"There is so much satisfaction in doing my job well – not just in helping them overcome their medical problem, but to see to their needs holistically. Some of the most rewarding aspects of my work is to see patients get well and go home; that smile that they give is so gratifying. It is also meaningful to continually contribute to the field, be it through research or teaching junior doctors."

Asst Prof Shaik Buhari graduated from NUS in 1988. He obtained FRCSEd and M.Med (Surgery) in 1993 and was appointed consultant surgeon in 2000. He worked in Nottingham Breast Institute from 2002-2004, where he received advanced training in breast surgery and oncoplastic surgery. His main area of expertise is breast surgery and surgical oncology, with special interest in oncoplastic and reconstructive surgery.

Going the extra mile

Asst Prof Shaik also makes an impact beyond the operating theatre.

Given his years of experience, he is a frequent presenter at numerous local, regional and international meetings and congresses.

He is also involved in several research projects in collaboration with radiation and medical oncology.

On the teaching front, he is a lecturer at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS and School of Nursing , NYP and is an examiner at the MBBS Examination in NUS.

As Lead for NUH Outreach programme, Surgery Outreach for Under-resourced Localities (SOUL), he has headed a NUH team to provide surgery to under-resourced countries since 2012.

At the national level, he was in the Panel of Complaint Committee (SMC) and Reviewer for the Combined Surgical Meeting (CSM). He sits on the JCI Steering Committee, Tissue Audit Committee and Blood Bank Committee for NUH. Apart from his academic achievements, he has also been nominated for the Star Award and National Excellent Service Award (Gold).