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What makes a clinic “Christian, ” different from other clinics? You say, “A Christian clinic should be kind and compassionate, like the Lord Jesus. ” So it should, but any clinic managed by well trained personnel, with a high degree of professionalism and good PR (Public Relations) can project the same image of kindness and compassion, no different from a Christian clinic.
Perhaps a Christian clinic should have a more humane and charitable scale of charges. But a non Christian clinic run by a philanthropic-minded doctor may outshine any Christian clinic in giving free treatment to deserving patients!
Perhaps a Christian clinic is one which does not do abortions. But a non-Christian gynaecologist, who is a conscientious objector, may take a similar stand and refuse to do abortions.
What then makes a Christian clinic different? It is the purpose of this article to show how a group of Christian gynaecologists, in partnership for over three decades have established a clinic in which Christian principles have been their guide, and the precepts of Christ have been held in high esteem.
Clinics and hospitals are necessary as long as sickness, ageing and degenerative processes continue. Mankind, under the curse since the fall (Gen 3 ), will not be free form the “bondage of corruption” (Rom 8:21 ) until the Great Physician and our Redeemer Jesus Christ returns. Then all creation will be delivered into the glorious liberty of the children of God (Rom 8:21 ).
In any clinic, the most important person is the patient, not the doctor, for without patients there would be no need of doctors. Neither would there be any need for clinics. This gives us the correct perspective in our present discussion.
Patients coming to a clinic seeking treatment or relief from some sickness have various concerns, possibly anxious thoughts or fear of death. Every patient-doctor encounter is an opportunity for the doctor — Christian or otherwise — to instil confidence, hope and comfort in the patient’s mind.
For the Christian doctor there may also arise the opportunity to minister to some spiritual need of the patient.
The operation and function of a clinic reflects to a large degree the doctor’s thoughts and persuasions, his faith and beliefs. These will determine how a patient is handled, how each case is managed.
It is my conviction, as founder of the Tow Yung Clinic, that the Christian faith can play a vital role in the entire character and conduct of the clinic.
The Tow Yung Clinic opened its doors to the public on May 10, 1969. The fact that it has functioned without a break these thirty-six years, and growing still, is testimony to God’s goodness and mercy.
The Clinic was founded on four Christian principles:
a) Luke 6:31 - “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. ”
b) Matt 22:39 - “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. ”
c) Ex 20:13 - “Thou shalt not kill. ”
d) 1 Cor 10:31 - “Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. ”
These Bible texts determine the relationship between partners, between partners and staff, and between doctors and patients.
Admitting Partners
I have followed the advice of the verse in Amos 3:3 : “Can two walk together, except they be agreed? ” In the firm belief that close association in a partnership is for life, and one’s life philosophy and guiding principles must play a vital role in the success of the partnership. Therefore only believers with patent Christian lives and commitment to Christian principles are received into partnership.
Over the years the Clinic has taken on partners in the following sequence:
1. Dr Richard Yung - 1969-2004 (retired)
2. Dr Quek Swee Peng - 1972
3. Dr Lim Teck Chye - 1974
4. Dr Lim Lean Soon - 1981
5. Dr Yeong Cheng Toh - 2005
For me, it was a dream come true, to organise a clinic with a group of like-minded practising Christian gynaecologists. The purchasing, planning, furnishing, and equipping of a clinic which has grown over the years from 2, 000 sq feet to its ultimate 3, 800 sq feet was a challenge which gave me immense pleasure. To see one’s ideas take shape, translated from blueprint to consulting rooms, waiting and registration rooms, administrative offices, toilets (we have five) and ultrasound scanning rooms, gave greatest satisfaction to one’s creative instinct.
One visiting American gynaecologist after being shown around the Clinic requested to have a copy of the plans to take back to America.
An Enduring Partnership
Each partner joined by invitation and for mutual benefit. Unlike some partnerships, there was no “joining fee” or any scheme of “buying into” the firm. After an initial two years’ “assistantship” each incoming member became an equal partner in the practice.
In our monetary relationship, one simple formula applied: contribute to expenses according to proportion of earnings, then each partner “keeps the rest. ”
God has blessed the Clinic with partners of likemind and mutual respect and concern one for another. The Clinic policy: patients registered with one partner are free to transfer to another without offence or restraint. Such mobility is not only permitted but encouraged for the patients’ benefit. When a partner goes on leave, he is assured that his patients will be cared for by the others and the consultation fee will be retained to his account.
