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Clin Asst Prof Chua Kim Chai — Cardiothoracic Surgeon in Singapore

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Clin Asst Prof Chua Kim Chai is a cardiothoracic surgeon in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at National Heart Centre Singapore. Areas of clinical focus include minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery.

Clinical focus

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery.

Qualifications (as publicly listed)

MBChB, MRCS (Glasg), FRCSEd (CTh)

Where they practise

Chua Kim Chai practises at National Heart Centre Singapore, in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery. See the official profile linked below for current clinic and appointment details.

About Cardiothoracic Surgery

Cardiothoracic surgery is the surgical treatment of the heart, lungs and chest. Cardiac surgeons perform coronary artery bypass (CABG) for blocked heart arteries, heart-valve repair or replacement, surgery for aortic aneurysms and dissection, and, in selected patients, heart transplant and mechanical heart support. Thoracic (chest) surgery covers the lungs, oesophagus and chest wall, including lung-cancer surgery. Many procedures are now done with minimally invasive or robotic techniques where suitable. Cardiothoracic surgeons work within a heart team alongside cardiologists and anaesthetists, and care includes careful preparation before surgery and a structured recovery and cardiac rehabilitation afterwards.

Conditions and treatments commonly covered

Areas commonly seen in cardiothoracic surgery include:

  • Coronary artery bypass (CABG)
  • Heart valve repair or replacement
  • Aortic aneurysm and dissection
  • Lung and chest (thoracic) surgery
  • Minimally invasive and robotic heart surgery
  • Heart failure and transplant surgery

What to expect at a consultation

An initial consultation usually involves a discussion of your symptoms and medical history, a focused examination, and any tests needed to reach a diagnosis. The specialist will explain the findings, walk you through your options — including non-surgical approaches where relevant — and set out the likely costs and next steps before anything proceeds. If a procedure is recommended, it is reasonable to ask what it involves, the expected recovery time, the risks and the alternatives, so you can make an informed decision at your own pace. It helps to keep asking questions until you fully understand the plan.

Preparing for your appointment

  • Bring referral letters, past reports, scan images and a list of your current medications.
  • Note your main symptoms, when they started and what makes them better or worse.
  • Write down the questions that matter most to you, and bring a family member if it helps.

After your consultation and follow-up

Depending on the diagnosis, you may be given medication, referred for further tests or imaging, scheduled for a procedure, or asked to return for review. Ask what warning signs should prompt earlier contact, how to get your results, and who to reach if you have questions between visits. Keeping your own copy of reports makes future care and any second opinion easier.

Costs, subsidies and financing in Singapore

For subsidised care at a public (restructured) hospital, a referral from a GP or polyclinic is generally needed; private specialists can usually be booked directly at full fees. Ask upfront for an estimate covering the consultation, tests and any procedure. Depending on the treatment, you may be able to use MediSave for approved day-surgery and procedures (within set limits), with MediShield Life or an Integrated Shield Plan helping for larger inpatient bills. Purely cosmetic procedures are not claimable. If cost is a concern, it is worth asking whether a subsidised referral is possible, and comparing written estimates between providers before you commit.

How to choose the right cardiothoracic surgeon in Singapore

Beyond credentials, it helps to match the specialist to your specific problem. Consider whether their sub-specialty fits your condition, how often they manage or operate on cases like yours, which hospital they admit to (and whether it suits your budget and insurance), and how clearly they explain your options and costs. Accreditation can be confirmed on the Register of Specialists and registration on the Singapore Medical Council register. Independent reviews are a useful signal for communication and experience, but weigh them alongside credentials rather than on their own.

Questions worth asking at your first consultation

  • Are you an accredited specialist in the area my condition falls under?
  • What are my options, including non-surgical or watch-and-wait approaches?
  • How often do you treat or perform this, and what are the typical outcomes and risks?
  • What is the full estimated cost, and what can I claim through MediSave or insurance?
  • Are you comfortable with me seeking a second opinion?

Verifying credentials

In Singapore every practising doctor must be registered with the Singapore Medical Council, and specialists are additionally listed on the Register of Specialists maintained by the Specialist Accreditation Board — you can search both to confirm a doctor’s registration and field. The letters after a name (such as MRCP, FRCS or FAMS) reflect postgraduate training and fellowships, but the key question is simply whether the doctor is an accredited specialist in the area relevant to your care.

When to consider a second opinion

A second opinion is reasonable before major surgery, for a serious or unclear diagnosis, or when a recommended treatment feels aggressive or uncertain. Good specialists welcome it. Bring your reports and scans so the second doctor can assess the same information. You are entitled to a copy of your medical records to take along, and seeking another view will not offend a good specialist.

Common questions

When would I need to see a cardiothoracic surgeon?

Usually on referral from a cardiologist or physician — for example when heart arteries need bypass, a heart valve needs repair or replacement, an aortic aneurysm needs treatment, or lung or chest surgery is required.

Can heart surgery be done minimally invasively?

Some procedures can be done through smaller incisions or with robotic assistance, depending on the condition and your overall health; your surgeon will advise what is safe and suitable.

How long is recovery after heart surgery?

It varies with the procedure, but many people are in hospital for about a week and recover over several weeks to a couple of months, supported by a structured cardiac rehabilitation programme.

Do I need a referral to see this specialist?

For subsidised care at a public hospital you generally need a GP or polyclinic referral; private specialists can usually be seen directly.

How can I verify a doctor’s credentials?

Check the Singapore Medical Council’s Register of Medical Practitioners, and the Register of Specialists for accredited specialists.

Selected research & publications

Chua Kim Chai has contributed to peer-reviewed research in cardiothoracic surgery. A selection of published work:

Related guides

Sources & verification

Profile details are summarised from the doctor’s official listing (official profile). Registration can be verified on the Singapore Medical Council’s Register of Medical Practitioners, and specialist accreditation on the Register of Specialists.

General information only, not medical advice. Details may change — confirm current clinic, availability and fees with the provider.

See also: our editorial directory of cardiothoracic surgeons in Singapore.

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