BIO Dorothea Koh is the founder and CEO of a healthcare technology company, Bot MD. Bot MD is a mobile-based AI chatbot that provides an interface for doctors to quickly access information related to hospital policies, formularies, check who’s on call etc. Along with her founder YC, Dorothea started Bot MD back in 2018 and joined Y Combinator’s sum…

BIO Dorothea is the founder and CEO of a healthcare technology company, Bot MD. Bot MD is a mobile-based AI chatbot that provides an interface for doctors to quickly access information related to hospital policies, formularies, check who’s on call etc. Along with her founder YC, Dorothea started Bot MD back in 2018 and joined Y Combinator’s summer …

Dr Daniel Ting is the Consultant, Vitreo-retinal surgeon in the Singapore National Eye Center (SNEC), Head of AI and Digital Innovation in the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), and an Associate Professor in Ophthalmology with Duke-NUS Medical School Singapore. He is also the visiting Full Professor in Ophthalmology in Zhongshan Ophthalmic Ey…

Dr Ngiam Kee Yuan is the Group Chief Technology Officer of the National University Health System (NUHS) Singapore overseeing technology deployment in Western Healthcare Cluster of Singapore. He is concurrently the Deputy Chief Medical Informatics Officer at the National University Hospital of Singapore and has a special focus on artificial intellig…

Dr Deborah Wong is a mother, general practitioner, entrepreneur and fitness guru. Shortly after graduating from medical school, she took over a pilates studio (Breathe Pilates), turned it around and expanded it into a successful and highly profitable chain with 4 locations across Singapore. Breathe Pilates is unique in offering training programmes …

BIO Dr Deborah Wong is a mother, general practitioner, entrepreneur and fitness guru. Shortly after graduating from medical school, she took over a pilates studio (Breathe Pilates), turned it around and expanded it into a successful and highly profitable chain with 4 locations across Singapore. Breathe Pilates is unique in offering training program…

In this masterclass with A/Prof Ong, we discuss the fundamentals of leadership and mentorship. BIO A/Prof Ong Biauw Chi is Senior Consultant at Singapore General Hospital Department of Anaesthesiology. She was the Head of Anaesthesiology, SGH from 2009 till 2014 and the Director of Patient Safety and Director of Clinical Governance in Singapore Gen…

In this episode, A/Prof Ong Biauw Chi and I discuss her on-the-ground style of leadership and the journey she took to become Chairman of the Medical Board in Sengkang Health. ABOUT A/PROF ONG A/Prof Ong Biauw Chi is Senior Consultant at Singapore General Hospital Department of Anaesthesiology. She was the Head of Anaesthesiology, SGH from 2009 till…

In this episode, Dinesh gives a masterclass on raising angel investment for your startup. He also shares his perspective as an investor on how he evaluates founders and companies who have approached him for investment. BIO Dr. Dinesh is a practicing medical doctor and scientist. He completed medical training at the National University of Singapore,…

I talk to Dr Dinesh Gunesekaran about his experience getting involved in a research project that used big data to gain insights into tuberculosis infections of the eye. From there, Dinesh got approached at a medical conference by his cofounders who wanted to start a telemedicine company. Dinesh shares his story about building his company, Doctorbel…

I speak to Buzz Palmer, Dario Heymann and Audrey Lok about how COVID-19 has reshaped the playing field for healthtech and medtech startups. We discuss interesting opportunities and ideas for founders to explore. BIOS Buzz Palmer (CEO, Medtech Actuator) Buzz Palmer is one of Australia’s leading and most visible voices in entrepreneurship and MedTech…

I talk to Prof Francis about why we should do research, how to build a world class body of research work and how to go to attain the highest levels and become an internationally recognised expert. Dr Francis Seow Choen graduated with his MBBS in 1981, despite listing medicine as the fourth choice for admission. He obtained his FRCS in 1987 as an or…

In this podcast, I talk to Prof Francis Seow about how to approach learning when starting out in a completely new field; what it means by leading a "balanced life"; as well as how to be a useful leader. Dr Francis Seow Choen graduated with his MBBS in 1981, despite listing medicine as the fourth choice for admission. He obtained his FRCS in 1987 as…

Mr Abel Ang is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Advanced MedTech Holdings, a US$200M global player in Urology devices and services. Previously, Abel has also served as the Senior Advisor to the CEO of Greatbatch Inc (NYSE: ITGR), as well as President, Asia/Pacific for Hill-Rom Inc. a US$3B revenue medical devices company (NYSE: HRC) where he wa…

I promised to be back on August 6 but better late than never... Alternative CV is RELAUNCHING with Season 2! New this season: In addition to the usual guests who have pursued interesting hobbies / side projects and careers, I make a special effort to focus on medical professionals who have done cool stuff alongside their medical careers, as well as…

