17th February 2004

Dear Fellows of the Chapter of Paediatricians

PROPOSED COLLEGE OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, SINGAPORE

It is my duty, as Chairman of the Chapter of Paediatricians, Academy of Medicine, to update you on the progress of the formation of the College and its future plans. One of the ways to enhance the professional development of paediatrics and child health is to convert the Chapter of Paediatricians into College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Singapore.

Preparation for the formation of Colleges started a few years ago. The 2002-2003’s Academy Council undertook a major review of the Academy’s M&A. That was an essential and important exercise in the preparation for the setting up of Colleges. Many Fellows at the last Academy’s AGM spoke strongly and convincingly in favour of the amendments. Their presence and overwhelming support had resulted in the unanimous approval of all the amendments related to the formation of the College.

For the last 8 months, numerous meetings were held and intense preparation was made by Master, Chapter Chairmen and Council Members, Company Secretary and Academy’s admin staff, to prepare generic M&As for single- and multiple-specialty colleges. The proposed M&A for the College of Paediatrics and Child Health (following the single-specialty colleges’ template) is enclosed in this mail.

The proposed generic M&As for single- and multiple-specialty colleges was passed by the Academy Council on 9th February 2004 and is now awaiting approval and adoption by Academy Fellows at the coming EOGM on 27th March 2004.

The proposed College of Paediatrics and Child Health will be an independent legal entity (registered with the Registry of Company and Business) with its M&A and organizational structure similar to that of the Academy.

If the General Body approves the College’s M&A at the EOGM on 27th March 2004, the following activities are likely to be carried out, before and one year after incorporation of the College:

• Submission of application to RCB by Company Secretary
• Nomination and election of College Council Members
• Drafting of College Bye-Laws
• Designing of College Crest/Logo
• Application to SMC on the use of the Colleges’ additional qualification (through Academy)
• Nomination and election of College President and Office Bearers of the Council
• College’s 1st AGM
• Chapters’ 1st AGM and election of Office Bearers
• Inaugural Annual Scientific Meeting for the College, as part of Singapore-Malaysia Congress of Medicine

Dialogue Session for Fellows of the Chapter of Paediatricians on Sat, 28 February 2004

A dialogue session has been arranged to be held on Thursday, 11th March 2004 in the Department of Paediatrics, Seminar Room 4D, NUH, starting at 6.00 pm (reply slip is enclosed). Refreshments will be served at 5.30 pm. The main purpose of this session is for Master and me to give you more details of the M&A and to answer whatever queries you may have with regards to the formation of the College. If you are not able to attend the session, please do not hesitate to drop me a note through the Academy.

I look forward to meeting you during the Chapter’s Dialogue Session and the Academy’s EOGM.

Best Wishes for the New Year

Dr Quak Seng Hock
Chairman, Chapter of Paediatricians

cc Dr K Satku, Master, 2002-2004 Council