(Mar 26, 2008) In response to the recent publicity surrounding the safe practice of aesthetic medicine by aesthetic physicians here in Singapore, the Society for Aesthetic Medicine (Singapore) (SAM) would like to express its deep concern about the issue for patients, the general public and our members.
As doctors, first and foremost, our professional responsibility is to safeguard medical standards and our patients' safety. We also strongly believe in promoting professional and ethical practices as doctors, while strictly abiding by the Singapore Medical Council's Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines. The recent development and uproar over the practice of aesthetic medicine has been distressing to those of us who have always upheld the ethics we have sworn to as doctors. It has also put the medical profession in jeopardy of losing its credibility and professional standing in the eyes of the public. As such, we hope to clearly affirm our position on the issue.
On Tuesday evening, 25 March 2008, the Society organised a closed-door meeting for aesthetic physicians across Singapore to discuss these concerns and to make joint decisions on the way forward. About 50 doctors attended, indicating the high level of interest among physicians surrounding the current situation. During the session, doctors reached a unanimous decision on the following:
The Society is very keen to hold a closed-door dialogue with the Ministry of Health, together with the Academy of Medicine and the College of Family Physicians, to share our views on the standards and availability of aesthetic treatment in Singapore.
Doctors also agreed that the Society, with its relevant experience in this field, is well-positioned to work closely with the Health Ministry, the Academy of Medicine and the College of Family Physicians, to draw up a set of clinical guidelines for aesthetic procedures here in Singapore.
The Society says the meeting on Tuesday was a step in the right direction. "The meeting was an opportunity to bring as many doctors together at the same place to collectively discuss the issues and concerns we have surrounding the practice of aesthetic medicine, and to hear their feedback and suggestions," said Dr Benjamin Yim, Executive Committee Member and spokesperson for the Society.
"Moving forward, the Society offers its full cooperation and assistance to engage in dialogue with the regulatory bodies like the Health Ministry, the College of Family Physicians and the Academy of Medicine. We believe there is an opportunity for us to share our relevant experience, studies and expertise in the field of aesthetics medicine, to help advocate industry safety guidelines, and to emerge with a win-win outcome for patients, the general public, and doctors alike here in Singapore", Dr Yim added.
The Society has always played a role in the advancement and treatment of aesthetic medicine in Singapore since its inception three years ago. Dr Yim also said, "Our top priority is to ensure the safety of our patients. We also hope to restore the public's faith in the credibility and professional standing of the medical profession, the vast majority of whom work very hard at safeguarding medical standards and our patients' safety and satisfaction."
About the Society of Aesthetic Medicine (SAM)
The Society of Aesthetic Medicine which was set up in 2005, represents a multi-disciplinary field of doctors, with a special interest in the practice of aesthetic medicine. We have approximately 150 members in our society. Our role at the Society is mainly in the education and advancement of the skills and knowledge in aesthetic medicine. We believe in promoting professional and ethical practices as doctors, and hope to play a proactive role in the advancement and the regulation of aesthetic medicine, for the benefit and safety of both patients and doctors.