Alternative CV takes a break, until August 6th. Work commitments have increased with the COVID outbreak, and I have to focus on what's most important right now, which is caring for patients. Sign up to the email newsletter at http://alternativecv.fm/ to be notified when we're back with Season 2. Until then - stay safe, and be responsible with socia…

Alvin and I discuss how he built an online audience and transformed his blog into a business. Alvin also gives a crash course on insurance and investing, and he shares some tips about how he curates the information he takes in. Alvin Chow is the CEO of DrWealth, an online platform providing investor education and portfolio management tools. What st…

On this podcast, I talk to Alvin Chow about 0ur motivation behind the financial choices we make, effective strategies to approach a brand new subject area you want to learn about, and Alvin's journey from hobby personal finance blog to full-time company. Alvin Chow is the CEO of DrWealth, an online platform providing investor education and portfoli…

On this episode, I speak to Brennan Ong about his entrepreneurial journey, and how he ended up leaving the legal profession to start a law tech startup.By Paul Tern, Brennan Ong

About a year ago, I caught up with Ali Abdaal, who is a junior doctor in the Cambridge (UK) area who makes youtube videos about tech, productivity and tips for medical students. At that point in time had 200k subscribers on his Youtube channel. Today, he has more than 550k. This episode contains some golden advice from Ali about how to get started …

In this episode, I talk about my job as a doctor in the department of Infectious Diseases managing COVID-19 suspects and patients, and I recap the top 5 lessons that I've learnt from 6 months of interviews. Here are my top 5 lessons from Season 1: 1. Just start 2. Provide value 3. Recognise that it's common to face times of struggle 4. Be confident…

Chef Rishi Naleendra talks about starting his own restaurant and building a team around him who shares the same culture of excellence. We chat about his creative process, as well as how one should simply enjoy any meal, be it fine dining or plain burger. Chef RIshi’s impressive culinary career includes stints as Chef de Partie at the world-renowned…

Chef Rishi Naleendra recounts his journey from part time kitchen hand, cleaning dishes to fund his university education, to becoming the first Sri Lankan to be awarded a Michelin star. Chef Rishi’s impressive culinary career includes stints as Chef de Partie at the world-renowned Tetsuya’s in Sydney, where he developed a fastidious attention to det…

Pastor Tan Huai Tze discusses what to expect from a theological seminary education, and the challenges he faced growing a new church from scratch from his living room. Tze is the Lead Pastor of One Covenant, a church he started in his living room (since outgrown) together with his wife, Cindy and 2 young daughters in 2016. He has a passion for prea…

Pastor Tze of One Covenant church discusses his decision to step away from a secular job and become a full time pastor. Tze is the Lead Pastor of One Covenant, a church he started in his living room (since outgrown) together with his wife, Cindy and 2 young daughters in 2016. He has a passion for preaching Christ from all parts of the Bible, and fo…

Dr Chris Lovejoy gives a brief crash course on Machine Learning, as well as his opinion on whether AI can replace doctors. Chris Lovejoy is a Junior Doctor dedicated to changing the medical industry though tech and education. Alongside his Medical career, Chris has worked with Cera Care, a technology-enabled homecare company which uses machine lear…

Dr Chris Lovejoy talks about how he got started in the MedTech / Machine Learning space whilst balancing a career in medicine. We also touch on where professionals might fit into the Machine Learning / AI space. Chris Lovejoy is a Junior Doctor dedicated to changing the medical industry though tech and education. Alongside his Medical career, Chris…

Rayner Teo is an expert at technical analysis and trading. Not only is he a full-time independent trader, but he also teaches many other people to trade via his youtube videos, blog (http://tradingwithrayner.com) and podcast. In this episode, Rayner gives an introduction to trading strategies and offers a load of resources to follow up on. 3 Things…

Rayner Teo left his job to strike out on his own as an independent trader. In this podcast, he talks about his journey, and along the way he debunks common myths about trading your own money full time as a source of income. Rayner Teo is the founder of TradingwithRayner.com, an independent trader, and the most-followed trader in Singapore. With a b…

On this podcast, I continue the conversation with Alex and Daphne. We discuss a wide range of topics, from entreprenuership to common mistakes beginners make when buying ski and snowboard gear. Alex Hsu (@alexhsuu) and Daphne Goh (@daphghq) cofounded the Ride Side in 2015, a company that organises ski and snowboard trips for people living in Singap…

On this podcast, I talk to Alex and Daphne about the leap from full time job to new startup founder, with an honest and realistic assessment of its challenges. Alex Hsu (@alexhsuu) and Daphne Goh (@daphghq) cofounded the Ride Side in 2015, a company that organises ski and snowboard trips for people living in Singapore (an odd concept, given that th…

Loh Lik Peng has successfully built a team that is able to run 5 hotels and 27 restaurants scattered across the world. I talk to him about building a team with decentralised leadership, finding unique locations for his projects and balancing passion with practicality. Dynamic hotelier and restaurateur Loh Lik Peng (instagram: @pengloh) was born in …

