Singapore Prevention & Cardiac Rehabilitation Symposium 2019

Held on 18 and 19 Oct 2019, the third iteration of the Singapore Prevention & Cardiac Rehabilitation Symposium (SPCRS) centred on the theme “Contemporary Cardiac Rehabilitation: Special Situations; Novel Measures”.

Over the two days, our distinguished faculty demonstrated the use of enhanced sensor technology to monitor patients remotely; wearable technology and 5G network for real-time health feedback; and AI to automate tasks and reduce staff workloads, allowing healthcare professionals more time for patient interaction.

We were honoured to have two keynote speakers who hailed from afar: Prof Paul Dendale, Head of the Cardiology Department at the Jessa Hospital, Belgium; and Prof Sherry Grace from York University, Canada, who delivered their keynote speeches “Telerehabilitation 101: How to start a Telerehabilitation Programme” and “Challenges in Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention in Women” respectively.

Many more insightful presentations by our international and local experts followed suit, and sessions were interspersed with mass exercises. The symposium ended with an entertaining three experts debate on “Food, Fitness or Pharmacology, Which is Better for Weight Loss and Heart Health?”. The debaters were Dr Verena Tan, Senior Nutrition Scientist; Adj Prof John Orchard, Chief Medical Officer, Cricket Australia; and Dr Tham Kwang Wei, Senior Consultant, with the Department of Endocrinology at the Singapore General Hospital.

There were also workshops on physical activity, appropriate nursing care and proper nutrition to prevent cardiac events. Additionally, special sessions on women’s health and sports medicine were conducted.

Apart from learning, delegates were also treated to singing performances by the Caring Hearts Support Group. The first two songs, “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars and “朋友” (Friends) by Emil Chau, were selected to reflect the Group’s friendship and bond with one another. The third song – “If We Hold On Together” – made popular by Diana Ross reflects the Group’s aspiration to continue supporting one another through their respective heart journeys. The Group’s performance received roaring applause, and many of the audience were touched by their performance.

The symposium ended with the award presentations to the best and merit oral poster presentation winners for the various tracks. It was a resounding success with more than 350 delegates from Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines Vietnam and, of course, Singapore.

Our heartfelt gratitude to Mr Edwin Tong, Senior Minister of State for Law and Health, for gracing the event.

Special thanks to Prof Tan Huay Cheem, Adj A/Prof Tan Swee Yaw, Asst Prof Yeo Tee Joo, Dr Raymond Wong, Adj A/Prof David Foo, Dr Peter Ting, Dr Huang Zijuan, Dr Ho Jien Sze and other Scientific and Organising Committee Members for their valuable time and contributions to SPCRS 2019 and making this regional symposium a tremendous success.

Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to our sponsors – Captain Oats, Lion Corporation, Good Salt, Marigold HL, Clouet (Ayam), Lam Soon for their generous contributions to the symposium bags and Garmin, Fitbit & Polar for their prize contributions to the best & merit oral poster presentation awards.