Dr Khoo Oon Teik (1921–2012) was one of Singapore’s most influential physicians, known for his pioneering work in nephrology, his role in founding the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), and his lifelong dedication to medical education and patient care.
Early Life and Education
Born in Penang on 30 March 1921, Dr Khoo received his early education at the Anglo-Chinese School, before pursuing medicine at the King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore. His studies were interrupted by World War II and the Japanese occupation. During this period, he served as a section leader in the Medical Auxiliary Service, helping to organise medical aid for the wounded at Singapore General Hospital (SGH).
During the war, he was sent to work on the infamous Siam Railway, also known as the Death Railway. When the war ended, he resumed his studies and graduated in 1946 with a Licentiate in Medicine and Surgery, marking the beginning of a distinguished medical career.
Academic and Medical Career
Dr Khoo began his professional journey in 1947 as a tutor in clinical medicine at the College of Medicine and Chief Clinical Assistant to Professor Gordon Ransome, one of the leading physicians of his time. Together with Professor E. S. Monteiro, he co-founded Medical Unit II at Outram Road General Hospital (now SGH) in 1948.
Over the next three decades, Dr Khoo played a crucial role in advancing Singapore’s medical landscape. He was appointed Professor of Medicine and Head of Medical Unit II in 1965, and later became the first Chairman of the combined University Departments of Medicine in 1971. His teaching career at the University of Singapore and SGH spanned 32 years, ending with his retirement in 1979.
Among his many innovations, Dr Khoo established Singapore’s first renal unit in 1961, which later expanded into a dialysis centre in 1971. He also helped initiate the city-state’s early developments in cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, dermatology, and nephrology. He was instrumental in setting up Singapore’s first coronary care unit in 1967, a lipid clinic in 1974, and a nuclear medicine laboratory in the same decade.
A Pioneer in Nephrology
Dr Khoo’s passion for nephrology stemmed from a personal loss — the death of his younger brother from kidney failure in 1959. Determined to improve care for kidney patients, he spearheaded efforts to introduce dialysis treatment in Singapore. He raised funds, imported dialysis machines, and invited international experts to train local medical staff.
On 1 September 1961, Singapore’s first dialysis treatment was successfully performed under his supervision. This milestone marked the birth of nephrology in Singapore. His leadership inspired the creation of renal units across local hospitals, and he personally mentored many of the nation’s early nephrologists.
To further develop the field, Dr Khoo co-founded the Singapore Society of Nephrology in 1972, and later helped establish the Asian Colloquium of Nephrology, a regional meeting of kidney specialists. His contributions were recognised when the Oon Teik Khoo Lecture was established in his honour during the fourth colloquium in Hong Kong.
Founding of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF)
Recognising the urgent need for financial and social support for kidney patients, Dr Khoo founded the National Kidney Foundation in 1969. The organisation was officially inaugurated on 7 April 1969 by Health Minister Chua Sian Chin, with President Yusof Ishak serving as its patron.
As NKF’s founding chairman, Dr Khoo led efforts to make dialysis accessible and affordable for Singaporeans suffering from kidney disease. In 1999, the Khoo Oon Teik Professorship in Nephrology was established at the National University of Singapore (NUS) in recognition of his pioneering work and contributions to renal medicine.
Service, Faith, and Mentorship
Beyond his medical achievements, Dr Khoo was deeply involved in community and faith-based initiatives. A devout Methodist Christian, he served as President of the International Congress of Christian Physicians, a member of the Christian Medical Commission of the World Council of Churches, and Honorary Consultant to both Alcoholics Anonymous and the Samaritans of Singapore.
He also held numerous leadership positions, including Master of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (AMS), Chairman of its Chapter of Physicians, and President of the Singapore Dermatological Society. He was conferred Fellowships by several prestigious international medical colleges, including those in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Australasia.
As Hall Master of King Edward VII Hall, Dr Khoo mentored generations of medical students, many of whom went on to become leaders in healthcare and academia.
Later Years and Legacy
Dr Khoo retired in 1979 but continued to be regarded as a guiding figure in Singapore’s medical community. In 1987, he was awarded the Public Service Star (BBM) for his lifelong contributions.
He suffered a stroke in 1995 and was in declining health thereafter. On 5 March 2012, Dr Khoo passed away at Singapore General Hospital at the age of 90.
His legacy endures in Singapore’s thriving nephrology services, the ongoing work of the National Kidney Foundation, and the countless doctors and patients whose lives were transformed by his compassion, vision, and pioneering spirit.
Dr Khoo Oon Teik was more than a physician — he was a visionary, a teacher, and a humanitarian who laid the foundations of renal medicine and medical professionalism in Singapore. His life’s work exemplified the union of scientific excellence, faith, and service, leaving an indelible mark on Singapore’s healthcare history.
