The Mentor Behind the Medal
A new occupational medicine medal celebrates Professor David Koh’s lasting influence on students, public health, and the values that shape meaningful careers.
Assoc Prof Gan Wee Hoe (left) and his mentor Prof David Koh (right) with copies of the Textbook of Occupational Medicine Practice.
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Excellent mentors do more than give guidance; they instil in their mentees the right set of values for their work. For a wide community of alumni, faculty members and students across the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health (SSHSPH), Professor David Koh (MBBS ’80) is the epitome of such a mentor.
Inspired by his work and values, his mentees have decided to give back. Alumni and friends have come together and established the Occupational Medicine Excellence Medal at SSHSPH. The Medal honours Prof Koh, and will be awarded to Master of Public Health (MPH) graduate students who show outstanding academic talent and passion for giving back to the community.
Bridging Work and Health
Occupational medicine is a specialty that greatly impacts a population’s health and safety. In 2024, the global workforce accounted for 45% of the world’s population. “The workplace should represent one of the largest platforms for health protection and promotion,” shared Associate Professor Gan Wee Hoe (MBBS ’99), the lead fundraiser for the Medal. “Yet, 7% of all global fatalities are attributed to occupational causes.”
One’s work is a key social determinant of their health–making occupational medicine a field that stands at the intersection of work and health. And with an ageing population and workforce, the need for more occupational health practitioners only continues to grow.
This is the driving force behind establishing the Medal, which will support the development of a pipeline of young, capable and passionate talents.
A Professor’s Influence
A pioneer in occupational health medicine and occupational health, Prof Koh is widely renowned across his field. “Prof Koh consistently champions the principle that work should enhance, not harm human health,” said Assoc Prof Gan.
Prof Koh’s influence extends beyond Singapore: he is ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide in his specialist field, based on both current and lifetime research impact. He has over 450 peer-reviewed publications and editing credits in several books, including the internationally acclaimed “Textbook of Occupational Medicine Practice”.
Meanwhile, Prof Koh’s teaching and volunteer work are currently supporting capacity and capability building efforts across the region. As Assoc Prof Gan put it: “Prof Koh has shown us how academic excellence can translate to real-world impact.”
Not surprisingly, many of Prof Koh’s students and trainees now serve as leaders in healthcare and academia, continuing the work he has helped to nurture.
Prof Koh’s legacy of inspiring students goes beyond academics. It extends to compassion, empathy, and now, with the Medal, a rallying pride for students who yearn to follow in his footsteps.
The Power of Alumni Fundraising
The success of the fundraising effort is not only a testament to Prof Koh’s impact, but also a reflection of what alumni communities can achieve.
“Our fundraising was rooted in the strong personal connections with Prof Koh built over decades of teaching, mentoring, and professional collaboration,” elaborated Assoc Prof Gan. “Many of the donors are his former students and trainees who experienced firsthand his generosity with time, guidance and encouragement.”
Rather than a broad campaign, the initiative was driven by personal outreach within the community, all guided by a single purpose. “This Medal is a collective expression of gratitude to a mentor who helped shape our values and professional journeys,” enthused Assoc Prof Gan. “The overwhelming support for this fundraising initiative is a reflection of the power of alumni giving, demonstrating how the fruits and impact of mentorship can ripple across generations.”
Assoc Prof Gan hopes the Occupational Medicine Excellence Medal will inspire recipients to carry on Prof Koh’s work, and ultimately, his legacy. “Being associated with Prof Koh’s name will carry special significance for recipients,” said Assoc Prof Gan. “We hope the medal will serve as a source of inspiration and responsibility, encouraging us to continue pushing the frontiers of research, practice and leadership in occupational medicine and occupational health.”
You too can support more Master of Public Health students at SSHSPH, and help them to realise their potential as public health leaders of tomorrow.