Loh Lik Peng trained as a lawyer, but has since gone on to set up 5 hotels and 27 restaurants across the world. I talk to him about how he left law, started his first boutique hotel in an unlikely location, and built it up into a worldwide empire of hotels and restaurants. Dynamic hotelier and restaurateur Loh Lik Peng (instagram: @pengloh) was bor…

Cai Yinzhou managed to start a tour company around the idea of sustainable tourism whilst in his 20s. I talk to him about the difficulties of starting a business designed for social benefit, expanding it to amplify your voice, balancing meaning with profit and finding your “ikigai”. Cai Yinzhou is the Director of Citizen Adventures Private Limited,…

Cai Yinzhou has some very interesting ideas around sustainable tourism. These aren't just ideas to him - he's gone on to build a tour company around them. I talk to him about the definition of sustainable tourism and his life growing up in the colourful community of Geylang in Singapore. Cai Yinzhou is the Director of Citizen Adventures Private Lim…

Ow Kim Kit has managed to juggle a busy law practice and simultaneously write a book about Singapore's food heritage. We discuss writing, time management, and the challenges facing multi-generational family run restaurants. Ow Kim Kit is a Singaporean lawyer and author of "Delicious Heirlooms". She has also written many legal articles and commentar…

Dr Goh Wei Leong, founder of Healthserve, shares practical advice about starting a charity in this episode. Even if you're not intending to start a charity, these are principles that are applicable more generally to any endeavour you may undertake. Dr Goh Wei-Leong, a general practitioner, co-founded and chairs HealthServe (instagram, twitter: @Hea…

Dr Goh Wei Leong has started one of the most respected and effective charities in Singapore, Healthserve. In this episode, he talks about how he started Healthserve, and the lessons he has learned along the way. Dr Goh Wei-Leong, a general practitioner, co-founded and chairs HealthServe (instagram, twitter: @HealthServeSG), an NGO that reaches out …

Brennan Ong trained as a lawyer in Australia, but he has since gone on to start one of the hottest legaltech startups in the world. In this episode, we explore his entrepreneurial journey, and how he ended up leaving the legal profession to start a law tech startup. Brennan is the founder and CEO of LawAdvisor. He is a qualified lawyer, developer a…

Loh Yi Jun trained as a chemical engineer, but now draws his income from blogging about new fusion recipes he is creating, guest writing for other food blogs and running a podcast on the Malaysian food scene. We talk about the challenges and joys of being a freelance blog writer. Yi Jun (instagram: @yijunjunn; http://junandtonic.com) is a chemical …

Loh Yi Jun trained as a chemical engineer, but now experiments with fusion cuisine. He runs a blog junandtonic.com and a weekly podcast, breaking bread. In this episode, I speak to him about going through culinary school and then staging in one of the world's best restaurants. Yi Jun (instagram: @yijunjunn; http://junandtonic.com) is a chemical eng…

Seng Henk (instagram: @goseng) has been working and performing in the UK for the last 6 years. Born in Singapore, he was a competitive gymnast for 10 years before discovering his passion for the stage through theatre clubs in school. He danced professionally in Singapore for the next couple of years with Frontier Danceland and Re: Dance Theatre, as…

Seng Henk (instagram: @goseng) has been working and performing in the UK for the last 6 years. Born in Singapore, he was a competitive gymnast for 10 years before discovering his passion for the stage through theatre clubs in school. He danced professionally in Singapore for the next couple of years with Frontier Danceland and Re: Dance Theatre, as…

Nabil (instagram: @nabilaliffi) is the director of digital fashion in Selfridges, a chain of high end department stores in England. In his current role he leads a team of 120 people and coordinates Selfridges' brand position across a variety of media platforms. Back in 2009, Nabil received the Mendaki scholarship to study Fashion Management in Lond…

Nabil (instagram: @nabilaliffi) is the director of digital fashion in Selfridges, a chain of high end department stores in England. In his current role he leads a team of 120 people and coordinates Selfridges' brand position across a variety of media platforms. Back in 2009, Nabil received the Mendaki scholarship to study Fashion Management in Lond…

Ali is a junior doctor who graduated from Cambridge University in 2018. Alongside his day job saving lives, he has a YouTube channel with over 200,000 subscribers and runs a business that helps students get into medical school. He also writes weekly articles about productivity, education and technology. 3 Things I’ve learned Ignore the whole legal …

Welcome to episode 1 of the Alternative CV podcast. In this episode, I get started on my podcast, and I talk to Ali Abdaal about the concept of getting started on things. Ali (twitter: @aliabdaal) is a junior doctor who graduated from Cambridge University in 2018. Alongside his day job saving lives, he has a YouTube channel with over 200,000 subscr…

By Dr Curious