At Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, we are committed to advancing spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation through education, collaboration, and innovation.
As part of Singapore’s Healthcare Manpower Development Plan (HMDP), we recently had the honor of hosting a distinguished group of healthcare professionals from Singapore General Hospital for an immersive three-week observership from January 20 to February 9, 2025.
Our visiting clinicians included:
Mak Kah Yink (Nurse)
Nurulain Binte Abdul Wahab (Physiotherapist)
Charlene Chin Synn Zhi (Occupational Therapist)
Calvin Chng Kai Ren (Nurse)
This specialized program provided our international guests with a comprehensive view of the continuum of care for postoperative SCI patients at Rancho, exposing them to cutting-edge rehabilitation techniques, advanced technology, and patient-centered care strategies.
Each participant brought their own unique perspective and passion, making meaningful contributions while gaining valuable insights to take back to their respective fields.
A Deep Dive into SCI Rehabilitation
The observership encompassed multidisciplinary training, including:
Acute respiratory management
Rehabilitation planning
Neuromodulation
Adaptive interventions to optimize mobility and quality of life
Participants actively engaged in educational sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and clinical discussions with Rancho’s expert teams, reinforcing the importance of a collaborative approach to SCI care.
Participant Highlights
Mak Kah Yink, RN
Exceptional commitment to enhancing nursing care for SCI patients
Enthusiastic about wound care, pressure ulcer prevention, and functional independence strategies
Passionate about robotics and assistive technology, showcasing his dedication to innovative approaches in patient care
Nurulain Binte Abdul Wahab, PT
Remarkable enthusiasm for SCI rehabilitation and a newfound passion for research
Engaged in neuromuscular stimulation, functional electrical stimulation (FES), and spasticity management
Explored how research translates into improved rehabilitation outcomes, showing great promise for evidence-based physiotherapy research
Charlene Chin Synn Zhi, OT
Highly engaged in occupational therapy interventions
Focused on pressure mapping and cushion cutout procedures, critical for preventing secondary complications in SCI patients
Strong advocate for patient empowerment, demonstrating a hands-on approach to helping individuals achieve greater independence in daily living
Calvin Chng Kai Ren, RN
Strong interest in the post-acute care continuum in SCI rehabilitation
Actively participated in nursing education sessions, case management discussions, and rehabilitation planning
Demonstrated a deep understanding of coordinated care’s role in long-term recovery, applying best practices to improve transitional care for SCI patients
Technology and Innovation in Rehabilitation
One of the most exciting aspects of the observership was the exposure to advanced technology, including:
Robotic-assisted therapy
Non-invasive spinal stimulation
Pressure mapping techniques
Participants engaged with Rancho’s experts in:
Computer vision & AI-driven rehabilitation tools
Adaptive equipment for SCI care
This experience solidified their understanding of the intersection between technology and hands-on clinical care.
The Power of Global Collaboration
Beyond acquiring new skills, this observership fostered a spirit of international collaboration.
The exchange of ideas and experiences between Rancho’s faculty and our visiting clinicians emphasized universal challenges and opportunities in SCI rehabilitation.
Each participant contributed valuable perspectives from their home healthcare systems, enriching discussions on best practices, patient engagement, and the future of rehabilitation science.
As they return to their respective institutions, Mak, Nurulain, Charlene, and Calvin will bring with them:
A wealth of knowledge
Refined clinical skills
An expanded network of professional connections
Their enthusiasm for improving SCI care, combined with the insights gained during their time at Rancho, will undoubtedly enhance patient outcomes in their home country and beyond.
Looking Ahead
At Rancho Los Amigos, we are proud to be a global leader in SCI rehabilitation and education.
The success of this observership reaffirms our commitment to:
Sharing knowledge
Fostering innovation
Supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals
As we continue to bridge borders in rehabilitation medicine, we look forward to:
Welcoming more dedicated clinicians
Expanding the impact of collaborative learning initiatives worldwide
To Mak, Nurulain, Charlene, and Calvin—thank you for your dedication, passion, and engagement. We are excited to see the lasting impact of your experience and the positive changes you will bring to the field of SCI rehabilitation!
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