Clin Assoc Prof Caroline Ong Choo Phaik is a senior consultant paediatric surgeon at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital with a special interest in paediatric urology. She graduated from the National University of Singapore, completed paediatric surgery training in Singapore, and undertook subspecialty training in paediatric urology at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
Her clinical interests in paediatric urology include congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) and neurogenic bladder. She obtained her specialist accreditation (FAMS) from the Academy of Medicine, Singapore in 2003.
She is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Surgery and Paediatrics Academic Clinical Programmes at SingHealth Duke-NUS and holds several roles in postgraduate surgical education.
Clinical focus
Paediatric urology.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS (S'pore), FRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS, MSurgEd (Melbourne).
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Children's Surgery Centre, KK Women's and Children's Hospital (see our clinic listing) — KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Bukit Timah Road
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH)
Getting to the clinic
Clin Assoc Prof Caroline Ong Choo Phaik practises at the Children’s Surgery Centre at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) on Bukit Timah Road. The nearest station is Novena MRT (NS20) on the North South Line, from which the hospital is reached by a short bus ride or taxi, as it sits a little way along Bukit Timah Road. Because families often travel with young children and equipment, many find a taxi or ride-hailing trip the most practical option.
- By MRT: Novena (NS20), then a connecting bus or short taxi ride to KKH.
- By bus: several routes serve Bukit Timah Road and stop close to the hospital; check your app for the nearest stop.
- By car or taxi: taxi and ride-hailing drop-off is available at the hospital entrance, and KKH has visitor carparks, which is convenient when travelling as a family.
What paediatric urology covers
Clin Assoc Prof Ong is a senior consultant paediatric surgeon with a special interest in paediatric urology, including congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) and neurogenic bladder. Paediatric urology cares for problems of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and genitalia in children, from newborns to adolescents. CAKUT describes a group of conditions present from birth in which the kidneys or urinary tract have not formed in the usual way, sometimes detected before birth on antenatal scans. Neurogenic bladder refers to bladder problems arising from nerve or spinal conditions, where the bladder does not empty or store urine normally and needs careful long-term management to protect kidney function. The work spans assessment, monitoring, and where needed reconstructive surgery, always weighing a child’s growth and development in the decisions made. Her subspecialty training in paediatric urology overseas, alongside her broader experience as a paediatric surgeon, supports this careful approach. Children are not small adults: their anatomy is still developing, and a condition that needs only watchful monitoring at one age may require a different plan as the child grows, which is why long-term review is so often part of the picture. Protecting kidney function over the long term is a central aim, particularly in conditions affecting both kidneys or the way the bladder stores and empties urine, and decisions are made together with the family, with explanations pitched so that parents, and where appropriate older children, can understand what is being recommended and why.
What to expect at a consultation
A first appointment involves the child and a parent or carer. The surgeon takes a history of the problem, including any antenatal findings, the child’s growth and development, urinary pattern, infections and previous treatment. A gentle examination appropriate to the child’s age is performed. Investigations are common and may include a urine test, an ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder, and sometimes more specialised imaging or bladder-function studies, arranged in a child-friendly way. The surgeon will explain the findings in plain terms, often with diagrams, and discuss the options, which may range from observation and monitoring through medication to surgery, taking into account the child’s age and the family’s wishes.
Preparing for your appointment
- The parent’s photo identification and the child’s identification.
- Any GP, polyclinic or hospital referral letter and antenatal scan reports if relevant.
- Previous records, operation notes and any earlier scans or test results.
- A list of the child’s current medications, with doses.
- A written note of the concern, the child’s urinary pattern, and any infections or symptoms.
- Familiar comfort items for the child, and your own questions written down.
After your consultation and follow-up
After the visit you will usually have a plan and, where tests were arranged, a follow-up to discuss the results. Many paediatric urology conditions are monitored over time with periodic scans, as a child’s anatomy and needs change with growth. Where surgery is recommended, the surgeon will explain what it involves, the recovery and the alternatives, and answer the family’s questions. Continuity is important, and care is often coordinated with paediatricians and other specialists. A second opinion can be sought at any time. Seek urgent help if your child has a high fever with urinary symptoms, severe abdominal or loin pain, or cannot pass urine.
Booking, referrals and fees
As a public hospital service, paediatric urology at KKH is typically accessed through a referral from a GP, polyclinic or another doctor, which also supports eligibility for subsidies for those who qualify. Subsidised and private rates differ. MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans follow set rules and limits and may apply to eligible procedures and admissions, while routine outpatient consultations are usually paid out of pocket. Confirm the current charges and what is claimable with the hospital before attending.
Common questions
What does CAKUT mean?
It stands for congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, a group of conditions present from birth in which these organs have not formed in the usual way.
Are urinary problems found before birth?
Some are. Certain conditions are picked up on antenatal scans, which is why those reports are useful to bring along.
Will my child need surgery?
Not always. Many conditions are monitored or treated without surgery; an operation is considered when it offers the clearest benefit for the child.
Do I need a referral for KKH?
Usually yes. A referral from a GP, polyclinic or doctor is the standard route and supports subsidy eligibility for those who qualify.
Related guides
Sources & verification
See also: our editorial directory of urologists in Singapore and our shortlist of urology 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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