Quick answer. Infectious disease (ID) specialists diagnose and treat complex, unusual or severe infections — from HIV and sexually transmitted infections to travel-related and tropical diseases, prolonged fevers, and serious hospital infections. They also advise on vaccination and antibiotic use. The Singapore ID specialists below are listed by focus; most patients are referred by a GP, hospital team or after a difficult-to-diagnose infection.
Infectious disease medicine deals with infections that are severe, persistent, unusual, or hard to diagnose — including HIV and sexually transmitted infections, tropical and travel-related illness, fevers of unknown cause, bone and joint or bloodstream infections, and infections in people with weakened immune systems. ID specialists also guide vaccination and the appropriate use of antibiotics. The directory below lists Singapore infectious disease specialists, grouped by area of focus where known.
How we compiled this directory
This is an editorial directory, not a ranking or endorsement. We list Infectious Disease Specialists practising in Singapore, grouped by area of focus, compiled from public hospital and clinic listings. Always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) register, and choose based on your needs, your GP’s referral and your insurance.
HIV & sexual-health infections
- Dr Chung Shimin, Jasmine — Department of Infectious Diseases (General infectious diseases)
- Dr Jade Soh — Department of Infectious Diseases (HIV medicine)
Travel, tropical & emerging infections
- Adj A/Prof Jolene Oon Ee Ling — Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine (travel & tropical medicine)
- Clin Asst Prof Chien Mei Fong Jaime — Department of Infectious Diseases (Travel & tropical medicine)
- Dr Gabriel Yan — Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine (Travel & tropical medicine)
Infections in immunocompromised & complex hospital infections
- A/Prof David Michael Allen — Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine (infections in immunocompromised hosts)
- Adj A/Prof Lionel Hon Wai Lum — Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine (Transplant / immunocompromised ID)
- Clin Prof Tan Thuan Tong — Department of Infectious Diseases (General infectious diseases)
- Dr Jenna Chaung — Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine (Bone & joint infections)
- Dr Tan Seow Yen — Department of Infectious Diseases (Antimicrobial stewardship)
General infectious disease
- A/Prof Catherine Wei Min Ong — Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine (tuberculosis)
- A/Prof Sophia Archuleta — Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine
- Assoc Prof Limin Wijaya — Department of Infectious Diseases
- Assoc Prof Maciej Piotr Chlebicki — Department of Infectious Diseases (Antimicrobial stewardship)
- Clin Assoc Prof Helen Oh May Lin — Department of Infectious Diseases
- Clin Prof Thoon Koh Cheng — Infectious Disease Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital (Paediatric infectious disease)
- Dr Edwin Chong Yu Sng — Department of Infectious Diseases
- Dr Indumathi Venkatachalam — Department of Infectious Diseases
- Dr Yvonne Chia May Fen — Department of Infectious Diseases
- Dr Zheng Shuwei — Department of Infectious Diseases
- Prof Dale Fisher — Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine (infection prevention & control / outbreak response)
- Prof Jenny Low — Department of Infectious Diseases
- Prof Paul Anantharajah Tambyah — Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine (General infectious diseases)
What an infectious disease specialist treats, and when to see one
An ID specialist manages HIV and sexually transmitted infections, tropical and travel-related illness, prolonged or unexplained fevers, bone, joint and bloodstream infections, tuberculosis, and infections in people who are immunocompromised (for example after transplant or during cancer treatment). They also advise on vaccinations and on choosing and stopping antibiotics. You are usually referred by a GP or a hospital team when an infection is severe, not responding, or hard to diagnose.
What to look for when choosing an infectious disease specialist in Singapore
For HIV or sexual-health care, look for a specialist or clinic experienced and discreet in that area; for travel or tropical illness, one with that focus; otherwise, an ID physician’s hospital affiliation and access to laboratory and inpatient support matter most, since many complex infections are managed in hospital. A GP referral helps direct you appropriately.
Public versus private care
Public (restructured) hospitals and private clinics both have experienced Infectious Disease Specialists. Public care is more subsidised and often the route for complex, multidisciplinary cases; private care offers more choice of doctor and shorter waits, at higher cost. Many specialists listed here work in, or trained at, the public institutions. Your GP can refer you either way.
Costs and financing
Public-hospital ID care is subsidised and means-tested; some services (such as HIV care and certain vaccinations) have specific subsidy schemes. Private consultations cost more with more choice and shorter waits. Complex infections needing hospital treatment draw on MediSave and MediShield Life/Integrated Shield plans for eligible inpatient care. Confirm current fees with the clinic.
Common questions
What does an infectious disease specialist do?
They diagnose and treat complex, severe, unusual or hard-to-diagnose infections — including HIV and STIs, tropical and travel illness, prolonged fevers, and serious bone, joint or bloodstream infections — and advise on vaccination and antibiotic use.
When should I see an infectious disease specialist?
Usually on referral — for a persistent or unexplained fever, an infection not responding to usual treatment, a suspected tropical or travel-related illness, HIV or STI care, or a serious infection needing specialist management. A GP or hospital team can refer you.
What's the difference between an ID specialist and my GP?
GPs handle the great majority of common infections. Infectious disease specialists focus on infections that are severe, complex, unusual or not responding — often needing specialised tests, hospital care or long courses of treatment.
Can I see an ID specialist for HIV or STI care?
Yes. ID specialists and dedicated clinics provide HIV and sexually transmitted infection care, including testing, treatment and prevention. Care is confidential; some services have specific subsidy schemes.
Do I need a referral?
Often yes — many patients are referred by a GP or a hospital team, especially for complex infections managed in hospital. Some private clinics and sexual-health services accept direct bookings.
Related
This directory is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual. Details can change — verify registration on the SMC register and confirm specifics with the clinic. See our editorial policy.
Listed here, or want to be? If you are a doctor or clinic featured on this page and would like your entry corrected, updated or removed — or you would like to be added or featured — please reach out to us or use our contact form.