What does it take to be a neurosurgeon? Q&A with NNI medical director Ng Wai Hoe

Professor Ng Wai Hoe, medical director of the National Neuroscience Institute, reading Mr Oh Zhi Long's scan before he starts the awake craniotomy operation. ST PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN
Neurosurgeon Ng Wai Hoe, medical director of the National Neuroscience Institute, shaving Mr Oh’s head after asking him how close a shave he wants. Mr Oh replies: “Take it all off, it’s only hair, it will grow back. I have no regrets.” ST PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN
Mr Oh Zhi Long, 32, had to undergo surgery while he was awake. ST PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN
Professor Ng Wai Hoe, medical director of the National Neuroscience Institute, headed the surgery on Mr Oh Zhi Long. ST PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN
Chang Ai-Lien
Associate News Editor
Updated
Mar 21, 2018, 10:38 PM
Published
Mar 21, 2018, 07:16 PM
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

Q: Why do you shave the head just before the surgery?

A: We shave the head in the operating theatre because if you shave too early you may nick the skin, and risk an infection.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

ST One Digital

 $9.90/month

No contract

ST app access on 1 mobile device

Subscribe now

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.

Available for
iPhones and iPads
Available in
Google Play

MCI (P) 066/10/2023. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. Copyright © 2024 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.

Back to the top