Adj Assoc Prof Benedict Tan is a sports and exercise medicine physician accredited in Sports Medicine. He graduated in medicine from the National University of Singapore in 1991 and obtained a Masters in Sports Medicine from the Australian Institute of Sport in 1997.
He is Chief of the Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine at Changi General Hospital, and Senior Consultant at the Singapore Sport & Exercise Medicine Centre at CGH and at Novena. A former competitive sailor, he served as a team physician for Singapore at multiple Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games.
His clinical work spans the non-surgical management of sports and musculoskeletal conditions and the use of exercise in health and disease.
Clinical focus
General sports & exercise medicine.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS (Singapore); MSpMed (Australia); FAMS (Sports Medicine); FACSM.
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Singapore Sport & Exercise Medicine Centre @ Novena — Novena Medical Center, Sinaran Drive
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): Changi General Hospital (Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine)
Getting to the clinic
Adj Assoc Prof Benedict Tan practises at the Singapore Sport & Exercise Medicine Centre @ Novena, at Novena Medical Center on Sinaran Drive. Public transport is straightforward: Novena MRT on the North-South Line (NS20) lies a short and largely sheltered walk from the medical centre through the connected buildings around the station, which suits patients arriving with an injury who would prefer to avoid a long walk outdoors.
Numerous buses stop along Thomson Road and the nearby Novena streets, and the MRT integrates with the surrounding development. If you come by taxi or ride-hailing, ask to be dropped at the Novena Medical Center / Sinaran Drive entrance close to the lifts. For those driving, the building has a paid visitor carpark; as the Novena cluster is busy during the week, allow extra time at peak hours and consider dropping a less mobile companion at the door before parking.
What general sports and exercise medicine covers
Adj Assoc Prof Tan’s work spans the non-surgical management of sports and musculoskeletal conditions and the use of exercise in health and disease. General sports and exercise medicine is a broad field that treats injuries and also applies physical activity as a tool to prevent and manage illness.
- Sports and musculoskeletal injuries, including sprains, strains, joint problems and overuse conditions.
- Degenerative joint and soft-tissue conditions managed conservatively.
- Exercise as medicine: structured physical activity for cardiovascular health, diabetes, weight and general wellbeing.
- Pre-participation assessment and advice on safe exercise for people with medical conditions.
- Return-to-sport and return-to-activity planning across recreational and competitive levels.
A defining feature of the field is its dual focus: treating injury while also harnessing exercise to improve health. Care is conservative first, with rehabilitation, graded activity and lifestyle advice forming the foundation before more invasive options are considered.
What to expect at a consultation
A first visit begins with a detailed history covering your symptoms, activities, training and general health. If exercise is being used to manage a health condition, the doctor will also explore your medical background and current fitness so that advice can be tailored and safe.
A focused examination follows, assessing the relevant area along with strength, range of motion and stability for musculoskeletal complaints, or broader health measures where exercise prescription is the goal. Investigations such as X-ray, ultrasound, MRI or relevant health tests may be arranged when indicated. You will then discuss the findings and a plan, which may combine rehabilitation, a graded exercise programme, activity modification and lifestyle advice, with a realistic timeline for recovery or for building activity safely.
Preparing for your appointment
- Photo identification, and any GP or polyclinic referral letter.
- Previous records, scans, reports and any recent health or blood test results.
- A current medication and supplement list with doses.
- A written list of symptoms, health goals and questions.
- Clothing and footwear suitable for examination and movement or fitness testing.
- An activity diary if you are seeking help with an overuse injury or an exercise programme.
After your consultation and follow-up
You should leave with a clear diagnosis or assessment and a practical plan. Reports from any investigations are usually available within a few days and can be shared with you and other clinicians. Whether you are recovering from injury or building an exercise programme, review visits help track progress, advance your plan and make adjustments. Referral to physiotherapy or other allied health support may be arranged, and continuity of care helps ensure progress is safe and sustained.
You may seek a second opinion at any time. Seek urgent attention for severe or worsening pain, an injury with deformity or inability to bear weight, signs of infection around a joint, or chest pain, breathlessness or collapse during exercise.
Booking, referrals and fees
Private specialists can usually be seen without a referral, though a GP or polyclinic letter can help with continuity and may assist with subsidies if you are later directed to public services. For eligible procedures, MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may apply within set limits, while consultations are generally out of pocket. Because coverage varies by plan and procedure, confirm fees and claimable items with the clinic in advance.
Common questions
What does “exercise as medicine” mean?
It refers to using structured, individualised physical activity to prevent and manage conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity, alongside its role in general health.
Is it safe to exercise if I have a health condition?
Often yes, with appropriate guidance. A sports and exercise physician can assess your situation and design a safe, suitable programme.
Do I need surgery for my injury?
Many injuries are managed conservatively with rehabilitation and graded activity. Surgery is considered only when necessary.
How is a return-to-sport plan decided?
It is based on your healing, strength and function, with progress checked at reviews so the return is gradual and safe rather than tied to a fixed date.
Related guides
Sources & verification
See also: our editorial directory of sports medicine physicians in Singapore and our shortlist of sports medicine clinics.
This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.
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