News Story 6: Growing Together Through Immersive Healthcare Learning in India

What does it look like when learning medicine stretches far beyond the classroom walls? And beyond the shores of Singapore?

For LKCMedicine students on the Immersive Healthcare Learning & Cultural Exchange (IHLCE) at Sri Narayani Holistic Centre and Christian Medical College in Vellore, India, the answer was a memorable blend of friendship, collaboration and discovery. Seniors shared clinical pearls and examination tips, while juniors offered fresh pre-clinical perspectives, creating a dynamic exchange of ideas. Together, they realised that becoming a compassionate, well-rounded healthcare professional is a lifelong journey best made alongside peers.

Learning did not stop at the classroom or ward. During ward rounds, case discussions and debriefs, students found themselves reflecting deeply on what it means to care for patients. Encountering rare endocrine, orthopaedic, dermatological and rehabilitation cases helped them connect theory to real-life experiences. These peer-to-peer exchanges became spontaneous mini teaching moments — sparking critical thinking, empathy and humility along the way.

One highlight was the visit to the Sri Narayani Holistic Centre, where students learnt how traditional Indian medicine integrates physical health with spiritual and psychological wellbeing. The learning experience reflected a shift towards a more open-minded and culturally sensitive view of care — an essential mindset in today’s globalised world.

At Christian Medical College (CMC), students were equally inspired by the spirit of collaboration they witnessed. Watching doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers work hand in hand showed how multidisciplinary care restores dignity and supports families beyond hospital walls. LKCMedicine students learned from Dr Anil Thomas Oommen, Senior Professor, Orthopaedics Unit II at the CMC, who explained patient signs and symptoms and how they are assessed through clinical examination.

Students were moved by how clinicians used empathy and language to connect with patients, inspiring them to “treat the patient, not the case.”

Outside the hospital, cultural immersion added another layer to the learning experience. Students explored temples and markets, visited the Vellore Fort and the Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, and enjoyed authentic South Indian cuisine. These encounters helped them better understand the community’s daily life, beliefs and social context — insights that will shape their practice as future doctors.

Beyond clinical knowledge, students returned home with a renewed commitment to mentorship, reflection and compassion — ready to grow into socially conscious, culturally attuned healthcare professionals for a connected world.

“It was a good balance of a classroom and clinical experience. Having that refresh of knowledge was quite a good combination alongside the clinical aspect where we got to see cases in real-life, hearing their findings and how they lead to diagnosis.”

-          Javier Chia Zhi-Ean, M2

“The consultant who walked us through all the cases from investigations to physical examination findings linked it back to what we learned from our Team-based Learning sessions and it was very nicely explained. We also saw plenty of cases that we have read about in textbooks but haven’t seen them in person, especially as a pre-clinical student.”

-          Shourjo Chakravarthy, M2

“The study trip was a unique and enriching experience as we got to see many things that we do not see in Singapore. We got to see how the lab staff, technicians, doctors and nurses work together to create a holistic treatment for the patient. I am very thankful to the School for organising this trip to CMC Vellore where it has exposed me to a great learning environment, enabling me to step out of my comfort zone.”

-          Jonathan Ho Cheng Rong, M2