Assoc Prof Philip Yap — Palliative & Continuing Care Geriatrician in Singapore

Assoc Prof Philip Yap is a Senior Consultant Geriatrician and Palliative Care Physician at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and Director of its Geriatric Centre. He is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.

His clinical and research interests include dementia, caregiving, long-term care, and palliative and end-of-life care. He is also an adjunct scientist at the Geriatric Education and Research Institute (GERI).

Clinical focus

Palliative & continuing care.

Qualifications (as publicly listed)

MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK).

Where they practise

• Clinic / practice: Department of Geriatric Medicine, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
• Hospital / training affiliation(s): Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

Getting to the clinic

Assoc Prof Philip Yap is a Senior Consultant Geriatrician and Palliative Care Physician at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH), where he directs the Geriatric Centre. KTPH is located at Yishun Central in the north of Singapore, beside Yishun Pond and close to Northpoint. The nearest rail station is Yishun MRT (NS13) on the North-South Line, roughly a ten-minute walk from the hospital; the route is sheltered in parts, though patients with limited mobility may prefer a short bus ride, taxi or ride-hailing car to the entrance. Many bus services stop at or near the hospital, making public transport a practical option for visitors from across the north.

For drivers, KTPH has an on-site visitor carpark that operates around the clock, with the usual paid hourly charges for a public hospital. Drop-off points near the main entrance let a family member set down an older patient before parking. The hospital also runs a free shuttle service, which can be convenient for some visitors; ask at the information counter or check signage for current routes and timings. As with any busy hospital, arriving a little early for morning clinics helps, and reception can arrange a wheelchair or assistance if you request it on arrival.

What palliative and continuing care covers

Assoc Prof Yap’s focus is on palliative and continuing care, alongside interests in dementia, caregiving and long-term care. Palliative care aims to improve quality of life for people living with serious, progressive or life-limiting illness by managing symptoms such as pain, breathlessness, nausea and distress, and by supporting both the patient and their family. It is not limited to the very end of life; it can run alongside other treatment and is concerned with comfort, dignity and the person’s own goals and wishes.

Continuing care addresses the ongoing needs of older people with long-term conditions, frailty or complex health and social situations, often coordinating medical care with support at home or in the community. In the context of dementia and end-of-life care, this work includes helping families understand what to expect, planning ahead for future care decisions, and supporting carers, who carry a significant load. The aim throughout is to align care with what matters most to the patient.

What to expect at a consultation

A consultation in this field is usually unhurried and holistic. The doctor will ask about the illness and its symptoms, other medical conditions, medications, and how the person is coping with daily life. Just as importantly, the discussion covers the person’s own priorities, concerns and wishes, and the needs of the family or carers. Family members are welcome and often central to the conversation.

Examination focuses on the symptoms causing distress and on the person’s overall condition. The doctor may review or adjust medications to improve comfort, arrange tests where they will genuinely help, and discuss options for ongoing support, whether at the hospital, at home or in the community. Conversations about goals of care and planning ahead are handled sensitively and at a pace that suits the family. The aim is a plan that relieves symptoms and respects the person’s wishes.

Preparing for your appointment

Helpful items to bring include:

• Photo identification and any GP or polyclinic referral letter.
• Previous medical records, scans and test results.
• A complete list of all medications and supplements, or the actual boxes.
• Any existing advance care plan or notes on the person’s wishes.
• A written list of symptoms causing distress and questions you want to ask.

Bringing a family member or carer who knows the person’s daily situation is particularly valuable in palliative and continuing care, where decisions often involve the whole family. Noting which symptoms are most troubling helps the doctor prioritise.

After your consultation and follow-up

After the visit you will usually have a plan focused on symptom relief and support, which may involve medication changes, referrals to community or home-care services, or arrangements for ongoing review. Results of any tests are discussed at follow-up. Continuing care is, by its nature, ongoing, with regular reviews to adjust treatment as needs change and to support carers. Continuity with the same team helps maintain a consistent approach aligned with the person’s wishes. Families can seek a second opinion at any stage. Seek urgent help for severe uncontrolled symptoms, sudden breathlessness, or any rapid deterioration, and ask the team in advance who to contact out of hours.

Booking, referrals and fees

As KTPH is a public hospital, a referral from a GP or polyclinic can help you access subsidised care and is often the usual route in. Some services and treatments may attract MediSave use or other support within set limits for eligible patients, while consultations are generally payable with subsidy depending on eligibility; these rules change from time to time, so confirm current eligibility with the hospital. Because needs and services vary, ask for guidance on likely costs and what support schemes may apply for ongoing and home-based care.

Common questions

Is palliative care only for the end of life?

No. Palliative care focuses on comfort and quality of life and can begin early, alongside other treatment, for anyone living with a serious or progressive illness.

Does choosing palliative care mean stopping other treatment?

Not necessarily. It often runs alongside other care. The balance depends on the person’s condition, goals and wishes, which the doctor will discuss with you.

What support is there for carers?

Supporting carers is an important part of this work. The team can offer guidance, practical advice and referrals to community services to help share the load.

Can care be provided at home?

In many cases, yes. Continuing care often coordinates support at home or in the community, and the team can advise on what is available for your situation.

Related guides

• Dementia & memory loss

See also: our editorial directory of geriatricians (doctors for older adults) in Singapore and our shortlist of geriatric 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.