Dr Koh Choong Hou is a Consultant Cardiologist at Nobel Heart Centre (Mount Elizabeth Novena). He graduated from the National University of Singapore in 2003 and obtained the post-graduate Diploma in Aviation Medicine from King’s College London in 2006. He completed training in Internal Medicine and obtained his MRCP and MMed (Int Med) in 2011. Subsequently, he attained specialist qualification in Cardiology in 2017. As part of subspecialty development, he earned double certifications in echocardiography (ASCeXAM and Advanced PTEeXAM) by the National Board of Echocardiography (USA) in 2018.
Dr Koh is the region’s only dual-accredited specialist in Cardiology and Aviation Medicine. He sub-specialises in cardiac imaging, specifically in echocardiography – this includes stress echocardiography, advanced structural transesophageal echocardiography and perioperative transesophageal echocardiography. He also possesses competence in the conduct and interpretation of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (gold-standard investigation for cardiorespiratory fitness).
Dr Koh’s clinical interests include Aviation Cardiology (aircrew cardiovascular screening/certification, passenger cardiac fitness for flights, aeromedical transport of ICU patients, military aviation), Sports Cardiology (pre-participation screening and optimization for aviation, sports and National Service combat fitness), Preventive Cardiology (heart health and protection, perioperative cardiac care) and Cardio-oncology (screening and treatment of cancer therapeutics related cardiac dysfunction).
“I am a firm believer that prevention is better than cure, and strongly advocate for preventative strategies to achieve the ideal state of cardiovascular health. To complement this, I ensure that any treatment and interventions are delivered at the right time, for the right reasons, and for the right patients.”
As a qualified Aviation Medicine practitioner in the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) in his early career, Dr Koh contributed to projects in aeromedical training and selection cum certification of aircrew for flying-related activities. He is an appointed medical assessor of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore’s Medical Board (CAMB) and conducts regular medical board reviews for commercial aircrew and civilian air traffic controllers, in addition to providing cardiovascular specialist advice to the CAMB for complex cases.
In his last held position as Senior Consultant Cardiologist at National Heart Centre Singapore, he was the Director of the SAF Cardiac Fitness Centre and was involved in the development and operationalization of clinical policies and protocols for the comprehensive cardiovascular screening and pre-participation fitness assessment for National Service pre-enlistees, active regulars, as well as operationally ready NSmen.
Dr Koh remains actively involved in National Service and is a Key Appointment Holder with his parent unit in the RSAF. He also continues to be a Visiting Consultant to both the National Heart Centre Singapore and Changi Aviation Medical Centre. In his commitment to medical professional education, he remains an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor with the SingHealth Duke-NUS Cardiovascular Academic Clinical Programme, nurturing the next generation of cardiology trainees.
