Associate Professor Tan Chieh Suai is Head and Senior Consultant in the Department of Renal Medicine at Singapore General Hospital.
His clinical focus areas include general nephrology, critical care and interventional nephrology procedures. He manages conditions such as acute kidney injury, diabetic kidney disease, electrolyte and acid-base disturbances, hypertension and kidney stones.
He is a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore and of the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh).
Clinical focus
Stones, metabolic & general nephrology.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS, MRCP (UK), FRCP (Edin), FAMS.
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Department of Renal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital — Outram
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): Singapore General Hospital
Getting to the clinic
Associate Professor Tan Chieh Suai sees patients in the Department of Renal Medicine at Singapore General Hospital, on the Outram campus. The most convenient way to arrive by public transport is the MRT: Outram Park station (EW16 on the East-West Line, NE3 on the North-East Line and TE17 on the Thomson-East Coast Line) connects to the SGH campus, with sheltered walkways and an internal shuttle helping you move between the various blocks. Allow time to find the correct building, as the campus is large.
Numerous bus services stop along the roads around the campus, and SGH is straightforward to reach by taxi or ride-hailing, with drop-off points and visitor car parks on site. As the campus is extensive, it is worth checking your appointment letter for the specific clinic location and arriving with time to spare, especially during weekday peak hours.
What stones, metabolic and general nephrology care cover
Nephrology is the medical specialty of the kidneys, which filter waste, balance fluids and minerals and help regulate blood pressure. This practice spans general nephrology together with kidney stones and metabolic kidney conditions, as well as critical care and interventional nephrology procedures.
Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause pain and urinary problems; metabolic assessment looks at why stones form and how to reduce the chance of them recurring, often through dietary and medical measures. General nephrology also covers acute kidney injury, where kidney function drops suddenly; diabetic kidney disease; electrolyte and acid-base disturbances; and high blood pressure. Critical care nephrology involves managing kidney problems in seriously ill patients, while interventional procedures support dialysis and kidney care. Together these areas address both common kidney conditions and more acute or complex problems.
What to expect at a consultation
A first consultation usually starts with a discussion of your symptoms, medical history and any conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or previous kidney stones. The nephrologist will examine you, including blood pressure and fluid status, and review previous blood and urine tests and any imaging you bring.
Investigations such as blood tests, urine tests, stone analysis or imaging may be arranged to clarify the diagnosis and, for stones, to understand why they are forming. The doctor will then explain the findings and outline a management plan, which may involve medication, dietary advice, blood-pressure control and monitoring, and where relevant, referral for procedures. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and understand the next steps.
Preparing for your appointment
To make the consultation productive, bring the following:
- Photo identification and any referral letter from your GP or polyclinic, which may help with subsidies.
- Recent kidney-related blood and urine results, and any imaging reports.
- If you have passed a kidney stone, any stone available for analysis and details of previous stone episodes.
- A complete list of medications and supplements, including calcium or vitamin supplements.
- A written list of symptoms and questions, and recent home blood-pressure readings if you record them.
For recurrent stones, information about your usual diet and fluid intake can be useful when planning prevention.
After your consultation and follow-up
Many kidney conditions need ongoing review, so follow-up visits are used to monitor kidney function, blood pressure and, for stone formers, the success of preventive measures. Test results are reviewed at these visits, and reports can be shared with your GP and other specialists for coordinated care. As a public hospital department, care can be coordinated with other services on the campus where needed.
Seek prompt medical attention if you develop severe loin pain, fever, blood in the urine, a sharp drop in urine output or marked swelling. You are entitled to seek a second opinion about your diagnosis or treatment if you wish.
Booking, referrals and fees
For a public hospital specialist clinic, a referral from a GP or polyclinic is usually needed and may give access to subsidised rates for eligible patients. In Singapore, MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may apply to eligible procedures and treatments within set limits, while outpatient consultations may be partly subsidised or paid out of pocket depending on eligibility. Confirm the expected fees, subsidy eligibility and what your insurance or MediSave may cover directly with the clinic.
Common questions
Why do kidney stones keep coming back?
Some people are prone to forming stones for metabolic and dietary reasons. A metabolic assessment can identify contributing factors and guide measures to reduce the chance of recurrence.
Can diet help prevent kidney stones?
Dietary measures, including adequate fluid intake, often play an important role in reducing stone formation. The specific advice depends on the type of stone and your individual assessment.
What is acute kidney injury?
Acute kidney injury is a sudden reduction in kidney function, often triggered by illness, dehydration or certain medications. It requires assessment and management, and may be reversible depending on the cause.
Do I need a referral to be seen?
At a public hospital department, a referral from a GP or polyclinic is usually needed and may help with subsidised care. The clinic can advise on the referral and booking process.
Related guides
Sources & verification
See also: our editorial directory of nephrologists (kidney specialists) in Singapore and our shortlist of nephrology 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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