Clinical Assistant Professor Varman Surendra Doraiswamy is a senior consultant in the Department of Geriatric Medicine at Changi General Hospital, with a special interest in falls and orthogeriatrics. He is a clinical senior lecturer at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and a visiting senior consultant at St Andrew’s Community Hospital. His clinical interests also include frailty, osteoporosis, delirium and the management of geriatric syndromes.
Clinical focus
Falls and orthogeriatrics in older adults (mobility).
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS, MRCP (UK), CCT (UK), FRCP (London).
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Department of Geriatric Medicine, Changi General Hospital — Changi General Hospital, Simei
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): Senior Consultant, Changi General Hospital; Visiting Senior Consultant, St Andrew's Community Hospital
Getting to the clinic
Clinical Assistant Professor Varman Surendra Doraiswamy consults in the Department of Geriatric Medicine at Changi General Hospital, in the Simei area in the east of Singapore. The most convenient public-transport route is the MRT East-West Line to Simei station (EW3), from which a feeder bus or short taxi ride brings you to the hospital. For older or less mobile patients, a taxi or ride-hailing drop-off at the main entrance is often the easiest option.
- By MRT: alight at Simei (EW3) and take a connecting bus or a short taxi ride to the hospital.
- By bus: several routes serve Changi General Hospital, with stops near the main entrances.
- By car or taxi: the hospital has a drop-off point at the main entrance and paid parking on site; taxi and ride-hailing pick-up is available.
As this is a falls and mobility practice, do allow extra time and, where helpful, arrange for someone to accompany the patient and assist with walking from the drop-off point.
What falls and orthogeriatrics covers
Falls and orthogeriatrics is the part of geriatric medicine concerned with why older adults fall, how to reduce that risk, and how to care for older people who have suffered fractures or other injuries. Falls are common in later life and can have serious consequences, so a structured assessment of the causes is central to this work.
- Assessment of falls risk, including balance, gait, muscle strength and vision.
- Review of medications that may increase the risk of falling.
- Management of osteoporosis to reduce the risk of fractures.
- Orthogeriatric care for older adults who have sustained fractures, working alongside orthopaedic teams.
- Assessment and management of frailty, delirium and other geriatric syndromes.
Falls usually have more than one contributing cause, from blood-pressure changes and medication effects to weak muscles, poor balance, foot problems and hazards in the home. A thorough assessment looks at the whole picture so that practical steps, often combining medical treatment, exercise and changes to the environment, can be put in place to lower the risk.
What to expect at a consultation
A first consultation usually begins with a detailed history of any falls, including how and when they happened, and a review of the patient’s general health, medications, vision and home circumstances. The specialist will examine balance, walking, muscle strength and other relevant systems, and may carry out simple tests of mobility. Where appropriate, investigations such as blood tests, a bone-density scan or imaging may be arranged.
The specialist then explains the likely contributing factors and sets out a plan. This often combines several measures, such as adjusting medications, treating osteoporosis, recommending exercises to improve strength and balance, and suggesting practical changes to make the home safer. Involving a family member or carer in the discussion is often helpful.
Preparing for your appointment
Helpful items to bring include:
- Photo identification and any GP or polyclinic referral letter.
- Previous medical records, scans, X-rays and test results, including any earlier bone-density scans.
- A complete and current list of all medications and supplements, ideally the actual boxes or a pharmacy list.
- A record or diary of any falls, noting when, where and how they occurred.
- Details of current walking aids, and a written list of questions and concerns.
Wearing the patient’s usual footwear and bringing their glasses, if worn, can also help the assessment.
After your consultation and follow-up
After the assessment, the patient may be referred for tests, physiotherapy or other services, and a follow-up appointment is often arranged to review progress and adjust the plan. Reports and results are discussed at review visits. Where care involves several professionals, such as orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists and community services, the geriatrician helps coordinate continuity of care.
A second opinion can always be sought. Seek urgent help after a fall if there is a head injury, loss of consciousness, severe pain, an inability to bear weight, or a deformed limb, as these may indicate a fracture or other serious injury needing prompt attention.
Booking, referrals and fees
Within the public hospital system, a referral from a GP or polyclinic may be needed and can help with subsidised rates where the patient is eligible. For eligible investigations or procedures, MediSave, MediShield Life or an Integrated Shield Plan may apply within set limits, while consultations are generally paid out of pocket or at subsidised rates depending on eligibility. As arrangements vary, confirm fees and subsidy eligibility directly with the hospital.
Common questions
Why do older adults fall?
Falls usually result from a combination of factors, such as weak muscles, poor balance, vision problems, certain medications and hazards in the home. A geriatric assessment aims to identify and address these.
Can falls be prevented?
Many falls can be made less likely through measures such as exercise to improve strength and balance, reviewing medications, treating underlying conditions and making the home safer. Risk cannot be removed entirely, but it can often be reduced.
What is orthogeriatric care?
It is shared care for older adults with fractures, in which a geriatrician works alongside the orthopaedic team to manage both the injury and the wider health needs that affect recovery.
How is osteoporosis related to falls?
Osteoporosis weakens the bones, making fractures more likely if a fall occurs. Treating osteoporosis is an important part of reducing the harm a fall can cause.
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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