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A/Prof Reshma A Merchant — Geriatrician in Singapore

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A/Prof Reshma A Merchant is a geriatrician in the Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine at National University Hospital.

Qualifications (as publicly listed)

MBChB(Edin), MRCP(UK), FRCP(Edin), FAMS

Where they practise

Reshma A Merchant practises at National University Hospital, in the Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine. See the official profile linked below for current clinic and appointment details.

About Geriatric Medicine

Geriatric medicine is the care of health in older age. Geriatricians look after frailty, falls and reduced mobility, memory loss and dementia, giddiness, incontinence, osteoporosis, and the challenges of living with several conditions and medications at once. A hallmark of the specialty is the comprehensive geriatric assessment, which looks not only at medical problems but also at function, mood, nutrition, medication and social support to build a practical plan. Care often involves reviewing and simplifying medications, preventing falls, and coordinating with families, physiotherapists and community services so that older adults can stay as independent and well as possible.

Conditions and treatments commonly covered

Areas commonly seen in geriatric medicine include:

  • Frailty and general decline
  • Falls and reduced mobility
  • Memory loss and dementia
  • Osteoporosis and fracture prevention
  • Managing multiple conditions and medications
  • Incontinence and giddiness

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 geriatrician 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 should an older person see a geriatrician?

Consider a review for repeated falls, increasing frailty or forgetfulness, unsteadiness, weight loss, or when several conditions and medications are becoming hard to manage together.

What is a comprehensive geriatric assessment?

A broad review that looks not only at medical problems but also at memory, mood, mobility, nutrition, medications and daily function, to build a practical plan for staying independent.

Can a geriatrician reduce the number of medications?

Often, yes — reviewing and simplifying medications (deprescribing) is a core part of geriatric care and can reduce side effects, falls and confusion.

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

Reshma A Merchant has contributed to peer-reviewed research in geriatric medicine. 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 geriatricians in Singapore.

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