Cover How Dr Georgia Lee is bolstering the future of nursing through philanthropy and education (Photo: Opus Asia)
How Dr Georgia Lee is bolstering the future of nursing through philanthropy and education (Photo: Opus Asia)
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Dr Georgia Lee shares how her experience in Singapore healthcare inspired her philanthropic initiative that benefits nursing students
“My goal is to empower and support the next generation of healthcare professionals, specifically nurses and students who have shown resilience,” expresses Dr Georgia Lee, founder of TLC Lifestyle Practice, an aesthetics clinic in Singapore providing non-invasive methods of treatment. As a medical professional, Lee has been a long-standing figure in the support of community outreach projects that provide medical care to underserved communities.
Watering the first seeds of her enduring commitment to supporting underserved communities, Lee has rendered her support to the next generation of nurses who will be at the helm of healthcare accessibility and effectiveness. “I’ve seen the dedication and compassion they bring, which deserves support and recognition,” shares Lee.
Lee’s call to support Singapore’s nursing landscape stems from her belief in the transformative power of education and mentorship. As an intern whilst in medical school, Lee recalls how the nurses at the Singapore General Hospital Orthopaedic department guided her with practical tips. “Now, I have the privilege of looking after some of the nurses who have suffered from acne due to wearing their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) barrier gear during the Covid-19 pandemic period,” she shares, adding that nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system, providing vital quality patient care.
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Above The importance of healthcare philanthropy took precedence for Lee during the SARS outbreak in 2003 and again, during the recent Covid-19 pandemic period (Photo: Reuben Foong)
The importance of healthcare philanthropy took precedence for Lee during the SARS outbreak in 2003 and again, during the recent Covid-19 pandemic period (Photo: Reuben Foong)
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While Singapore’s healthcare system is accessible to most, “the barrier is in the limited awareness and education about available healthcare services that can hinder access, especially in marginalised communities or for individuals with limited access to communications,” shares Lee.
The importance of healthcare philanthropy took precedence for Lee during the SARS outbreak in 2003 and again, during the recent Covid-19 pandemic period. Along with a group of colleagues, Lee had reached out to residents staying alone during the pandemic. “It was such a great initiative and brought warmth and smiles to everyone,” she says, adding that witnessing the impact of medical care on underserved communities reinforced her commitment to giving back through various philanthropic initiatives.
Lee describes the current nursing landscape in Singapore as “exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and increasingly pressured with workloads, staff shortages, and risk of burnouts.” But what emerged from this was a deserving acknowledgement of the deep commitment of nurses to go above and beyond to provide quality patient care. “I am very respectful of their commitment to work and hope the public can join me in supporting the education needs of the next generation of nurses,” shares Lee.
Above Lee believes in fostering a strong sense of community and belonging among nursing students (Photo: Reuben Foong)
Lee believes in fostering a strong sense of community and belonging among nursing students (Photo: Reuben Foong)
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Making an impact
As the ebb and flow of the nursing industry constantly requires new talents, it was important to Lee that financial barriers do not prevent motivated nursing students from pursuing their nursing education.
“Providing comprehensive support, in ways like scholarships, bursaries, and even mentoring, will help them succeed academically and professionally,” Lee explains, adding how her upcoming philanthropic initiative is poised to be inspiring and advantageous for nursing students.
Fostering a sense of community and belonging among nursing students is important to Lee, and it was this sense of community that influenced her resolution to give back to the profession and society. For nursing students, the number one priority is to focus on their studies, and she hopes her financial support to scholarship recipients would alleviate the burden of tuition fees and other educational expenses. Lee also hopes to give beyond financial support “if the need arises and the opportunity presents itself.”
Inspiring the next generation
Lee believes that giving back to the community creates a lasting, positive impact on society. “The initiatives align with my values of being open, having compassion, and dedication,” she says, stressing the transformative power of education and mentorship.
She drives home compassion and empathy in medical practice, where purpose, perseverance, and resilience are Lee’s three pillars of seeing things through medical school. For Lee, painting a passion for learning and helping others are paramount. “My advice to younger doctors, and other healthcare providers is this: Stay focused on your goals,” she advises, adding that students should never be shy to seek support when needed, and when working with contemporaries, a generous heart and good intentions are always welcome.
On how nursing students should approach their future careers, Lee shares they should “always remember and be humbled by the impact you can make in the lives of others through your work.”
