Abstract
Paediatric gastroenterology in Singapore began in the 1970s. Led by Professor Phua Kong Boo and Professor Quak Seng Hock, paediatric gastroenterology has enjoyed significant strides in the areas of diagnostics, interventions, patient care and research. Several advances such as endoscopy, parenteral nutrition and liver transplantation are well established. The first paediatric small bowel transplant is anticipated in the next decade. Robust research activities have ensured the generation of local data on gastrointestinal disorders. One such research led to the discovery of the changing trends in the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease among the paediatric population in Singapore. The impact of the nation’s paediatric gastroenterology extends internationally, with the notable involvement of Professor Phua in developing the rotavirus vaccine trials and other ongoing collaborative work with international centres. This review explores the history of paediatric gastroenterology from its origins to its remarkable transformation over the decades as centres of excellence in the region.