his contributions to Aviation Medicine, he was conferred an Honorary Lifetime Membership of the Society of Aviation Medicine Singapore (known today as SAMPS) on 28 Nov 2014.
Prof Chew was previously the Deputy Director of Medical Services MOH from 1981 to 1991, and played an active role in combating Tuberculosis in Singapore as previous chairman of the Singapore Tuberculosis Research Committee. He was also the founding president of the Singapore Thoracic Society.
Prof Chew was Master of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore, 1973 to 1975. He was bestowed the Public Administration medal, Gold (PPA(E)) in 1983 by the President of Singapore for services to Medicine, Medical Education, and Research. He was also the first and only Singaporean to be conferred the prestigious Mastership in the American College of Physicians in 2010.
On a more personal level, Prof Chew had always been generous with his wise counsel, time and friendship with many members of SAMPS.
We mourn the loss of a leader, mentor, and friend. May he rest in peace and his memory be eternal.