These simple rules safeguard each partner’s interests and effectively stops any urge to “pinch patients. ”
As founding and precedent partner, I have had greatest satisfaction in seeing each partner grow in stature and in the size of his own following. The first four partners had all been my students or trainees during my time in the University. In the early years when my patient load was overwhelming, it was my practice to transfer cases to my younger partners, thus accelerating their build up. Luke 6:31 applies.
Looking over the years, I can happily say, it was a wonderful partnership. I must mention, with gratitude, that my partners have taken my night calls all these years, allowing me more uninterrupted time for God and family.
Christian Practice makes the difference
In our Christian clinic, prayer plays an important part of the practice. Prayer may be made for the patient by her doctor at some stage of the case. Many patients have appreciated the doctor’s praying with them, especially before an operation.
In my room Christian tracts and books are available alongside professional literature, for patients to take away.
Where appropriate, Christian counselling is given, e. g. a) in case of incurable or terminal illnesses; b) in leading someone to Christ in salvation.
As mentioned earlier, the simple formula “contribute to expense in proportion to earnings and keep the balance” has worked well.
How Much to Charge?
The Government (Ministry of Health) has a scale of recommended fees for doctors in service. This serves as a ready guideline for those in private practice, taking into account also market forces.
In rare instances we may have very rich patients who, like Naaman are willing and ready to pay enormous fees. Naaman, the Syrian captain had prepared"... ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment" ( 2 Ki 5:5 ) for Elisha, God’s prophet, in anticipation of a cure of his leprosy.
The disease was healed, but Elisha refused any payment whatsoever. Elisha’s servant Gehazi coveted, and for his greed inherited Naaman’s disease.
The Christian moral from this story is: beware of covetousness.
The level of fees is determined by Christian principles and kept moderate and reasonable. Reduction and waiving of fees is done judiciously and charitably, according to the merits of each case. The Clinic’s cashiers and accounts secretary, all tested and tried and found trustworthy, take care of each day’s receipts. Each month, within the first three days, the partners are posted the financial statements of the previous month’s takings. No partner needs to worry about his fees. At the end of each day, having seen his last patient, he “knocks off” with a light heart, knowing that his interests are well looked after.
Our Clinic Accountant (retired Inland Revenue officer) meets with the partners twice in the year, each time for two hours. Thereafter the approved annual tax returns are submitted to the Tax Department “decently and in order. ” All partners enjoy undisturbed sleep.
Currently we have fifteen Staff of all categories (Sisters, Nurses, Secretaries, Cleaner). The Clinic set-up is like “family. ” The partners treat the staff as “sisters” or “daughters. ” Luke 6:31 is particularly appropriate. Work conditions and working hours are humane and considerate. Pay scales are “better than market rates. ” Bonuses are paid according to performance. Few staff resign. Our older staff have been with us over thirty years. The family bond has strengthened with time.
Interesting observation: While in service, ten of our staff have had twenty-four babies delivered by our Doctors, their average length of service being twenty-five years.
The Most Important Person-the Patient
Patients have patients’ concerns. They may walk in with some life threatening condition.
It is the business of our Doctors and Staff to appreciate and understand patients’ mentality and sensitivities. From first to last, our Doctors and Staff are careful that every word, gesture, attitude and procedure will instil confidence and comfort to patients.
How to be warm, friendly and caring is something we can never relax on. We try our best to extend VIP treatment to every patient, which in a busy clinic is easier said than done, but we try.
We Doctors in the exercise of our Christian principles mentally ask ourselves these questions when prescribing treatment:
a) Is it necessary?
b) Is it what I would have myself?
c) Is it compassionate?
d) Is it the best?
Always bearing in mind this mental “check list” the Doctor will be kept from any unethical or regrettable practice.
Our Monday Morning Meeting
From day one in 1969, our partners meet on Monday morning, at the beginning of the week. The Agenda is Prayer and Professional Discussions.
As Christians we are constantly reminded of our utter dependance on God. Did not our Lord say, “... without me ye can do nothing” (Jn 15:5 )?
We are persuaded that “... in every thing by prayer and supplication (we are to) let our requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6,7 ).
We pray for one another, for our families, patients and staff. We pray also for problems or matters of concern. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (Jas 5:16 ).
In our Professional Discussions, we review interesting and problem cases, catch up on recent advances in methods, techniques, and therapeutics. This sharing of knowledge is of greatest benefit to one and all.
A Christian partnership has many benefits to partners and patients alike. This has been proved over and over, in these thirty-six years. We are ever conscious of the fact that, as practitioners we merely treat the disease, endeavouring our best for the patient, but it is God who heals. May all glory, praise and thanks be unto our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.