Dr John Hsiang is a gastroenterologist and hepatologist who leads the Richmond Gastroenterology Centre, with clinics at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre and Farrer Park Medical Centre. His clinical interests include gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, H. pylori, fatty liver and viral hepatitis, with extensive experience in gastrointestinal cancer screening via gastroscopy and colonoscopy. He previously served for several years in the Gastroenterology Department at Sengkang General Hospital.
Clinical focus
Functional gut & colorectal cancer screening.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBChB (NZ), FRACP (Australasia), MD, FRCP (Edin), FAMS (Gastroenterology).
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Richmond Gastroenterology Centre — Orchard / Farrer Park
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): Mount Elizabeth; Farrer Park Hospital
Getting to the clinic
The Richmond Gastroenterology Centre has clinics at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre on Orchard Road and at Farrer Park Medical Centre. For the Orchard location, the nearest MRT is Orchard (NS22 on the North-South Line and TE14 on the Thomson-East Coast Line), a short, largely sheltered walk from the medical centre. For the Farrer Park location, the nearest MRT is Farrer Park (NE8 on the North-East Line), which connects directly to the Connexion and Farrer Park Hospital complex.
Both areas are well served by bus routes, and taxi or ride-hailing drop-off is available at each medical centre entrance, which is convenient if you are attending for a procedure such as a gastroscopy or colonoscopy and may prefer not to drive home afterwards. Each medical centre has a paid visitor carpark, which can be busy during clinic hours, so allow a little extra time. When booking, confirm which clinic your appointment is at, and reception staff can direct you to the correct floor and suite on arrival.
What functional gut and colorectal cancer screening covers
Dr John Hsiang’s focus is functional gut conditions and colorectal cancer screening, alongside general gastroenterology and hepatology (liver care). His clinical interests include:
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — acid reflux causing heartburn and related symptoms.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — a common functional disorder causing abdominal pain and altered bowel habit.
- H. pylori infection and its effects on the stomach.
- Fatty liver and viral hepatitis.
- Gastrointestinal cancer screening using gastroscopy and colonoscopy.
Functional gut disorders are common and can significantly affect quality of life, even when no structural disease is found. Screening with gastroscopy (examining the upper digestive tract) and colonoscopy (examining the large bowel) is used both to investigate symptoms and to detect cancer or pre-cancerous polyps early, when treatment is most effective. During a colonoscopy, polyps can often be removed at the same time, which is one reason the procedure is valued for both diagnosis and prevention. Liver care is also part of the picture: fatty liver and viral hepatitis can be silent for years, so assessment and monitoring help pick up problems before they progress. The overall aim is to relieve troublesome symptoms, reach an accurate diagnosis, and detect serious disease early through appropriate screening.
What to expect at a consultation
A first visit usually begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, their pattern and triggers, your diet, bowel habit and any family history of digestive disease or cancer. A physical examination is commonly performed. Depending on the findings, the doctor may recommend investigations such as blood tests, stool tests, breath testing for H. pylori, imaging, or endoscopic procedures like gastroscopy or colonoscopy. The doctor will explain what each test involves and why it is suggested, then discuss the likely diagnosis and the options for treatment or further assessment. Where symptoms point to a functional condition such as reflux or irritable bowel syndrome, the doctor will also explain how the diagnosis is reached and reassure you about what the tests are looking for, so that the plan makes sense to you.
Preparing for your appointment
To help your consultation, it is useful to bring:
- Photo identification and any GP or polyclinic referral letter.
- Previous test results, scans, endoscopy reports or histology results.
- A current list of medications and supplements, including any antacids or reflux medicines.
- A written list of your symptoms and questions.
- A note of your diet and bowel pattern, and a symptom diary if your symptoms come and go, which can help with functional gut conditions.
After your consultation and follow-up
After the appointment you will usually have a clear plan. If endoscopic procedures or tests are recommended, the team will explain the preparation involved, such as fasting or bowel preparation, and arrange a date. Results of biopsies taken during endoscopy are typically reviewed at a follow-up visit. For ongoing conditions such as reflux or IBS, review helps assess the response to treatment and adjust the plan. Screening intervals for colonoscopy depend on your findings and risk. You are welcome to seek a second opinion. Seek urgent attention for symptoms such as black or bloody stools, persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing or unexplained weight loss.
Booking, referrals and fees
As a private specialist, an appointment can usually be made directly without a referral, though a GP or polyclinic letter helps by sharing your history and may support subsidies in a public clinic. For eligible procedures such as gastroscopy or colonoscopy, MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may contribute within the limits that apply, while consultations are generally paid out of pocket. As coverage varies by plan and procedure, confirm the details and any estimates directly with the clinic and your insurer.
Common questions
When should I consider colorectal cancer screening?
Screening is generally recommended from a certain age and earlier if you have risk factors such as a family history or relevant symptoms. The doctor can advise on the right approach and interval for you.
Is a colonoscopy uncomfortable?
Colonoscopy is usually performed with sedation to keep you comfortable. The team will explain the preparation and what to expect on the day.
What is the difference between gastroscopy and colonoscopy?
Gastroscopy examines the upper digestive tract (gullet, stomach and the first part of the small bowel), while colonoscopy examines the large bowel. Each is used for different symptoms and screening needs.
Can reflux and IBS be managed without surgery?
Many functional gut conditions are managed with dietary changes, lifestyle measures and medication. The doctor will tailor the plan to your symptoms.
Related guides
Sources & verification
See also: our editorial directory of gastroenterologists in Singapore and our shortlist of gastroenterology 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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