Clin Assoc Prof Derrick Chan Wei Shih is a Senior Consultant in the Neurology Service at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, where his clinical practice focuses on paediatric neurology, epilepsy and electroencephalography (EEG).
He qualified in medicine from the University of Nottingham, became a Member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in 2002, and holds a Certification in Clinical Neurophysiology from the Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology as well as a Master’s in Clinical Investigation.
He holds an academic appointment as Associate Professor at Duke-NUS Medical School within the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre.
Clinical focus
Paediatric neurology.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
BMedSci, BMBS, MRCPCH, MCI, CSCN, FAMS.
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Neurology Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital (see our clinic listing) — 100 Bukit Timah Road
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): KK Women's and Children's Hospital; SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre
Getting to the clinic
Clinical Associate Professor Derrick Chan practises in the Neurology Service at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital on Bukit Timah Road, within the Novena health cluster. The nearest train station is Novena MRT (NS20) on the North-South Line; from there the hospital is a short bus or taxi ride along Bukit Timah Road and Kampong Java Road. For families travelling with a child who has neurological needs, a taxi or ride-hailing trip to the sheltered hospital drop-off is often the most comfortable option. Several public bus services stop along Bukit Timah Road and nearby roads.
If you are driving, paid visitor parking is available in the hospital carparks, which can be busy during clinic and visiting hours. KKH is a large campus with several blocks and a children’s tower, so confirming the exact clinic and level when you book, and following the internal signage on arrival, will save time. Families from the east, west or north of the island usually find the MRT to Novena, combined with a short feeder bus or taxi for the final stretch, the most dependable route.
What paediatric neurology covers
Paediatric neurology deals with disorders of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles in children, from newborns to adolescents. This includes epilepsy and seizures, developmental and neurodevelopmental concerns, headaches, problems with movement and coordination, neuromuscular conditions, and the neurological effects of other childhood illnesses. Clinical Associate Professor Chan’s practice focuses particularly on paediatric epilepsy and electroencephalography (EEG), the recording of the brain’s electrical activity, which is central to diagnosing and classifying seizures in children.
Childhood epilepsy is diverse, and accurate diagnosis is important because the type of epilepsy guides treatment and gives an idea of the likely outlook. Management may involve anti-seizure medication carefully chosen and adjusted for a child’s age and weight, advice on safety and schooling, and monitoring of development. Because the nervous system is still maturing, paediatric neurology pays close attention to how a condition affects learning, behaviour and everyday milestones, and works with families over time.
What to expect at a consultation
A first consultation usually begins with a detailed history of your child’s symptoms, development and general health, along with any family history of neurological conditions. For suspected seizures, the doctor will want a clear description of the events, and a witness account or a phone video, if you have one, is extremely helpful. A neurological examination follows, assessing tone, strength, reflexes, coordination, movement and, where relevant, development.
Investigations are tailored to the child and may include an EEG, brain imaging or blood tests. The specialist will then explain the likely diagnosis in clear terms, discuss treatment and monitoring, and set out a plan. For epilepsy, medication may be introduced gradually with follow-up to assess seizure control and tolerability. Families usually leave with a clear plan and a follow-up arrangement.
Preparing for your appointment
Useful things to bring include:
- Your child’s identification or birth certificate and any referral letter.
- Previous records, EEG or scan results, and the images where available.
- Your child’s health booklet, including developmental and immunisation records.
- A current list of any medicines and supplements your child takes.
- A written description of the events or symptoms, with dates and frequency, plus any phone videos of episodes.
Noting how the condition affects your child’s learning, sleep, behaviour and daily activities helps the specialist give relevant advice.
After your consultation and follow-up
After the appointment you will receive an explanation of the diagnosis and a plan, with test results once they are ready. Paediatric neurological conditions, particularly epilepsy, are usually managed over time, so review visits are arranged to check seizure control, adjust medication and monitor development. The specialist may arrange further tests or refer to other services such as therapy or developmental support. Continuity of care helps with careful, age-appropriate adjustment of treatment. A second opinion is always your right. Seek urgent help for a seizure lasting more than five minutes, repeated seizures without recovery, a first seizure, breathing difficulty, or a child who is very drowsy or unresponsive.
Booking, referrals and fees
At a public hospital such as KKH, a referral from a GP, polyclinic or another doctor is commonly required and can help you access subsidised rates where eligible. MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may apply to eligible procedures or admissions within set limits, while outpatient consultations are usually paid out of pocket. Fees and subsidy eligibility vary, so confirm them directly with the hospital when you book.
Common questions
Are seizures in children always epilepsy?
No. Children can have seizures from causes such as high fever, and not every unusual event is a seizure. Careful assessment helps tell them apart.
Is an EEG safe for my child?
Yes. An EEG is painless and non-invasive, using small sensors on the scalp to record the brain’s electrical activity.
Will my child grow out of epilepsy?
Some childhood epilepsies do improve or resolve with age, while others need longer-term treatment. The type of epilepsy guides the outlook, which the specialist will explain.
Can epilepsy affect my child’s learning?
It can in some cases, which is why monitoring development and learning is part of care, with support arranged where needed.
Related guides
Sources & verification
- KKH doctor profile – Clin Assoc Prof Derrick Chan Wei Shih
- Duke-NUS Medical School directory – Derrick Chan Wei Shih
See also: our editorial directory of paediatricians in Singapore and our shortlist of paediatric 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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