Dr Sitoh Yih Yiow is a consultant geriatrician at Age-Link Specialist Clinic for Older Persons at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital. He graduated from the National University of Singapore in 1991 and is an adjunct associate professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. His clinical interests include falls, impaired mobility and osteoporosis, as well as dementia and sleep disorders in older adults.
Clinical focus
Falls, mobility and impaired balance in the elderly.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS (NUS), MRCP (UK), FAMS (Geriatric Medicine), FRCP (Edin & Glasgow), Master of Sleep Medicine (Sydney).
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Age-Link Specialist Clinic for Older Persons (see our clinic listing) — Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): Visiting consultant, National University Health System; Adjunct Associate Professor, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
Getting to the clinic
Dr Sitoh Yih Yiow consults at Age-Link Specialist Clinic for Older Persons at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital on Irrawaddy Road, within the Novena medical cluster. The nearest rail station is Novena MRT (NS20) on the North-South Line, a short and largely sheltered walk from the hospital; the route is well signposted and suitable for many older patients, though those with limited mobility may prefer a taxi or ride-hailing car directly to the entrance. Drop-off points at Mount Elizabeth Novena are clearly marked, and several public bus routes serve the Irrawaddy Road and Thomson Road area, with stops within easy reach of the building.
Drivers will find a paid visitor carpark within the Mount Elizabeth Novena complex; arriving a little early helps during busy morning clinics. Drop-off bays near the lobby let a family member set down an older patient before parking, which is often helpful for those who find walking tiring. Wheelchairs are usually available at the concourse, and the clinic’s level can be confirmed when you book. As this is a private medical centre, allow time for the Novena area’s weekday traffic, and let the clinic know in advance if a patient needs mobility assistance on arrival.
What falls, mobility and balance care covers
Dr Sitoh’s stated focus is on falls, impaired mobility and balance in older adults, alongside interests in osteoporosis, dementia and sleep disorders. Falls in later life are common and often have several contributing causes at once: muscle weakness, joint problems, poor balance, dizziness, vision difficulties, the effects of medication, low blood pressure on standing, and conditions affecting the nerves or brain. Because the causes are usually multiple, assessment is broad rather than narrow.
This area of geriatric medicine looks at why a person is falling or becoming less steady, what can be done to reduce the risk, and how to maintain independence and confidence. It frequently overlaps with bone health, since falls and osteoporosis together raise the risk of fractures, and with the management of conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and stroke that affect movement. Care may involve medication review, treatment of specific conditions, advice on exercise and the home environment, and coordination with physiotherapy and other services.
What to expect at a consultation
A first consultation with a geriatrician is usually thorough and unhurried. The doctor will take a detailed history covering the falls or mobility problems, other medical conditions, all medications, and how the person manages daily activities at home. Family members or carers are welcome and often add useful information. The examination commonly includes assessment of strength, balance, gait and blood pressure (lying and standing), and may include simple tests of memory and vision where relevant.
Investigations might include blood tests, bone density assessment, heart tracing, or imaging, depending on what is found. A central part of the visit is reviewing all medications, since some drugs increase the risk of falls. The doctor then discusses the likely contributing factors and sets out a plan, which may combine treatment of specific problems, a medication review, exercise and physiotherapy recommendations, and practical advice on making the home safer.
Preparing for your appointment
Useful 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.
- Details of any walking aids, glasses, or hearing aids used.
- A written note of recent falls, including when and how they happened, plus a list of questions.
Keeping a brief diary of any falls or dizzy spells, including the circumstances, is particularly helpful for this kind of assessment. Bringing a family member or carer who knows the person’s daily routine can also make the consultation more complete.
After your consultation and follow-up
After the visit you will usually receive a plan that may involve further tests, medication changes, referral to physiotherapy, or advice on the home environment. Test results and any imaging are typically discussed at a review appointment. Falls and mobility problems often need follow-up over time, both to check progress and to adjust treatment. Referrals to allied health services or other specialists may be arranged where needed, and continuity with the same doctor helps track changes. You can seek a second opinion at any point. Seek urgent care after a fall that causes a head injury, severe pain, an inability to bear weight, or any sudden weakness, slurred speech or confusion.
Booking, referrals and fees
For a private consultation you generally do not need a referral, though a GP or polyclinic referral may help if you later seek subsidised care in the public system. Some investigations and treatments may attract MediSave use within set limits for eligible patients, while consultations are usually paid out of pocket; these rules change from time to time, so confirm current eligibility with the clinic. As costs depend on the exact tests and treatment, ask for an estimate and check your insurance coverage before proceeding.
Common questions
Why do older people fall, and can it be prevented?
Falls usually have several causes at once, including weakness, balance problems, medication effects and vision difficulties. Many of these can be improved, so a thorough assessment often reduces the risk.
Should I see a geriatrician after a single fall?
One fall, particularly with injury, loss of consciousness or recurring unsteadiness, is worth assessing. Your GP can advise, and a geriatrician can look at the contributing factors.
Will my medications be reviewed?
Yes. Reviewing all medications is a core part of falls assessment, as some drugs increase the risk of falling.
Can family members attend?
Yes, and it is encouraged. Family or carers often provide valuable detail about daily function and recent events.
Related guides
Sources & verification
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.
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