Beyond the walls of Core Clinic, where he deals with the complexities of the human mind as a psychiatrist, Dr. Lui Yit Shiang embraces a world filled with diverse passions and pursuits. While his dedication to psychiatry is well-known, few are aware of the vibrant life he leads outside his professional practice.

Dr. Lui understands that the life of a healthcare provider often revolves around the demanding schedules of the profession. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of medical practice, Dr. Lui recognises the importance of finding moments of respite and rejuvenation. From his love for endurance sports to his commitment to community service, Dr. Lui shares a glimpse into the world outside of work, exploring how these personal interests contribute to greater effectiveness as a healthcare provider.

Exploring Passions

Dr Lui often jokes that his foray into various interests might be construed as a mid-life crisis, but truth be told, it's more about embracing life's diverse experiences. Perhaps it is also something that he may have learned inadvertently from his patients as well. He has come to find that he enjoys activities that push him beyond the confines of his medical role.

Whether it's the adrenaline rush of Dragonboat racing with a Community Sports Network (CSN) affiliate, Paddlers Against Limits (PALS), the meditative calm of long-distance running, the mental challenge of jigsaw puzzles, or the emotional rollercoaster of stories and drama (in both his patients’ stories and in traditional media), each pursuit offers a unique escape from the rigors of Dr Lui's profession — being a psychiatrist.

Dr Lui enjoys the adrenaline rush of dragon boat racing, a group photo with Paddlers Against Limits (PALS).

The Call of Adventure

Dr Lui's love for travel stems from a deep-seated curiosity about different cultures and ways of life. Immersing himself in unfamiliar environments allows him to gain fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding of human diversity. Since 2019, he has participated as a volunteer doctor for overseas community projects, such as the Sa’Bai and Sothea initiatives in Cambodia with medical students from NUS. This has been particularly rewarding.

Dr Lui (top right) as a volunteer doctor in Cambodia as part of a community project initiative; Sa'Bai. 

Balancing Act

Dr Lui believes we all need an outlet, a healthy outlet. Finding time for these interests amidst a demanding job requires intentional prioritisation. Engaging in sports, whether team-based or individual, provides us with a valuable opportunity to explore new facets of ourselves—our strengths, limitations, preferences, and aspirations. There's an inherent drive to improve and excel in whatever we pursue. For Dr Lui, this drive manifests in regular rowing sessions with Paddlers Against Limits (PALS) and pushing himself to run longer distances.

He loves the peace and the time spent while running long distances. It allows him to think things through and to take in the sights and sounds without always being in a hurry. He has ventured beyond the familiar routes of Singapore, trying his legs at races like the StanChart and 2XU. However, it was at the Angkor War International Half Marathon in Siem Reap, post-pandemic, that Dr Lui found it truly exhilarating.

Dr Lui participated in the recent Danang International Marathon 2024.

Bringing It Back to Practice

But how do these personal pursuits translate to Dr Lui's role as a healthcare provider? For him, it's all about letting off steam and gaining fresh insights. Engaging in non-medical activities helps him to recharge and approach patient care with renewed passion and empathy. The lessons learned—perseverance to continuously improve one’s practice, collaboration with other colleagues to reach a mutual therapeutic goal, and resilience to provide the best care possible—seamlessly integrate into his practice, enriching the care he provides to his patients.

Building Connections

In the realm of psychiatry and therapeutic relationship building, we refer to this practice as disclosure. When done thoughtfully, it can serve as a powerful tool for positive modelling and fostering trust between patients and healthcare providers. However, it's essential to tread carefully, as indiscriminate disclosure may inadvertently burden patients, especially those grappling with depression. Achieving the right balance is paramount, requiring careful consideration and discretion in its implementation.

Tips for Fellow Healthcare Providers

Finding the balance between work and personal interests isn't easy, but it's essential for our well-being and effectiveness as healthcare providers. Start small, find activities that resonate with you, and gradually build them into your routine. Surround yourself with supportive peers who share your interests, and don't forget to prioritise self-care along the way.

In conclusion, our interests offer more than just moments of enjoyment; they are integral to our practice as healthcare providers in so many ways. Embrace your passions, find moments of respite amidst the chaos, and remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for others.

Find Your Unique Routine

Drawing from his own experiences, Dr. Lui emphasises the importance of setting boundaries, prioritising self-care, and finding time for personal interests. Before the hustle and bustle of the day begins, Dr Lui engages in a simple yet meaningful ritual: tending to his air plant and taking a moment to look at himself in the mirror; and smile. This small act of self-care serves as a reminder to approach each day with intention and positivity. As Dr Lui puts it, "By starting my day with a smile, I set the stage for a productive and fulfilling practice."

Prioritise Learning and Listening

In Dr Lui's practice, it is essential to prioritise learning and listening. Amidst the demands of a busy schedule, it's easy to succumb to the pressures of time constraints. However, Dr Lui firmly believes that a keen ear and active listening are paramount in fostering meaningful connections with his patients. By quieting his thoughts and attentively absorbing what his patients have to say, he gain valuable insights into their experiences and needs.

As we step back from the insights into Dr. Lui's life beyond the clinic, it becomes clear that his passions and pursuits outside of psychiatry play a vital role in shaping his holistic approach to mental health. By embracing creativity, community, and self-care, Dr. Lui not only enriches his own life but also brings a deeper, more compassionate understanding to his patients.

Featured Contributor:

Otium Mindhealth
Dr Lui Yit Shiang
Psychiatrist

Otium Mindhealth strives to provide holistic and patient-centric care for anyone struggling with psychological distress using an evidence-based approach in a personalised manner.

Otium Mindhealth also focuses on promoting mental health awareness within the community it serves and continues to be participative and inclusive in reaching out to special groups in psychological need. 

Find out more about psychiatric services available and seek professional help today.

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