5 Questions with Doctor Laura Kasenda
The Healthier SG initiative will be rolling out soon and we would like to introduce our resident doctors at SATA CommHealth. Starting off with our bubbly Senior Family Physician, Dr Laura Kasenda. Dr Laura has been with us for 5 years and has recently received the Superstar Exemplar Professional Award at the national Singapore Health Quality Awards 2023.
1. You have won multiple service excellence awards within SATA CommHealth and on a national level. What keeps you going?
Dr Laura: When patients come back, over time they become your friends. This makes work very enjoyable, and the days pass happily. Some patients may be difficult initially. But when you show that you are sincere to help them, they are usually very grateful, especially when they realise you are trying to help them.
2. How do you extend care outside SATA CommHealth?
Dr Laura: Just before COVID happened, I went to Cambodia for my first mission trip organised by my church. I intend to go every year. Serving the people in villages keeps me humble; in Singapore, we forget how blessed we are.
3. What do you do for fun?
Dr Laura: I love to cook all sorts of dishes at home. And outside with my family, we are very adventurous and love the outdoors. We go on hikes, we do rock climbing, snowboarding and all sorts of things! It’s the excitement of trying new things together and I would push my girls to keep going.
4. The Healthier SG initiative is rolling out later this year. What are your thoughts on it?
Dr Laura: I think it’s a great initiative that’s long needed. It’s a good thing to stick to the same doctor, develop that relationship and trust as it will help the patient therapeutically as well. A familiar face and continuity of care is very important, especially for patients with chronic illnesses.
5. What advice do you have for aspiring doctors?
Dr Laura: I’ve gotten my fair share of complaints from various clinics I’ve worked at in the past. All these helped me to hone my bedside manners. I’m able now to advise younger doctors to learn from mistakes and understand the importance of managing the expectations of patients.