Clin Prof Thoon Koh Cheng is a Senior Consultant in the Infectious Disease Service at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. He completed his postgraduate specialist paediatrics qualifications in 2004 and trained in Paediatric Infectious Diseases at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.
He served as Head of the Infectious Disease Service at KKH from 2010 to 2022 and has chaired the hospital’s Division of Medicine. His research interests include the epidemiology of vaccine-preventable diseases and antimicrobial stewardship.
He holds an academic appointment as Clinical Professor within the SingHealth Duke-NUS Paediatrics Academic Clinical Programme at Duke-NUS Medical School.
Clinical focus
Paediatric infectious disease.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS, MRCPCH (UK), MMed (Paeds), FAMS.
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Infectious Disease Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital (see our clinic listing) — 100 Bukit Timah Road
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): KK Women's and Children's Hospital; SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre
Getting to the clinic
Clinical Professor Thoon Koh Cheng practises in the Infectious Disease Service at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital on Bukit Timah Road, within the Novena health district. The nearest train station is Novena MRT (NS20) on the North-South Line; from there the hospital is a short bus ride or taxi trip, as it sits a little way from the station along Bukit Timah Road and Kampong Java Road. Many families find a taxi or ride-hailing trip the easiest option, particularly when travelling with an unwell child, and the hospital has sheltered drop-off points at its entrances. A number of public bus services stop along Bukit Timah Road and the surrounding roads.
For those driving, visitor parking is available in the hospital carparks, which are paid carparks and can be busy during clinic hours and visiting times. KKH is a large hospital with several blocks and a children’s tower, so it helps to confirm the exact clinic and level when you book and to follow the internal signage once inside. Families coming from the east, west or north of the island generally find the MRT to Novena combined with a short feeder bus or taxi the most reliable approach.
What paediatric infectious disease covers
Paediatric infectious disease focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infections in children, from common childhood illnesses to more complex, severe or unusual infections. A specialist in this field assesses children with prolonged or recurrent fevers, serious bacterial and viral infections, infections that are difficult to diagnose, and conditions that may need careful selection of antibiotics or other antimicrobial treatment. The work also includes guidance on vaccination and the protection of children who are more vulnerable to infection, such as those with weakened immune systems.
Clinical Professor Thoon’s research interests include the epidemiology of vaccine-preventable diseases and antimicrobial stewardship, which is the careful, appropriate use of antibiotics to treat infections effectively while reducing resistance. In practice this means choosing the right medicine, at the right dose, for the right duration, and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics. Care often involves working closely with other paediatric teams when infection complicates another illness.
What to expect at a consultation
A consultation usually begins with a thorough history of your child’s symptoms, including the pattern and duration of fever, associated features, recent travel, contact with illness, immunisation history and any underlying conditions. A physical examination follows, looking for signs that point to the source and nature of an infection. Because infections in children can change quickly, the specialist pays close attention to how the illness has evolved.
Investigations are guided by the clinical picture and may include blood tests, cultures, swabs, urine tests or imaging to identify the cause and assess severity. The specialist will then explain the likely diagnosis, discuss treatment, which may range from supportive care to specific antimicrobial therapy, and outline what to watch for at home. Where appropriate, advice on vaccination and prevention forms part of the plan.
Preparing for your appointment
Bringing the following helps the consultation go smoothly:
- Your child’s photo identification or birth certificate and any referral letter.
- Previous records, test results and imaging where available.
- Your child’s immunisation record or health booklet.
- A current list of any medicines and supplements your child is taking.
- A written note of symptoms, including a temperature diary recording fever readings and timing.
It is also useful to note any recent travel, contact with sick individuals, and how your child’s feeding, activity and sleep have been affected.
After your consultation and follow-up
After the visit you will be given an explanation of the diagnosis and a treatment plan, with results provided once available. Some infections are resolved over a single course of treatment, while others need review to confirm recovery or to adjust therapy. The specialist may arrange further tests, referrals or follow-up visits, and will coordinate with other paediatric teams where needed. Continuity of care is helpful for children with recurrent or complex infections. You are entitled to seek a second opinion. Seek urgent medical attention if your child becomes very drowsy or difficult to rouse, has trouble breathing, develops a non-fading rash, has a persistent high fever, is not drinking, or appears markedly unwell.
Booking, referrals and fees
At a public hospital such as KKH, a referral from a GP, polyclinic or another doctor is commonly needed and can help you access subsidised rates where eligible. MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may apply to eligible procedures or admissions within set limits, while outpatient consultations are usually paid out of pocket. Fees and subsidy eligibility vary, so confirm them directly with the hospital when you book.
Common questions
When should a child’s fever be assessed by a specialist?
Most fevers are due to common, self-limiting infections. A specialist review may be suggested for prolonged, recurrent or unusually severe fevers, or where the cause is unclear.
Are antibiotics always needed for an infection?
No. Many childhood infections are viral and improve with supportive care. Antibiotics are used only when a bacterial infection is likely, which is part of careful antibiotic stewardship.
Why does my child keep getting infections?
Frequent mild infections are common in young children as their immune systems develop. A specialist can advise when further assessment is warranted.
How important are vaccinations?
Vaccination is a key way to prevent serious infections in children. The specialist can review your child’s immunisation record and advise on what is recommended.
Related guides
Sources & verification
See also: our editorial directory of paediatricians in Singapore and our shortlist of paediatric 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.
Don’t agree with this listing? If this is your profile and you’d like the details corrected, updated or removed — or you’d like to be featured — please reach out to us or use our contact form. We’ll sort it out quickly.